Homogeneous Quantitative Measure of Caging Grasps with both Geometrical and Mechanical Constraints
2019 19TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON CONTROL, AUTOMATION AND SYSTEMS (ICCAS 2019)
Authors: Makita, Satoshi; Makihara, Koshi
Abstract
This paper presents a homogeneous evaluation of difficulty of moving attributed to both geometrical and mechanical constraints. Although caging grasp usually considers to confine an object geometrically by surrounding robots, it is not always feasible due to limitation of robots such as few numb er of robots or fingers. Such incomplete caging is often called as partial caging, and in which the object can escape from the cage of robots. And then the object is prevented from moving by both geometrical constraints and mechanical effects. The former can be discussed with arrangements of robots and environments, and the latter is investigated with static/dynamic analyses of contact forces. This paper addresses both different indexes homogeneously based on robustness measure for grasping and contact tasks. We introduce a novel interpretation for evaluation of complete/partial caging quality, and show some numerical examples.
Impaired activation of Notch-1 signaling hinders repair processes of bronchial epithelial cells exposed to cigarette smoke
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
Authors: Di Sano, C.; D'Anna, C.; Ferraro, M.; Chiappara, G.; Sangiorgi, C.; Di Vincenzo, S.; Bertani, A.; Vitulo, P.; Bruno, A.; Dino, P.; Pace, E.
Abstract
Notch-1 intervenes in the reparative processes of mucosa by controlling cell proliferation, differentiation and stem cell maintenance. Cigarette smoke alters airway epithelial homeostasis. The present study explored whether: Smokers showed altered Notch-1 expression; and whether in bronchial epithelial cells (16HBE): a) cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) altered the expression of Notch-1, of its ligand Jagged-1 (Jag-1) and the nuclear translocation of Notch-1; b) Notch-1 signaling activation as well as CSE modified Ki67, PCNA, p21, IL-33 expression, cell proliferation and repair processes. Notch-1 expression was assessed in the epithelium from large airway surgical samples from non-smoker and smoker subjects by immunohistochemistry.16HBE were cultured with/without CSE and Jag-1. A Notch-1 inhibitor (DAPT) was used as control. The expression of Notch-1, Jag-1, Ki67, PCNA, p21, IL-33 and cell proliferation (by CFSE) were all assessed by flow cytometry. Notch-1 nuclear expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence and western blot analysis. Repair processes were assessed by wound assay. Smokers had cytoplasmic but not nuclear Notch-1 expression. Although CSE increased Notch-1 expression, it counteracted Notch-1 signaling activation since it reduced Jag-1 expression and Notch-1 nuclear translocation. Notch-1 signaling activation by Jag-1 increased Ki67, PCNA and repair processes but reduced intracellular IL-33 and p21 expression without affecting cell proliferation. DAPT counteracted the effects of Notch-1 activation on PCNA and IL-33. CSE increased Ki67, PCNA, p21 and IL-33 expression but reduced cell proliferation and repair processes. In conclusion, cigarette smoke exposure, limiting Notch-1 signaling activation and hindering repair processes, amplifies injury processes in bronchial epithelial cells.