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Distribution by Scientific Domains

Medical Sciences	53%
Life Sciences	23%

Selected Abstracts

A grasp-based motion planning algorithm for character animation

COMPUTER ANIMATION AND VIRTUAL WORLDS (PREV: JNL OF VISUALISATION & COMPUTER ANIMATION), Issue 3 2001
Maciej Kalisiak
The design of autonomous characters capable of planning their own motions continues to be a challenge for computer animation. We present a novel kinematic motion-planning algorithm for character animation which addresses some of the outstanding problems. The problem domain for our algorithm is as follows: given a constrained environment with designated handholds and footholds, plan a motion through this space towards some desired goal. Our algorithm is based on a stochastic search procedure which is guided by a combination of geometric constraints, posture heuristics, and distance-to-goal metrics. The method provides a single framework for the use of multiple modes of locomotion in planning motions through these constrained, unstructured environments. We illustrate our results with demonstrations of a human character using walking, swinging, climbing, and crawling in order to navigate through various obstacle courses. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]

Exenatide effects on glucose metabolism and metabolic disorders common to overweight and obese patients with type 2 diabetes

DRUG DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH, Issue 8 2006
David M. Webb
Abstract The risks of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes increase as body mass index increases in overweight (25,30,kg/m2) and obese (>30,kg/m2) individuals. However, these risks can be reduced with even modest weight loss. In patients with established type 2 diabetes, control of both glycemia and body weight are important to minimize the risk of future diabetic complications. Exenatide is a 39-amino-acid peptide incretin mimetic currently approved in the United States for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to sulfonylurea and/or metformin. Phase-3 clinical studies showed exenatide therapy for 30 weeks significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and fasting and postprandial plasma glucose, while significantly reducing body weight. Open-label extensions from these pivotal trials demonstrated patients treated with exenatide for 2 years had sustained reductions in glycemic control at 30 weeks and a progressive reduction in body weight. Patients treated with exenatide also had improvement in blood pressure, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles. The glucoregulatory and weight-reducing effects of exenatide are the result of multiple modes of action that mimic several of the glucoregulatory actions of the naturally occurring peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These include restoration of first phase insulin response, enhancement of glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppression of inappropriate glucagon secretion, slowing of gastric emptying, and affects on satiety leading to reduced food intake. Further research is required to fully understand the role for exenatide to potentially alleviate metabolic disorders associated with type 2 diabetes, including CVD and obesity. Drug Dev. Res. 67:666,676, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Tamoxifen modulates apoptosis in multiple modes of action in CreER mice

GENESIS: THE JOURNAL OF GENETICS AND DEVELOPMENT, Issue 12 2008
Hirohide Takebayashi
Abstract Tamoxifen-inducible Cre (CreER) has become a powerful tool for in vivo manipulation of the genome. Here, we investigated opposing effects of tamoxifen on apoptosis during embryogenesis using Olig2,CreER knock-in mice, namely, tamoxifen-induced apoptosis through CreER-mediated toxicity and cytoprotective activity of tamoxifen independent of CreER. First, we examined tamoxifen-induced apoptosis; in the homozygous mice, we observed region-specific apoptosis in the ventral neural tube, with no obvious increase in the heterozygotes. Next, we detected a cytoprotective effect on apoptosis in the homozygous dorsal root ganglia (DRG). This apoptosis is a secondary phenotype of Olig2 -null mice, as Olig2/CreER is not expressed in the DRG. The cytoprotective effect is DRG-specific, because tamoxifen did not rescue apoptosis in the interdigital mesenchyme. These data indicate that tamoxifen has multiple effects on apoptosis during development and caution that careful examination is necessary when interpreting results obtained from tamoxifen-induced recombination: in Olig2-CreER mice, heterozygotes are usable for lineage-tracing experiment without obvious toxicity, while homozygotes show efficient recombination, despite enhanced apoptosis. genesis 46:775,781, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

FEIBA® safety profile in multiple modes of clinical and home-therapy application

HAEMOPHILIA, Issue 2004
H. Luu
Summary., The development of neutralizing antibodies to factor VIII or IX therapeutic concentrates remains the most serious and challenging complication in the management of patients with haemophilia A and B. FEIBA®, Anti-Inhibitor Coagulant Complex, is an activated prothrombin complex concentrate that has been used to treat patients with such complications for almost 30 years. The mechanism of action of FEIBA® has been proposed to involve simultaneous FVIII/FIX inhibitor bypassing action in the common, intrinsic and extrinsic coagulation pathways. FEIBA® is derived from human plasma that undergoes stringent viral screening followed by significant viral inactivation and removal. To date, there have been no confirmed reports of transmission of hepatitis A, B or C, or of human immunodeficiency viruses associated with the use of the current, vapour-heat-treated FEIBA® concentrate. The incidence of thrombotic adverse events recorded in the Baxter pharmacovigilance database for the 10-year postmarket period (1990,99) was approximately 4 : 100 000 infusions of FEIBA®. Almost all documented thrombotic events with FEIBA® occurred with doses that exceeded dosing recommendations, and known risk factors for cardiovascular disease were evident in more than 80% of the patients involved. Overall, clinical data have shown FEIBA® to be safe and well-tolerated for use in a wide variety of clinical settings, including treatment of bleeding episodes, management of surgical procedures, home therapy, long-term prophylaxis, and prophylaxis during immune tolerance induction, when used according to dosing guidelines. [source]

Introduction: Researching Democracy and Social Change with Violence in the Foreground

IDS BULLETIN, Issue 3 2009
Jenny Pearce
There are many studies of violence within specific fields of the social sciences, but the next stage in our evolving understanding of violence may lie with interdisciplinary approaches. By traversing traditional academic categories, violence as a variable may become more visible in its multiple modes. It is through our ability to see the linkages between interpersonal, cultural, collective, political, state, interstate and structural violences that we can gain a better understanding of its persistence in human interactions. Researchers for this IDS Bulletin set out not only to understand contemporary dynamics of violence, but also to work with people trapped in violent places, spaces and histories who were willing to talk about and act upon their situation. Researching violence in an interactive way with those living in the thick of it posed many ethical, safety, epistemological and methodological challenges. These are documented in this IDS Bulletin alongside findings on the dimensions and impact of violence in different contexts. [source]

GdIII -Functionalized Fluorescent Quantum Dots as Multimodal Imaging Probes,

ADVANCED MATERIALS, Issue 21 2006
H. Yang
Multimodal probes of GdIII -functionalized silica-coated CdS:Mn/ZnS quantum dots (see figure) that exhibit yellow fluorescence and strong paramagnetism are reported. High magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast is exhibited by these quantum dots. These properties make for a probe that can operate in multiple modes, which is highly desirable for in,vivo bioimaging applications. [source]

Injuries to the head, face, mouth and neck in physically abused children in a community setting

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC DENTISTRY, Issue 5 2005
A. M. CAIRNS
Summary. Objectives. The aims of the present study were to identify the incidence of orofacial injuries found within a cohort of physically abused children, and examine demographic data surrounding the alleged perpetrator, the location in which the alleged assault occurred, the mechanism of injury and the actual orofacial injury incurred. Methods. The research took the form of a retrospective study of clinical case records of children with suspected physical abuse from 1 June 1998 to 31 May 2003. Seven hundred and fifty case records were identified and 390 (46·7%) were available for data extraction. Results. Fifty-nine per cent (n = 230) of children had signs of abuse on the head, face or neck. The alleged perpetrator was the mother in 104 cases (26·7%), the father in 100 (25·6%) and mother's partner in 49 other cases (12·6%). More than half (53·3%) of the alleged abuse occurred in the child's home; in 32·3% of cases, the location was not recorded. Other locations included outside in a public place, school and at the home of the alleged abuser. Some 23·4% (n = 54) had been punched or slapped around the head, neck or face, 17·4% (n = 40) had been struck by an object, and 15·2% (n = 35) had allegedly sustained multiple modes of injury. Bruising to the head, neck or face was seen in 95·2% (n = 219) of children, and 32·6% (n = 75) had abrasions; 65·2% (n = 150) of the bruises and 22·9% (n = 53) of the abrasions were on the face. Conclusions. Fifty-nine per cent of physically abused children in the present cohort had orofacial signs of abuse which would be easily visible to a dental practitioner. The commonest injuries were bruises and abrasions. This concurs with previous reports in the literature and highlights the important role of dental practitioners in the recognition of children who have been abused. [source]

Evolution of the Madrean,Tethyan disjunctions and the North and South American amphitropical disjunctions in plants

JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATICS EVOLUTION, Issue 5 2009
Jun WEN
Abstract, The present paper reviews advances in the study of two major intercontinental disjunct biogeographic patterns: (i) between Eurasian and western North American deserts with the Mediterranean climate (the Madrean,Tethyan disjunctions); and (ii) between the temperate regions of North and South America (the amphitropical disjunctions). Both disjunct patterns have multiple times of origin. The amphitropical disjunctions have largely resulted from long-distance dispersal, primarily from the Miocene to the Holocene, with available data indicating that most lineages dispersed from North to South America. Results of recent studies on the Mediterranean disjuncts between the deserts of Eurasia and western North America support the multiple modes of origin and are mostly consistent with hypotheses of long-distance dispersal and the North Atlantic migration. Axelrod's Madrean,Tethyan hypothesis, which implies vicariance between the two regions in the early Tertiary, has been favored by a few studies. The Beringian migration corridor for semiarid taxa is also supported in some cases. [source]

Cardiopulmonary responses of asthmatic children to exercise: Analysis of systolic and diastolic cardiac function

PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 3 2007
Bulent Alioglu MD
Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate aerobic exercise capacity, cardiac features and function in a group of asthmatic children who underwent medical treatment. Dynamic exercise testing was done to evaluate aerobic exercise capacity. Echocardiography was performed to identify the effects that asthma-induced pulmonary changes have on respiratory and cardiac function in these patients. The study involved 20 asthmatic children (aged 7,16 years) who were followed at our hospital and 20 age- and sex-matched, healthy control subjects. Sixteen of the asthma cases were moderate and four were severe. All 40 subjects underwent similar series of assessments: multiple modes of echocardiography, treadmill stress testing, pulmonary function testing. The means for forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, forced expiratory flow 25,75%, maximal voluntary ventilation and inspiratory capacity were all significantly higher in the control group. The patient group had significantly lower mean maximal oxygen uptake and mean endurance time than the controls but there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to respiratory exchange ratio or the ventilatory threshold. The control group means for ejection fraction, fractional shortening, left ventricular mass, and left ventricular mass index were significantly higher than the corresponding patient group results. Children with moderate or severe asthma have lower aerobic capacity than healthy children of the same age. The data suggest that most of these children have normal diastolic cardiac function, but exhibit impaired systolic function and have lower LVM than healthy peers of the same age. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2007; 42:283,289. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]

Thyroid hormones and their effects: a new perspective

BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS, Issue 4 2000
A. J. HULBERT
ABSTRACT The thyroid hormones are very hydrophobic and those that exhibit biological activity are 3,,5,,3,5-Ltetraiodothyronine (T4), 3,,5,3-L-triiodothyronine (T3), 3,,5,,3-L-triiodothyronine (rT3) and 3,5,-Ldiiodothyronine (3,5-T2). At physiological pH, dissociation of the phenolic -OH group of these iodothyronines is an important determinant of their physical chemistry that impacts on their biological effects. When non-ionized these iodothyronines are strongly amphipathic. It is proposed that iodothyronines are normal constituents of biological membranes in vertebrates. In plasma of adult vertebrates, unbound T4 and T3 are regulated in the picomolar range whilst protein-bound T4 and T3 are maintained in the nanomolar range. The function of thyroid-hormone-binding plasma proteins is to ensure an even distribution throughout the body. Various iodothyronines are produced by three types of membrane-bound cellular deiodinase enzyme systems in vertebrates. The distribution of deiodinases varies between tissues and each has a distinct developmental profile. Thyroid hormones have many effects in vertebrates. It is proposed that there are several modes of action of these hormones.(1) The nuclear receptor mode is especially important in the thyroid hormone axis that controls plasma and cellular levels of these hormones.(2) These hormones are strongly associated with membranes in tissues and normally rigidify these membranes.(3) They also affect the acyl composition of membrane bilayers and it is suggested that this is due to the cells responding to thyroid-hormone-induced membrane rigidification. Both their immediate effects on the physical state of membranes and the consequent changes in membrane composition result in several other thyroid hormone effects. Effects on metabolism may be due primarily to membrane acyl changes. There are other actions of thyroid hormones involving membrane receptors and influences on cellular interactions with the extracellular matrix. The effects of thyroid hormones are reviewed and appear to be combinations of these various modes of action. During development, vertebrates show a surge in T4 and other thyroid hormones, as well as distinctive profiles in the appearance of the deiodinase enzymes and nuclear receptors. Evidence from the use of analogues supports multiple modes of action. Re-examination of data from the early 1960s supports a membrane action. Findings from receptor ,knockout' mice supports an important role for receptors in the development of the thyroid axis. These iodothyronines may be better thought of as ,vitamone' -like molecules than traditional hormonal messengers. [source]

Genistein potentiates activity of the cation channel TRPC5 independently of tyrosine kinases

BRITISH JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY, Issue 7 2010
Ching-On Wong
Background and purpose:, TRPC5 is a Ca2+ -permeable channel with multiple modes of activation. We have explored the effects of genistein, a plant-derived isoflavone, on TRPC5 activity, and the mechanism(s) involved. Experimental approach:, Effects of genistein on TRPC5 channels were investigated in TRPC5-over-expressing human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK) cells and bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) using fluorescent Ca2+ imaging and electrophysiological techniques. Key results:, In TRPC5-over-expressing HEK cells, genistein stimulated TRPC5-mediated Ca2+ influx, concentration dependently (EC50= 93 µM). Genistein and lanthanum activated TRPC5 channels synergistically. Effects of genistein on TRPC5 channels were mimicked by daidzein (100 µM), a genistein analogue inactive as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, but not by known tyrosine kinase inhibitors herbimycin (2 µM), PP2 (20 µM) and lavendustin A (10 µM). Action of genistein on TRPC5 channels was not affected by an oestrogen receptor inhibitor ICI-182780 (50 µM) or a phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 (10 µM), suggesting genistein did not act through oestrogen receptors or phospholipase C. In BAECs, genistein (100 µM) stimulated TRPC5-mediated Ca2+ influx. In patch clamp studies, both genistein (50 µM) and daidzein (50 µM) augmented TRPC5-mediated whole-cell cation current in TRPC5 over-expressing HEK cells. Genistein stimulated TRPC5 channel activity in excised inside-out membrane patch, suggesting that its action was relatively direct and did not require cytosolic factors. Conclusions and implications:, The present study is the first to demonstrate stimulation of a TRP channel by isoflavones. Genistein is a lipophilic compound able to stimulate TRPC5 activity in TRPC5-over-expressing HEK cells and in native vascular endothelial cells. [source]

Recent clinical findings with memantine should not mean that the idea of neuroprotection in glaucoma is abandoned

ACTA OPHTHALMOLOGICA, Issue 4 2009
Neville N. Osborne
Abstract. Loss of vision in primary open-angle glaucoma (glaucoma) is caused by retinal ganglion cells dying at a seemingly steady and variable rate in different patients. Present treatments for all glaucoma patients are inadequate and a goal to rectify this is to discover appropriate drugs or chemicals (neuroprotectants) that can be taken orally to slow down retinal ganglion cell death and have negligible side-effects. It was therefore of great disappointment to learn earlier this year that the one clinical trial conducted to test the efficacy of memantine as a neuroprotectant for glaucoma was unsuccessful. In this article, I consider the mechanisms by which retinal ganglion cells may die in glaucoma and suggest that memantine may have benefited patients taking it but to a level that was difficult to detect with present methodologies. Ganglion cells are induced to die by different triggers in glaucoma, suggesting that neuroprotectants with multiple modes of actions are likely to reveal clearer results than was found for memantine. Therefore, the idea of neuroprotection in glaucoma must not be abandoned. [source]

Investigation Of AM-36: A Novel Neuroprotective Agent

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PHARMACOLOGY AND PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 11 2001
Jk Callaway
SUMMARY 1. The neurochemical sequelae following cerebral ischaemia are complex, involving excess release of excitatory amino acids, particularly glutamate, disruption of ionic homeostasis due to Na+ and Ca2+ influx and generation of toxic free radicals, ultimately leading to cell death by both necrosis and apoptosis. 2. Drugs that block components of this biochemical cascade, such as glutamate receptor antagonists, sodium channel blockers and free radical scavengers, have been investigated as putative neuroprotective agents. The knowledge that multiple mechanisms contribute to neuronal injury in ischaemia have led to the general recognition that a single drug treatment is unlikely to be beneficial in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia. 3. AM-36 [1-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-hydroxy)ethyl-4-(3,5-bis(1,1-dimethyl)-4-hydroxyphenyl)methylpiperazine] is one of a series of hybrid molecules designed to incorporate multiple neuroprotective mechanisms within the one structure. Primary screening tests demonstrated that AM-36 inhibited binding to the polyamine site of glutamate receptors, blocked neuronal sodium channels and had potent anti-oxidant activity. In neuronal cell cultures, AM-36 inhibited toxicity induced by N -methyl- D -aspartate (NMDA) and the sodium channel opener veratridine and, in addition, inhibited veratridine-induced apoptosis. 4. In a middle cerebral artery occlusion model of stroke in conscious rats, systemic administration of AM-36 markedly reduced both cortical and striatal infarct volume and significantly improved functional outcome in motor performance, neurological deficit and sensorimotor neglect tests. AM-36 was neuroprotective even when administration was delayed until 3 h systemically, or 5 h intravenously, after induction of stroke. 5. These studies indicate that AM-36 is a unique neuroprotective agent with multiple modes of action, making it an attractive candidate for the treatment of acute stroke in humans. [source]