Heat and Moisture Transfer Depending on 3D-Printed Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Foam and the Presence of Holes for 3D Printing Clothing Development.

Recently, clothing development 3D printing and the evaluation of its physical characteristics have been explored. However, few studies have tackled thermal comfort, which is a major contributor to the wearers' comfort. Therefore, this study was designed to suggest effective materials and hole sizes for clothing obtained by 3D printing to maintain a comfortable clothing environment. In particular, two main variables, namely five different materials and three-hole sizes, were analyzed. All samples were placed on a hot plate (36 °C), and their surface temperature and humidity were measured for 10 min. The samples with only thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) achieved the largest temperature change of 3.2~4.8 °C, whereas those with ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam exhibited the lowest temperature change of -0.1~2.0 °C. Similarly, the samples with only TPU showed the greatest humidity change of -0.7~-5.5%RH. Moreover, the hole size had a larger effect on humidity change than material type. The samples with large holes achieved the largest humidity change of -4.4%RH, whereas the samples without holes had the smallest humidity change of -1.5%RH after 10 min (p < 0.001). Based on these results, various combinations of materials and hole sizes should be considered to fit the purpose of 3D printing clothing.

Investigation of a strategy for improving the Size Korea anthropometric database.

BACKGROUND: It is important for the designers and manufacturers to produce products with good usability and fit. The Korean anthropometric database is important as Korean industries focus on developing products with better usability. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how well the present national Size Korea anthropometric database adopted by companies and industries in Korea, in particular how well the dynamic anthropometric data are adopted. METHODS: The investigation methodology consisted of three stages: literature review, expert review and in-depth interviews. The literature review was based on a PubMed search. An online survey of 1,000 Korean civilians was carried out using a questionnaire developed by experts in anthropometry. Finally, industry professionals and professors participated in in-depth interviews. RESULTS: The anthropometric data appear to be used mainly by universities and research institutions in Korea. Many industries including the automobile, medical, shipping, mattress and construction industries need dynamic anthropometric data, such as range of motion, angle between body parts, spinal curvature, centre of pressure and so on. CONCLUSIONS: The Size Korea database-building process needs to be modified to take into account the needs of companies and industries.

A high concentration of MMP-2/gelatinase A and MMP-9/gelatinase B reduce NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against an oral squamous cell carcinoma cell line.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) from tumors influence the host immune system to reduce antitumor activity. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of MMP-2 and MMP-9 on the natural killer (NK) cell. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NK cells were pretreated with either MMP-2 or MMP-9 in the experimental group but not in the control group. NK cell cytotoxicity against oral squamous cell carcinoma cells (OSCC) were examined using the [Cr51] release assay and the expression levels of surface receptors on NK cells were measured by flow cytometry. RESULTS: NK cell cytotoxicity was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared to the control group. Significant increases in KIR expression and decreases in NKG2D expression on the NK cells were observed in the experimental group. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an additional role of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in an immune escape mechanism of OSCC.