Range of validity of weakly non-linear theory in Rayleigh-Bénard convection

In this paper we examine the equilibrium states of periodic finite amplitude flow in a horizontal channel with differential heating between the two rigid boundaries. The solutions to the Navier-Stokes equations are obtained by means of a perturbation method for evaluating the Landau coefficients and through a Newton-Raphson iterative method that results from the Fourier expansion of the solutions that bifurcate above the linear stability threshold of infini- tesimal disturbances. The results obtained from these two different methods of evaluating the convective flow are compared in the neighbourhood of the critical Rayleigh number. We find that for small Prandtl numbers the discrepancy of the two methods is noticeable

Takens-Bogdanov bifurcation on the hexagonal lattice for double-layer convection

Abstract In the Bénard problem for two-fluid layers, Takens-Bogdanov bifurcations can arise when the stability thresholds for both layers are close to each other. In this paper, we provide an analysis of bifurcating solutions near such a Takens-Bogdanov point, under the assumption that solutions are doubly periodic with respect to a hexagonal lattice. Our analysis focusses on periodic solutions, secondary bifurcations from steady to periodic solutions and heteroclinic solutions arising as limits of periodic solutions. We compute the coefficients of the amplitude equations for a number of physical situations. Numerical integration of the amplitude equations reveals quasiperiodic and chaotic regimes, in addition to parameter regions where steady or periodic solutions are observed

Successful Treatment of MMP-9-Expressing Angiosarcoma with Low-Dose Docetaxel and Bisphosphonate

We describe a 78-year-old Japanese patient with angiosarcoma on the scalp. Interestingly, immunohistochemical staining revealed this tumor as positive for matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9). After conventional therapy for angiosarcoma with surgical treatment and radiation therapy, we intravenously administered docetaxel at 40 mg/m2 body surface area together with oral administration of 17.5 mg sodium risedronate hydrate. One and a half years after the standard treatment, there was no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis

地域活動への住民参加を促すための保健師の支援方法

A地区の地域活動への住民の参加状況と参加条件を明らかにするため、4団体108名を対象に質問紙調査を行った。地域活動への参加条件として重要なのは、健康であること、家族の理解と協力があること、身近な人と一緒に参加できること、活動場所が自宅に近いこと、活動する時間的余裕があること等が明らかとなった。地域活動支援のあり方としては、個人や家族の健康を保持・増進し、地域の人々のつながりを強め、時間・場所・移動手段を工夫し住民が集いやすくすることにより、参加条件を満たすことが有効と考えられた。保健師は、個人や集団が地域活動を活発にするための工夫や連携を図り、個人・集団の力を引き出せるような支援をしていくことが重要であると考えられた

Genome-Wide Analysis of the ERF Gene Family in Arabidopsis and Rice

Genes in the ERF family encode transcriptional regulators with a variety of functions involved in the developmental and physiological processes in plants. In this study, a comprehensive computational analysis identified 122 and 139 ERF family genes in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and rice (Oryza sativa L. subsp. japonica), respectively. A complete overview of this gene family in Arabidopsis is presented, including the gene structures, phylogeny, chromosome locations, and conserved motifs. In addition, a comparative analysis between these genes in Arabidopsis and rice was performed. As a result of these analyses, the ERF families in Arabidopsis and rice were divided into 12 and 15 groups, respectively, and several of these groups were further divided into subgroups. Based on the observation that 11 of these groups were present in both Arabidopsis and rice, it was concluded that the major functional diversification within the ERF family predated the monocot/dicot divergence. In contrast, some groups/subgroups are species specific. We discuss the relationship between the structure and function of the ERF family proteins based on these results and published information. It was further concluded that the expansion of the ERF family in plants might have been due to chromosomal/segmental duplication and tandem duplication, as well as more ancient transposition and homing. These results will be useful for future functional analyses of the ERF family genes

The Lateralization of Resting Motor Threshold to Predict Medication-Mediated Improvement in Parkinson’s Disease

Cortical stimulation patterns in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are asymmetric and get altered over time. This study examined cortical neurophysiological markers for PD and identified neurophysiological markers for lateralization in PD. We used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to study corticospinal and intracortical excitability in 21 patients with idiopathic PD. We used the Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale for examination during on and off periods and evaluated inhibitory and facilitatory process markers using TMS, including resting motor thresholds (RMT), active motor thresholds, and motor evoked potential amplitude. The RMT in the more affected cortex was significantly shorter than in the less affected cortex, and was strongly correlated with improved motor function following medication. Patients in the tremor group exhibited significantly lower RMT compared to those in the akinetic-rigid group. Cortical electrophysiological laterality observed in patients with PD may be a useful marker for guiding treatment and identifying underlying compensatory mechanisms