Modules and peripherals

The modules of a robotic station are the devices (apparatus, instruments, racks) used by the arm to perform its tasks. In circular configurations, the modules are referred to as peripherals . 

The number of modules present in the work envelope of a robot arm varies with the number of tasks it is to perform in a given process. Some modules can be as complex as self-contained workstations. Although most of the modules required for the different steps of the process can be provided by either the arm s, or an alternative, manufacturer, some users design and construct their own modules, either because of the specificity of the task or with a view to reducing costs. A detailed discussion of such custom modules is obviously beyond the scope of this chapter. What follows is thus a brief description in relation to solid sample handling. 

A dissolve and dilute module is a dual peripheral that includes a vortex mixer to facilitate dissolution and the obtainment of a homogeneous solution, respectively. 

A master laboratory station (MLS) is a module consisting of three syringes for dispensing liquids in conjunction with the dissolve and dilute module. However, the MLS can be used for additional purposes such as aspirating the phases involved in a liquid-liquid extraction (using a different syringe for each phase) [8]. 

All-purpose hands and syringe hands, available in a variety of designs, are also required elements of a robotic station. Differently sized objects (e.g. sample flasks, test tubes, probes, hold and press push-buttons) call for different types of hand. A syringe hand facilitates the withdrawal of liquids from vessels. Hand design has benefited from innovations devised by academic research groups [10]. 

---

As to be expected from a peptide that has been highly conserved during evolution, NPY has many effects, e.g. in the central and peripheral nervous system, in the cardiovascular, metabolic and reproductive system. Central effects include a potent stimulation of food intake and appetite control [2], anxiolytic effects, anti-seizure activity and various forms of neuroendocrine modulation. In the central and peripheral nervous system NPY receptors (mostly Y2 subtype) mediate prejunctional inhibition of neurotransmitter release. In the periphery NPY is a potent direct vasoconstrictor, and it potentiates vasoconstriction by other agents (mostly via Yi receptors) despite reductions of renal blood flow, NPY enhances diuresis and natriuresis. NPY can inhibit pancreatic insulin release and inhibit lipolysis in adipocytes. It also can regulate gut motility and gastrointestinal and renal epithelial secretion. 

Lancel, M. (1999). Role of GABAA receptors in the regulation of sleep initial sleep responses to peripherally administered modulators and agonists. Sleep 22,... 

Substance P An eleven-amino add neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. [NIH]... 

As mentioned in section 4.3.3, there are two kinds of a receptor in brain and peripheral tissues. The crucial experiments have shown that brain tissue prelabeled with pH]NE will release neurotransmitter upon electrical stimulation or exposure to K+. The release is reduced by the a agonist clonidine (4.42) and stimulated by the a antagonist yohimbine (4.43). Since the adrenoreceptor involved in this latter experiment plays a vital role in modulating neurotransmitter release, it must be presynaptic and located on the nerve-ending membrane. A similar selectivity has also been shown by peripheral tissues (heart, uterus), leading to the distinction of aj (postsynaptic) and (presynaptic) adrenergic receptors. There are also presynaptic [3 receptors, which show a feedback regulation opposite to that of the ttj receptors that is, their excitation by a neurotransmitter increases NE release. 

Galanin is a neuropeptide with widespread distribution in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Human galanin (4.226) is a 30-amino-acid peptide that inhibits the release of other neurotransmitters and in doing so plays a role in memory acquisition, sexual behaviour modulation, gastrointestinal mobility, and the appreciation of pain. 

List of main components, processors and modules, memories, storage, signal converters, networking, communications, and peripherals, including model and serial numbers when applicable... 

Hepatic and peripheral effects of fibrates. These effects are mediated by activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-a, which modulates the expression of several proteins. LPL, lipoprotein lipase VLDL, very-low-density lipoproteins. 

---