Toshiki Sato

Bio: Toshiki Sato is an academic researcher from Tokyo Institute of Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Gesture recognition & Omnidirectional camera. The author has an hindex of 13, co-authored 55 publications receiving 518 citations. Previous affiliations of Toshiki Sato include University of Electro-Communications & Hirosaki University.

PhotoelasticTouch: transparent rubbery tangible interface using an LCD and photoelasticity

Abstract: PhotoelasticTouch is a novel tabletop system designed to intuitively facilitate touch-based interaction via real objects made from transparent elastic material. The system utilizes vision-based recognition techniques and the photoelastic properties of the transparent rubber to recognize deformed regions of the elastic material. Our system works with elastic materials over a wide variety of shapes and does not require any explicit visual markers. Compared to traditional interactive surfaces, our 2.5 dimensional interface system enables direct touch interaction and soft tactile feedback. In this paper we present our force sensing technique using photoelasticity and describe the implementation of our prototype system. We also present three practical applications of PhotoelasticTouch, a force-sensitive touch panel, a tangible face application, and a paint application.

Development of autoimmune diabetes in glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) knockout NOD mice.

Abstract: Aims/hypothesis Type 1 diabetes mellitus, a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease, results from the selective destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Autoantibodies against beta-cell components are used clinically as sensitive markers of this disease; however, their physiological role has not been clear. To investigate the role of glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) in the development of the Type 1 diabetes of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, we analysed and characterised NOD mice with targeted disruption of the GAD65 gene.

Involvement of retinoic acid-inducible gene-I in inflammation of rheumatoid fibroblast-like synoviocytes.

Abstract: Interferon (IFN)-γ is a major cytokine that regulates T helper 1-type immune reactions and serves as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Retinoic acid-inducible gene-I (RIG-I) is an IFN-γ-inducible gene and known to be involved in the inflammatory and immune reactions. In the present study, we found high levels of RIG-I expression in synovial tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), while the expression in osteoarthritis tissues was low. Treatment of cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes with IFN-γ markedly induced the expression of RIG-I. Knockdown of RIG-I in fibroblast-like synoviocytes, with specific siRNA, resulted in the inhibition of the IFN-γ-induced expression of chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 10 (CXCL10)/IFN-γ-inducible protein-10 (IP-10), a chemokine with chemotactic activity towards T cells. These findings suggest that RIG-I may play an important role in the pathogenesis of synovial inflammation in RA, at least in part, by regulating the IFN-γ-induced expression of CXCL10/IP-10.

Bouncing Star project: design and development of augmented sports application using a ball including electronic and wireless modules

Abstract: In our project, we created a new ball, "Bouncing Star" (Hane-Boshi in Japanese), comprised of electronic devices. We also created augmented sports system using Bouncing Star and a computer program to support an interface between the digital and the physical world. This program is able to recognize the ball's state of motion (static, rolled, thrown, bound, etc.) by analyzing data received through a wireless module. The program also tracks the ball's position through image recognition techniques. On this system, we developed augmented sports applications which integrate real time dynamic computer graphics and responsive sounds which are synchronized with the ball's characteristics of motion. Our project's goal is to establish a new dynamic form of entertainment which can be realized through the combination of the ball and digital technologies.

ClaytricSurface: an interactive surface with dynamic softness control capability

Abstract: For a long time, solid planar surfaces have been commonly used for computer displays. Recently, there have been many attempts to provide a flexible element with the display surface to extend possibilities of interaction by utilizing many flexible materials, such as elastomer, sand or clay [Piper et al. 2002]. However, in many traditional flexible display to date, this softness element has been considered as a static element and thus unchangeable. Thus, traditional flexible surface limits the possible interaction that is supported on each surface due to the interactive element being strongly dependent on the physical/chemical properties of display material.

Programming the magnitude and persistence of antibody responses with innate immunity.

Abstract: A feature of many successful vaccines is the induction of memory B cells and long-lived plasma cells that can secrete neutralizing antibodies for a lifetime. The mechanisms that stimulate such persistent responses remain poorly understood. Bali Pulendran and colleagues show that nanoparticles containing two Toll-like receptor ligands, proteins with important roles in innate immunity, can boost the magnitude and persistence of vaccine-elicited antibody responses in primates, improving vaccine-mediated protection against influenza virus. Here it is shown that nanoparticles containing two Toll-like receptor ligands can boost the magnitude and persistence of vaccine-elicited antibody responses in primates, improving vaccine-mediated protection against influenza virus. Many successful vaccines induce persistent antibody responses that can last a lifetime. The mechanisms by which they do so remain unclear, but emerging evidence indicates that they activate dendritic cells via Toll-like receptors (TLRs)1,2. For example, the yellow fever vaccine YF-17D, one of the most successful empiric vaccines ever developed3, activates dendritic cells via multiple TLRs to stimulate proinflammatory cytokines4,5. Triggering specific combinations of TLRs in dendritic cells can induce synergistic production of cytokines6, which results in enhanced T-cell responses, but its impact on antibody responses remain unknown. Learning the critical parameters of innate immunity that program such antibody responses remains a major challenge in vaccinology. Here we demonstrate that immunization of mice with synthetic nanoparticles containing antigens plus ligands that signal through TLR4 and TLR7 induces synergistic increases in antigen-specific, neutralizing antibodies compared to immunization with nanoparticles containing antigens plus a single TLR ligand. Consistent with this there was enhanced persistence of germinal centres and of plasma-cell responses, which persisted in the lymph nodes for >1.5 years. Surprisingly, there was no enhancement of the early short-lived plasma-cell response relative to that observed with single TLR ligands. Molecular profiling of activated B cells, isolated 7 days after immunization, indicated that there was early programming towards B-cell memory. Antibody responses were dependent on direct triggering of both TLRs on B cells and dendritic cells, as well as on T-cell help. Immunization protected completely against lethal avian and swine influenza virus strains in mice, and induced robust immunity against pandemic H1N1 influenza in rhesus macaques.

Printed optics: 3D printing of embedded optical elements for interactive devices

Abstract: We present an approach to 3D printing custom optical elements for interactive devices labelled Printed Optics. Printed Optics enable sensing, display, and illumination elements to be directly embedded in the casing or mechanical structure of an interactive device. Using these elements, unique display surfaces, novel illumination techniques, custom optical sensors, and embedded optoelectronic components can be digitally fabricated for rapid, high fidelity, highly customized interactive devices. Printed Optics is part of our long term vision for interactive devices that are 3D printed in their entirety. In this paper we explore the possibilities for this vision afforded by fabrication of custom optical elements using today's 3D printing technology.

Therapeutic targeting of the angiopoietin–TIE pathway

Abstract: The endothelial angiopoietin (ANG)-TIE growth factor receptor pathway regulates vascular permeability and pathological vascular remodelling during inflammation, tumour angiogenesis and metastasis Drugs that target the ANG-TIE pathway are in clinical development for oncological and ophthalmological applications The aim is to complement current vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-based anti-angiogenic therapies in cancer, wet age-related macular degeneration and macular oedema The unique function of the ANG-TIE pathway in vascular stabilization also renders this pathway an attractive target in sepsis, organ transplantation, atherosclerosis and vascular complications of diabetes This Review covers key aspects of the function of the ANG-TIE pathway in vascular disease and describes the recent development of novel therapeutics that target this pathway

Translational mini-review series on type 1 diabetes: Systematic analysis of T cell epitopes in autoimmune diabetes.

Abstract: T cell epitopes represent the molecular code words through which the adaptive immune system communicates. In the context of a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, CD4 and CD8 T cell recognition of islet autoantigenic epitopes is a key step in the autoimmune cascade. Epitope recognition takes place during the generation of tolerance, during its loss as the disease process is initiated, and during epitope spreading as islet cell damage is perpetuated. Epitope recognition is also a potentially critical element in therapeutic interventions such as antigen-specific immunotherapy. T cell epitope discovery, therefore, is an important component of type 1 diabetes research, in both human and murine models. With this in mind, in this review we present a comprehensive guide to epitopes that have been identified as T cell targets in autoimmune diabetes. Targets of both CD4 and CD8 T cells are listed for human type 1 diabetes, for humanized [human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-transgenic] mouse models, and for the major spontaneous disease model, the non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Importantly, for each epitope we provide an analysis of the relative stringency with which it has been identified, including whether recognition is spontaneous or induced and whether there is evidence that the epitope is generated from the native protein by natural antigen processing. This analysis provides an important resource for investigating diabetes pathogenesis, for developing antigen-specific therapies, and for developing strategies for T cell monitoring during disease development and therapeutic intervention.