While degenerative changes were present in the majority of QF muscles, these changes were not associated with the size of the IF or QF space. However, there was a significant association between the degree of degenerative change observed and (1) an increased approximation of the QF attachments sites; and (2) a narrower intertuberous diameter.
The existence of specific melatonin-binding sites in lymphoid cells led to the discovery of signal transduction pathway for melatonin in human lymphocytes and immunomodulatory role of melatonin in immune cells. In recent years, transcriptional regulation of melatonin on various transcription factors has been demonstrated. Therefore, this study was designed to assess by cDNA microarray analysis the regulatory effects of melatonin on transcription factors in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Forty-six genes were upregulated and 23 were downregulated more than twofold in melatonin-treated PBMCs. Of the more than twofold upregulated transcription factor genes, homeo box A4 (HOXA4), forkhead box O1A (FOXO1A), transcription elongation factor B (SIII), polypeptide 3 (TCEB3), and peroxisome proliferative activated receptor delta (PPARD) were identified. Of the more than twofold downregulated genes, PHD finger protein 15 (PHF15) and zinc finger protein 33a (ZNF33A) were identified. In summary, identification of these genes by cDNA microarray analysis in response to melatonin administration may provide a foundation for further studies on the function of melatonin in human PBMCs.
Due to the increasing demand for high-performance diffuse reflectors in applications including LCD displays and lighting, many studies on the manufacturing of high-performance reflectors have been conducted. Microcellular foamed plastics are characterized as having a structure with a cell size of 10 lm or less along with a cell density of at least 10 9 cells=cm 3 . Since the structural characteristics of these materials were determined to result in diffused reflection, the use of polymers as diffuse reflectors has been studied. In this study, a diffuse reflector specimen was manufactured by applying a microcellular foaming process to polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). The optimum foaming conditions of PEN were determined through preliminary experiments using the Batch process and the specimen was manufactured using supercritical CO 2 . Additionally, to improve the low productivity, which is one of the disadvantages of the Batch process, additional specimens were manufactured while varying the saturation conditions. Through observation of the cross-sections of the specimens, the cell morphology depending on the process conditions was confirmed and then, the diffusion reflectivity was measured.
The microcellular foamed plastics (MCPs) have high material strength, a relatively small cell size, and a high cell density in comparison with conventional foamed plastics. In particular, the small size of cell in MCPs makes many applications possible in a range of fields. Its high reflectivity enables its application as a reflector that is a part of the back light unit in the LED industry. Thanks to its low density and high strength, MCPs can be used as diaphragm in speakers. They also have many other uses. MCPs show a noise suppression property which allows them to be used in the building industry. A soundproofing plate made of MCPs exhibits a better soundproofing property in comparison with a soundproofing plate made of ordinary plastic. In this study, the author manufactured a soundproofing plate using microcellular foamed polypropylene (PP) and assessed the properties of the absorbing and proofing sound. As a result, the findings showed the possibility of using MCPs as a soundproofing plate in the building industry.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.