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Narrow bandgap ferroelectrics are receiving a renewed interest for photovoltaic applications aiming at exploiting new functionalities arising from bulk photovoltaic effect (BPE). We report on the photovoltaic response of vertical capacitors of ferroelectric hexagonal LuMnO3 films sandwiched between semitransparent top electrodes (Pt, Co, Ti) and a common bottom (Pt) bottom electrode. Our results show that the presence of electrodes, other than their optical transmittance, crucially determines the imprint in the ferroelectric layer and ultimately the sensitivity of short circuit current density (Jsc) to the ferroelectric polarization direction. The use of ultrathin (7 nm) Pt top electrodes allowed to obtain a large Jsc (up to 100 mA/cm2) and an open circuit voltage of Voc ≈ 0.52 V, with a responsivity of 2 × 10−3 A/W. Yet, polarization back-switching due to imprint largely washes out the dependence of Jsc on the direction of the polarization and thus, at first sight, Jsc seemingly appears to be ruled by conventional photovoltaic response. However, a pioneering analysis of the light-polarization dependent photosensitivity, allowed to disentangle for the first time, a genuine contribution of BPE from a ubiquitous Fresnel-like contribution arising from interfaced optical media., Financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities, through the “Severo Ochoa” Programme for Centers of Excellence in R&D (FUNFUTURE CEX2019-000917-S), MAT2017-85232-R (AEI/FEDER, EU) and PID2019-107727RB-I00 (MINECO/FEDER, EU) projects, and from Generalitat de Catalunya (2017 SGR 1377) is acknowledged. I. F. acknowledges RyC Contract RYC-2017-22531. Project supported by a 2020 Leonardo Grant for Researchers and Cultural Creators, BBVA Foundation. ICTS-CNME at UCM is acknowledged for offering access to STEM microscopy and expertise. A. Q. acknowledges financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through the Juan de la Cierva formación contract (FJC2019-039780-I). Y. S. and H. T. are financially supported by China Scholarship Council (CSC) with No. 201806410010 and No. 201906050014, respectively. The work of Y. S. and H. T. has been done as a part of their Ph.D. program in Materials Science at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona., With funding from the Spanish government through the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000917-S).

To determine antenatal factors that may predict successful vaginal birth after Caesarean section (VBAC), to develop a relevant antenatal scoring system and a nomogram for prediction of vaginal birth after caesarean delivery. A non recurring indication for previous Caesarean section (CS), such as breech presentation or foetal distress, is associated with a much higher successful VBAC rate than recurrent indications, such as cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD). Prior vaginal deliveries are excellent prognostic indicators of successful VBAC, especially if the vaginal delivery follows the prior CS. A low vertical uterine incision does not seem to adversely affect VBAC success rates as compared to a low transverse incision. Maternal obesity and diabetes mellitus adversely affect VBAC outcomes. Foetal macrosomia does not appear to be a contraindication to VBAC, as success rates exceeding 50% are achieved and uterine rupture rates are not increased. An inter-pregnancy interval of

Placental implantation anomalies in first-trimester abortions may determine severe bleeding leading to hysterectomy. There are very few cases of urgent hysterectomy post-abortion reported in the literature, related to placenta accreta spectrum, but in any of them is considered association with benign trophoblastic lesions. We report the case of a woman, who underwent surgical voluntary abortion by vacuum aspiration during first trimester, without any apparent surgical complications. Immediately, after this procedure, the patient had massive vaginal bleeding; an emergency hysterectomy was performed. Histological examination showed an exaggerated placental site (EPS). Morphological findings describe a trophoblastic tumor-like lesion, which differs from placenta accreta and often considered an asymptomatic occasional feature. Proliferative index, evaluated by double immunostain for CK8-18 and Ki-67, was unremarkable (

Ischemic stroke is the second cause of mortality and the first cause of long-term disability constituting a serious socioeconomic burden worldwide. Approved treatments include thrombec-tomy and rtPA intravenous administration, which, despite their efficacy in some cases, are not suitable for a great proportion of patients. Glial cell-related therapies are progressively overcoming inefficient neuron-centered approaches in the preclinical phase. Exploiting the ability of microglia to naturally switch between detrimental and protective phenotypes represents a promising therapeutic treatment, in a similar way to what happens with astrocytes. However, the duality present in many of the roles of these cells upon ischemia poses a notorious difficulty in disentangling the precise pathways to target. Still, promoting M2/A2 microglia/astrocyte protective phenotypes and inhibiting M1/A1 neurotoxic profiles is globally rendering promising results in different in vivo models of stroke. On the other hand, described oligodendrogenesis after brain ischemia seems to be strictly beneficial, although these cells are the less studied players in the stroke paradigm and negative effects could be described for oligodendrocytes in the next years. Here, we review recent advances in understanding the precise role of mentioned glial cell types in the main pathological events of ischemic stroke, including inflammation, blood brain barrier integrity, excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen species management, metabolic support, and neurogenesis, among others, with a special attention to tested therapeutic approaches., Universidad Autónoma de Madrid “Ayudas para el fomento de la investigación en estudios deMáster-UAM 2020”. Institutional grants from the Fundación Ramón Areces to the CBMSO, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias-UAM (BIOUAM03-2020), and Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2020-115876GB-I00)

The European Nuclear Experimental Educational Platform – ENEEP is currently being established by five European educational and research organizations in the framework of a Horizon 2020 project, initiated in 2019. The ENEEP partner institutions are the Jožef Stefan Institute (JSI, Slovenia), the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava (STU, Slovak Republic), the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU, Czech Republic), Technische Universität Wien (TU Wien, Austria) and the Budapest University of Technology and Economics (BME, Hungary). ENEEP is intended as an open educational platform, offering experimental hands-on education activities at the ENEEP partner facilities. ENEEP education activities will be offered in different formats (group and individual) and are targeted at university students at all educational levels and young professionals in the nuclear field. This paper gives an overview of the ENEEP project activities and the progress achieved thus far, highlighting the experimental capabilities which will be offered. In the first implementation phase, ENEEP will be based on a comprehensive set of experiments comprising the basics in Reactor Physics and Nuclear Engineering curricula, as well as more specific experiments focusing on particular aspects – investigated phenomena, types and working principles of detectors, etc. Subsequently, novel education activities will be introduced and implemented in ENEEP, following scientific development in nuclear science and technology and nuclear instrumentation detectors, stemming from research activities. Attention will be devoted to the development and optimization of remote education capabilities at the ENEEP partner institutions, of particular relevance during the current Covid-19 pandemic, which is responsible for major changes in education activities worldwide.

Background Advanced laparoscopic procedures have been shown to be safe in patients with high Body Mass Index (BMI), but conversion rates remain high. This analysis aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes in terms of long- and short-term complications, pain relief of robotic surgery in morbidly obese patients. Methods Patients with BMI class I-II-III with endometrial cancer or hyperplasia were treated with robotic hysterectomy (RH). Patients' characteristics, operating room time (OT), type of surgery, length of hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. Records were reviewed for demographic data, medical/surgical history and comorbidities, perioperative findings and outcomes, as well as long-term complications and recurrences. Regarding stage, according to 2009 FIGO, 26 of cases were IA, while eight and five of cases were, respectively, IB, II stage. Results A total of 87 consecutive RH were analyzed. The more frequent comorbidity was hypertension. Twenty percent of the patients had multiple comorbidities (>2). The mean age was 63±10 years, with a mean BMI of 36±8.2 kg/m2. The more frequent BMI group treated was II class. The median OT was 114 minutes (range: 49-270). According to the Dindo Classification, there were no differences in major or minor complications between the 3 BMI classes. This series had a median follow-up of 60 months (range: 8-96) with an overall survival rate of 100%. The RRH+PLH was feasible and pathology confirmed the adequacy of the surgical specimen, with a median count of 20 nodes. Conclusions Our data support the adoption of the surgical management of the morbidly obese patient. Although short term complication rates are higher with increasing obesity (II-III class), a majority of procedures can still be completed with minimally invasive approach.

Ischemic stroke is a major cause of death and the first leading cause of long-term disability worldwide. The only therapeutic strategy available to date is reperfusion and not all the patients are suitable for this treatment. Blood flow blockage or reduction leads to considerable brain damage, affecting both gray and white matter. The detrimental effects of ischemia have been studied extensively in the former but not in the latter. Previous reports indicate that preservation of white matter integrity reduces deleterious effect of ischemia on the brain. Oligodendrocytes are sensitive to ischemic damage, however, some reports demonstrate that oligodendrogenesis occurs after ischemia. These glial cells have a complex cytoskeletal network, including tau, that plays a key role to proper myelination. 4R-Tau/3R-Tau, which differ in the presence/absence of Exon 10, are found in oligodendrocytes; but the precise role of each isoform is not understood. Using permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model and immunofluorescence, we demonstrate that cerebral ischemia induces an increase in 3R-Tau versus 4R-Tau in oligodendrocytes in the damaged area. In addition, cellular distribution of Tau undergoes a change after ischemia, with some oligodendrocytic processes showing positive staining for 3R-Tau. This occurs simultaneously with the amelioration of neurological damage in ischemic rats. We propose that ischemia triggers an endogenous mechanism involving 3R-Tau, that induces colonization of the ischemic damaged area by oligodendrocytes in an attempt to myelinate-injured axons. Understanding the molecular mechanism of this phenomenon could pave the way for the design of therapeutic strategies that exploit glial cells for the treatment of ischemia., Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (BFU-2008-03980 and BFU2016-77885-P), Comunidad de Madrid (S2017/BMD-3700), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED, ISCIII), and an institutional grant from the Fundación R. Areces

Stroke is an important cause of death and disability, and it is the second leading cause of death worldwide. In humans, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is the most common cause of ischemic stroke. The damage occurs due to the lack of nutrients and oxygen contributed by the blood flow. : The present review aims to analyze to what extent the lack of each of the elements of the system leads to damage and which mechanisms are unaffected by this deficiency. We believe that the specific analysis of the effect of lack of each component could lead to the emergence of new therapeutic targets for this important brain pathology.

TRIGA Vienna neutron source is being operated by Atominstitut (ATI), Austria. It achieved its initial criticality on 7th March 1962 when 57th Fuel Element (FE) was loaded to the core during the first critical experiment at ATI. The mandatory reactor start-up experiments were performed on the initial core configuration. The main objective of this research work is to develop 3D model of the TRIGA Mark II research reactor core using SuperMC computer code and its validation against the experimental results of initial core. This study uses the experimental values of first critical experiment and thermal neutron density distribution experiment of the reactor core. The SuperMC computer code is equipped with JEFF3.1 library and uses Monte Carlo techniques to simulate neutron, photon and their coupled transport, as well as, depletion and activation calculation. It integrates the function of automatic modeling and visualization.

Aim of this work was the detection of fission products activity distribution along the axial dimension of irradiated fuel elements (FEs) at the TRIGA Mark II research reactor of the Technische Universitat (TU) Wien. The activity distribution was measured by means of a customized fuel gamma scanning device, which includes a vertical lifting system to move the fuel rod along its vertical axis. For each investigated FE, a gamma spectrum measurement was performed along the vertical axis, with steps of 1 cm, in order to determine the axial distribution of the fission products. After the fuel elements underwent a relatively short cooling down period, different fission products were detected. The activity concentration was determined by calibrating the gamma detector with a standard calibration source of known activity and by MCNP6 simulations for the evaluation of self-absorption and geometric effects. Given the specific TRIGA fuel composition, a correction procedure is developed and used in this work for the measurement of the fission product Zr 95 . This measurement campaign is part of a more extended project aiming at the modelling of the TU Wien TRIGA reactor by means of different calculation codes (MCNP6, Serpent): the experimental results presented in this paper will be subsequently used for the benchmark of the models developed with the calculation codes.

Background The aim of this paper was to evaluate the feasibility, short-term complications of robotic surgery and clinical outcomes in terms of long-term complications, pain relief and recurrence rate, for the treatment of vaginal vault prolapse (VVP). Methods Prospective analysis of robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RALS) performed between October 2011 and February 2015, in patients with advanced post-hysterectomy VVP and significant apical defects as defined by Baden- Walker Score ≥3. Results Thirty-one consecutive of RALS were performed, with a mean follow-up of 27 months (range 2-48). Average total operative time was 185 minutes (range: 170-235). Estimated blood loss was 50 ml (range: 30-150). One case of cystotomy was reported, repaired with a 2.0 point. No others intra-operative complications occurred. Successful outcome was reported in 94% (29/31) of VVP repairs. Conclusions This series demonstrates optimal outcomes at long-term follow-up. RALS may provide the same long-term durability of open sacrocolpopexy with the benefit of a minimally invasive approach.

Alpine goats, a cosmopolite breed, and Nera di Verzasca, an autochthonous breed, reared in a mountain ecosystem of Lombardy, northern Italy, were tested for the effect of gastrointestinal nematode-sustained natural infections on both yield and quality of their milk. The survey was based on to the hypothesis that high levels of gastrointestinal nematode infection might affect milk yield, milk quality and lactation period length, and that the animal breed might influence such an effects. Seventy-one adult goats reared in the same farm were used in the study. From February to September 2010, 37 Alpine and 34 Nera di Verzasca goats were sampled for milk and feces monthly. Milk quantity, fat and protein contents, and somatic cell counts (SCC) were determined. The gastrointestinal parasitic infections were evaluated by fecal egg count (EPG) and animals were ranked into five classes according to their mean EPG: Le0 (Level0): 1500 EPG. EPG counts and infection prevalence showed a high variability in both breeds, however the mean EPG values in Alpine goats were higher more than twice in comparison with Nera di Verzasca. Milk yield decreased in both breeds as the infection level increased. It occurred when Alpine goats reached level 3 of EPG counts while no decrease was found in Nera di Verzasca goats before reaching EPG level 4. Protein and fat contents were influenced by breed, level of EPG and milking days. Nematode infection was found to affect SCC values only at greatest levels of EPG counts. The results supported a different host–parasite relationship in the two goat breeds. In fact, though a reduction in milk yield, protein and fat contents was observed in both breeds, Alpine goats were found to be weaker in contrasting the effects of gastrointestinal nematodes than the more resilient Nera di Verzasca. The results of this survey can contribute to develop proper strategies in controlling goat parasitism by exploiting resilient breeds and improving sustainable rearing of local breeds.

In this prospective analysis, the feasibility and outcome of isobaric laparoscopy in gynecologic oncology was evaluated. Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy type A and B, with or without pelvic lymphadenectomy, according to the Querleu-Morrow classification was performed in 22 consecutive patients. Seven patients had early cervical cancer (adenocarcinoma stage 1B1 in 1, and squamous carcinoma stage 1B1 in 4, stage 1A2 in 1, and stage 1B2 in 1), and 15 patients had endometrial cancer (stage IA in 4, stage IB in 9, and stage IIIA in 2). Radical hysterectomy was performed using the LaparoTenser, a subcutaneous wall-lifting device. Visual analog score, duration of surgery, blood loss, complications, and postoperative course were recorded. Pathologic analysis confirmed the adequacy of the surgical specimens in type B radical hysterectomies and the number of lymph nodes removed. Low-pressure CO2 insufflation was us to improve field exposure in patients with high body mass index. Postoperatively, no patient reported substantial abdominal discomfort caused by lifting of the abdominal wall. Operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were consistent with published data for CO2 laparoscopy. One complication related to insertion of the subcutaneous needle of the wall lifter occurred. We conclude that total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy can be successfully completed via isobaric laparoscopy using the LaparoTenser device in patients with early cervical and endometrial cancer. Gasless laparoscopy has become the first choice in our department to overcome the detrimental effects of pneumoperitoneum and represents a logical advance in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery. The LaparoTenser device is being used to perform increasingly complex procedures in high-risk patients and situations.

Radioxenon emissions of the TRIGA Mark II research reactor in Vienna were investigated with respect to a possible impact on the verification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban-Treaty. Using the Swedish Automatic Unit for Noble Gas Acquisition (SAUNA II), five radioxenon isotopes 125Xe, 131mXe, 133mXe, 133Xe and 135Xe were detected, of which 125Xe is solely produced by neutron capture in stable atmospheric 124Xe and hence acts as an indicator for neutron activation processes. The other nuclides are produced in both fission and neutron capture reactions. The detected activity concentrations ranged from 0.0010 to 190 Bq/m³. The source of the radioxenon is not yet fully clarified, but it could be micro-cracks in the fuel cladding, fission of 235U contaminations on the outside of the fuel elements or neutron activation of atmospheric Xe. Neutron deficient 125Xe with its highly complex decay scheme was seen for the first time in a SAUNA system. In many experiments the activity ratios of the radioxenon nuclides carry the signature of nuclear explosions, if 131mXe is omitted. Only if 131mXe is included into the calculations of the isotopic activity ratios, the majority of the measurements revealed a “civil” signature (typical for a NPP). A significant contribution of the TRIGA Vienna to the global or European radioxenon inventory can be excluded. Due to the very low activities, the emissions are far below any concern for human health.

Uranyl(VI) 5,5'-azobis[tetrazolide] pentahydrate was synthesized and characterized using X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, UV/vis, MIR, FIR, and Raman spectroscopy. It is the second-most nitrogen rich compound of uranium (26.72 wt % N) and only the second structurally characterized uranium complex with a tetrazole ligand described in the literature. The compound's structure is characterized by an exceptionally small uranyl angle of 172.4(1)°, which provides information on the coordination properties of tetrazole ligands as they affect the donor's environment by strong steric and perhaps electrostatic repulsion. The compound showed luminescence under excitation with a near UV laser. The mean lifetime of its excited state was shorter than in the case of UO(2)(NO(3))(2)·6H(2)O, indicating quenching by the ligand. Despite its high nitrogen content (and thus potentially explosive character), the title compound proved to be stable even under neutron radiation causing induced fission processes.

In two test series, liquid and solid gold-based neutron flux monitor materials were investigated with respect to the effects of neutron absorbers such as chlorine, scattering effects, and the dependence of the enhanced activation caused by the epithermal resonance integral. The liquid monitors were prepared from aqueous solutions of tetraamminegold(III) nitrate and tetrachloroauric(III) acid. The presence of chlorine-35 partly suppresses the activation of gold-197; this effect depends not only on the concentration of the absorber but also on the state of the neutron flux density monitor. Aqueous samples show greater relative losses than solid monitors. Neutron scattering occurs in hydrogen-rich sample matrices which is shown by the fact that cadmium-shielded aqueous samples show an over proportional activation. Hence, fast neutrons must be moderated to the epithermal energies covered by the resonance integral, which is characterized by much greater cross sections for the capture of neutrons. The insight of this study with respect to neutron scattering in hydrogen-rich matrices must be taken into account also for neutron activation analysis; sample and standard must have a similar matrix with respect to its neutron scattering properties, otherwise the effect of increased activation as well as of enhanced self-shielding are underestimated.

The activation of the biological shield is an important process for waste management considerations of nuclear facilities. The final activity can be estimated by modeling using the neutron flux density rather than the radiometric approach of activity measurements. Measurement series at the TRIGA reactor Vienna reveal that the flux density next to the biological shield is in the order of 10(9)cm(-2)s(-1) at maximum power; but it is strongly influenced by reactor installations. The data allow the estimation of the final waste categorization of the concrete according to the Austrian legislation.

The Atominstitute (ATI) of Vienna University of Technology (VUT) operates a TRIGA Mark II research reactor since March 1962. Its initial criticality was achieved on 7th March 1962 when 57th Fuel Element (FE) was loaded to the core. This paper describes the development of the MCNP model of the TRIGA reactor and its validation through three different experiments i.e. initial criticality, reactivity distribution and a thermal flux mapping experiment in the reactor core. All these experiments were performed on the initial core configuration. The MCNP model includes all necessary core components i.e. FE, Graphite Element GE, neutron Source Element (SE), Central IRradiation channel (CIR) etc. Outside the core, this model simulates the annular grooved graphite reflector, the thermal and thermalizing column, four beam tubes and the reactor water tank up to 100 cm in radial and +60 and −60 cm in axial direction. Each grid position at its exact location is modeled. This model employs the ENDF/B-VI data library except for the Sm-isotopes which are taken from JEFF 3.1 because ENDF/B-VI lacks samarium (Sm) cross sections. For the first experiment, the model predicts an effective multiplication factor ( κ eff ) of 1.00183 with an estimated standard deviation 0.00031 which is very close to the experimental value 1.00114. The second experiment measures the reactivity values of four FE and one GE. In comparison to the MCNP results, the percent difference ranges from 4 to 22. The third experiment verifies the model at a local level with the radial and axial thermal flux density distribution in the core. Though the trends are similar, the MCNP model overestimates the radial thermal flux density in the core and underestimates these results at the core periphery.