Semi-classical Laguerre polynomials and a third order discrete integrable equation

A semi-discrete Lax pair formed from the differential system and recurrence relation for semi-classical orthogonal polynomials, leads to a discrete integrable equation for a specific semi-classical orthogonal polynomial weight. The main example we use is a semi-classical Laguerre weight to derive a third order difference equation with a corresponding Lax pair.Comment: 11 page

Uplift, Climate and Biotic Changes at the Eocene-Oligocene Transition in Southeast Tibet

The uplift history of southeastern Tibet is crucial to understanding processes driving the tectonic evolution of the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding areas. Underpinning existing palaeoaltimetric studies has been regional mapping based in large part on biostratigraphy that assumes a Neogene modernisation of the highly diverse, but threatened, Asian biota. Here, with new radiometric dating and newly-collected plant fossil archives, we quantify the surface height of part of Tibet’s southeastern margin of Tibet in the latest Eocene (~34 Ma) to be ~3 km and rising, possibly attaining its present elevation (3.9 km) in the early Oligocene. We also find that the Eocene-Oligocene transition in southeastern Tibet witnessed leaf size diminution and a floral composition change from sub-tropical/warm temperate to cool temperate, likely reflective of both uplift and secular climate change, and that by the latest Eocene floral modernization on Tibet had already taken place implying modernization was deeply-rooted in the Paleogene

Functional and evolutionary analysis of the mouse Muc-1 gene

The mouse homologue of the human tumour-associated mucin, MUC1, was cloned and full-length sequence was determined. This mucin (previously called polymorphic epithelial mucin) is expressed by the majority of simple secretory epithelial cells in both the mouse and human and is also overexpressed in a large percentage of carcinomas. The mouse gene, Muc-1, encodes an integral membrane protein with 44% of its coding capacity made up of serine, threonine and proline, a composition typical of a highly O-glycosylated protein. The Muc-1 core protein consists of an amino-terminal signal sequence, a repetitive domain encoding 16 repeats of 20-21 amino acids, and unique sequence containing membrane-spanning and cytoplasmic domains. Although overall homology with the human MUC1 protein is only 53%, the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains exhibit homologies of 90% and 87%, respectively. This level of sequence conservation would suggest that these regions may be functionally important. Interestingly, the mouse homologue, unlike its human counterpart does not exhibit a variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism. However, this type of polymorphism was found to be present in all other mammalian groups analysed. Data is presented, including sequence obtained for the Muc-1 gene from a large number of species, to suggest how this gene has evolved and to explain possible reasons why the mouse Muc-1 gene does not exhibit minisatellite characteristics. Numerous functions have been suggested for this molecule, yet it still remains unclear what role this protein plays in the tissues and tumours in which it is expressed. In an effort to learn more of the function of the mouse Muc-1 gene, the gene was specifically mutated in embryonic stem (ES) cells. Targeting vectors derived through genomic clones from two strains of mice were utilised and their relative targeting efficiencies are discussed. Several mouse cell lines were created carrying a disruption in the Muc-1 gene. These cell lines were injected into nude mice to create tumours and also injected into blastocysts, in order to generate mice carrying the Muc-1 mutation. These mouse lines will provide a crucial tool in the analysis of the function of this molecule in vivo

Higher analogues of the discrete-time Toda equation and the quotient-difference algorithm

The discrete-time Toda equation arises as a universal equation for the relevant Hankel determinants associated with one-variable orthogonal polynomials through the mechanism of adjacency, which amounts to the inclusion of shifted weight functions in the orthogonality condition. In this paper we extend this mechanism to a new class of two-variable orthogonal polynomials where the variables are related via an elliptic curve. This leads to a `Higher order Analogue of the Discrete-time Toda' (HADT) equation for the associated Hankel determinants, together with its Lax pair, which is derived from the relevant recurrence relations for the orthogonal polynomials. In a similar way as the quotient-difference (QD) algorithm is related to the discrete-time Toda equation, a novel quotient-quotient-difference (QQD) scheme is presented for the HADT equation. We show that for both the HADT equation and the QQD scheme, there exists well-posed $s$-periodic initial value problems, for almost all \s\in\Z^2. From the Lax-pairs we furthermore derive invariants for corresponding reductions to dynamical mappings for some explicit examples.Comment: 38 page

Development of a health education intervention strategy using an implementation research method to control taeniasis and cysticercosis in Burkina Faso

Background: Taeniasis and cysticercosis are two diseases caused by Taenia solium, a parasite transmitted between humans and pigs, leading to considerable economic loss and disabilities. Transmission of the parasite is linked to environmental and behavioural factors such as inadequate sanitation and hygiene, poor pig management, and consumption of infected pork. This study used implementation research method to design a health education intervention strategy for reducing T. solium infections in Burkina Faso, a country endemic for the parasite. Methods: Eighteen group discussions were conducted with 8-18 participants each in three villages. In addition, structured interviews were conducted among 4 777 participants and 2 244 pig owners, who were selected through cluster random sampling in 60 villages of three provinces of Burkina Faso. Both approaches assessed knowledge and practices related to T. solium. The information obtained was used to develop a community-adapted health education intervention strategy to control taeniasis and cysticercosis in Burkina Faso. Results: The group discussions revealed that participants had a poor quality of life due to the diseases as well as inadequate access to latrines, safe water, and healthcare services. In addition, it was found that pig production was an important economic activity, especially for women. Furthermore, financial and knowledge constraints were important limitations to improved pig management and latrine construction. The survey data also showed that open defecation and drinking unboiled water were common behaviours, enhanced by a lack of knowledge regarding the transmission of the parasite, perceived financial barriers to the implementation of control measures, lack of public sensitization, as well as a lack of self-efficacy towards control of the parasite. Nevertheless, the perceived financial benefits of controlling porcine cysticercosis could be emphasized by an education program that discourages open defecation and encourages drinking safe water. The final intervention strategy included a Participatory Hygiene and Sanitation Transformation (PHAST) approach, as well as a 52-min film and an accompanying comic booklet. Conclusions: The main problem in the study communities regarding the transmission of T. solium cysticercosis is the random disposal of human faeces, which can be contaminated with parasite eggs. Prevention of open defecation requires the building of latrines, which can be quite problematic in economically challenged settings. Providing the community with the skills to construct durable latrines using low-cost locally available materials would likely help to resolve this problem. Further studies are required to implement and evaluate the T. solium control strategy developed in this study

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: A Case Report Involving the Spine and Soft Tissues

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing in developed countries, especially among immigrant populations. Extrapulmonary TB with musculoskeletal involvement is often a difficult and delayed diagnosis, as the disease can mimic metastases or infection. We present a case of extrapulmonary TB affecting the spine and soft tissues of a Vietnamese-born patient living in the United States. We discuss the imaging findings associated with extrapulmonary TB of the spine. Familiarity with key imaging features of disease can lead to early suspicion and detection of the disease as well as timely treatment

Recurrent Breast Cancer Diagnosis Delayed by COVID-19 Pandemic

We describe the case of a 65-year-old female with a history of left-sided ductal carcinoma in situ in 2008. Mammography in January 2020 demonstrated calcifications in the previously affected breast. Subsequent stereotactic biopsy results were benign. In the months that followed, the patient experienced breast changes but avoided returning to the facility as the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. In August of 2020, the patient returned for a repeat mammogram, which indicated 2 suspicious masses in the left breast. Further analysis through ultrasound-guided core biopsy ultimately led to a left mastectomy and lymph node biopsy, which were performed in September 2020. Pathology results revealed multifocal invasive ductal carcinoma stage IIB

Crime Pattern Visualization

Research report from Institute for Canadian Urban Research Studies

Bilateral Popliteal Entrapment Syndrome in a Young Athlete Diagnosed with Ultrasound

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) occurs when the popliteal artery is compressed by abnormally developed or hypertrophied muscles adjacent to the popliteal fossa. When symptomatic, it most frequently presents with leg cramping while walking or running. We describe the case of an 18-year-old female runner presenting with claudication and exercise intolerance. After MRI was non-diagnostic, diagnostic ultrasound demonstrated that she had functional (Type VI) PAES. She subsequently underwent popliteal artery release surgery. Type VI PAES should be considered in young, healthy patients who present with claudication, particularly athletes