Supernova neutrino detection in NOvA

The NOvA long-baseline neutrino experiment uses a pair of large, segmented, liquid-scintillator calorimeters to study neutrino oscillations, using GeV-scale neutrinos from the Fermilab NuMI beam. These detectors are also sensitive to the flux of neutrinos which are emitted during a core-collapse supernova through inverse beta decay interactions on carbon at energies of O(10 MeV). This signature provides a means to study the dominant mode of energy release for a core-collapse supernova occurring in our galaxy. We describe the data-driven software trigger system developed and employed by the NOvA experiment to identify and record neutrino data from nearby galactic supernovae. This technique has been used by NOvA to self-trigger on potential core-collapse supernovae in our galaxy, with an estimated sensitivity reaching out to 10 kpc distance while achieving a detection efficiency of 23% to 49% for supernovae from progenitor stars with masses of 9.6 M☉ to 27 M☉, respectively

The effect of a vital bleaching technique on enamel surface morphology and the bonding of composite resin to enamel

This Study examined the effect of a nightguard vital bleaching procedure on enamel surface morphology and the shear bond strength of a composite resin luting cement to enamel. Extracted human teeth were bleached for 1 week using a vital bleaching product. Control teeth were brushed with a fluoride toothpaste and processed similarly to the bleached teeth, however the bleaching product was substituted with artificial saliva in the night guards. Teeth were stored in artificial saliva for 24 h, 1, 6 or 12 weeks and then examined for any surface changes using light and scanning electron microscopy. The effect of etching surfaces with 37% phosphoric acid was examined at the scanning electron microscope level. The shear bond strength of composite resin luting cement to both buccal and lingual surfaces of bleached and control teeth was determined. Light microscopy investigation suggested the bleaching process resulted in a loss of mineral from enamel which was evident 24 h after bleaching and was sustained following 12 weeks storage in artificial saliva. Scanning electron microscopy showed a definite change in the surface texture of the bleached enamel surface. Acid etching of the bleached enamel surface produced loss of prismatic form and the enamel appeared overetched. The mean shear bond strength between composite resin luting cement and etched enamel tended to be lower for bleached enamel surfaces, however no significant difference in shear bond strength was noted between control and experimental groups. The results of this study that bleaching resulted in changes to the surface and subsurface layers of enamel. Although surface changes were observed in the etched enamel, the shear bond strength of composite resin luting cement to etched bleached enamel appeared to be clinically acceptable

Necropsy diagnosis of myocarditis: a retrospective study using CD45RO immunohistochemistry

Aim—To use CD45RO immunohistochemistry to investigate the numbers of T lymphocytes found in sections of myocardium from a routine necropsy series, and to determine the incidence of myocarditis in this series. Methods—Myocardial sections from 163 routine hospital necropsies were stained with CD45RO and the numbers of positive lymphocytes/mm(2) were counted. The results were correlated with the H/E opinion and the clinical context of the necropsy. Results—Most (143) cases showed low numbers (0–3) of CD45RO positive lymphocytes/mm(2). Fifteen cases showed 7–13 positive lymphocytes/mm(2), comprising a wide variety of clinical conditions, generally with no specific cardiac pathology. Five cases showed 14 or more positive lymphocytes/mm(2), comprising one case of active myocarditis, three cases of cardiac transplant rejection, and one post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, all conditions in which large numbers of lymphocytes would be expected. Conclusions—The incidence of myocarditis in our series was 0.6%. In most cases the normal myocardium has a low T lymphocyte count (0–3/mm(2)). In some cases immunohistochemistry shows more positive cells than would have been expected on light microscopy. Immunohistochemistry is a useful and reliable means of confirming a diagnosis of myocarditis. The results support the conclusion of the 1997 ISFC task force that 14 or more lymphocytes or macrophages/mm(2) of myocardium in the appropriate clinical context is a reliable threshold for the diagnosis of chronic myocarditis. Key Words: myocarditis • immunohistochemistry • T lymphocytes • necrops

Ageing in place? An examination of elderly people housing preferences in Spain

The greater visibility of societal ageing and higher share of individuals with disabilities have created new challenges for housing and urban policies. Housing needs can influence individual choice of living environment and the willingness to undertake housing improvements. This is especially relevant in southern European countries where the family is still the main provider of care for the elderly. This study makes an empirical analysis of the underlying preferences for housing and perceptions of housing suitability in the event of dependency in old age, drawing upon a new representative database of the Spanish population. It explores whether preferences are stable for different age-groups and different levels of individual affluence, calculated in terms of income and housing assets. The study found preferences for `ageing in place', which became stronger as individuals grew older. The effect of affluence, or the `wealth effect', was considerable. Acting independently and exhibiting higher health needs, it restrained individuals from choosing institutional care options. Those respondents who preferred to `age in place' were relatively less affluent. Those with relatively less formal education, preferred living with their relatives