BackgroundThe skin has many important functions such as protection, preservation, temperature regulation, and vitamin D synthesis. It is composed of a variety of cell types including keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts.ObjectiveWe attempted to compare the gene expression profiles between keratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblast, using cDNA microarray.MethodsKeratinocytes, melanocytes and fibroblasts were primary cultured from five foreskin specimens. Total RNAs were extracted and pooled to reduce the individual variations, and then used for cDNA microarray.ResultsTotal 12,028 genes were selected as the reliable genes whose expression was detected in at least one of the three cell types. By comparing the relative expression levels with cutoff limitation as a fourfold change, we obtained 126 fibroblast-specific, 179 keratinocyte-specific and 173 melanocyte-specific genes, many of which are known to be characteristically expressed in each cell type. In addition, we identified many genes whose skin-specific functions have not yet been determined.ConclusionOur data provide important information on which to base further investigation into the specification of skin cell types.

Brazing of aluminum nitride (AlN), which is a good ceramic substrate in high power electronic applications, to copper was investigated using In-base active fillers. Compositions of brazing fillers were chosen as In–1 wt.% Ti (IT1), In–19 wt.% Ag–2 wt.% Ti (IAT2), In–15 wt.% Ti (IT15), and In–52 wt.% Ag–20 wt.% Cu–3 wt.% Ti (ACIT3). Brazing operation was performed in vacuum at temperatures of 650–900 °C. The brazing fillers showed good wetting on AlN and led to a strong bond between AlN and braze alloy. From the microstructural analysis, no evidence of reaction layer was clearly found at the interface under the experimental brazing conditions. The composition of brazing alloy layer changed into Cu9In4 phase due to the extensive dissolving of Cu from base metal. Bond strength, measured by 4-point bend test, was obtained as high as 23–30 kgf for the Cu/AlN/Cu joint brazed with IT15 and ACIT3 fillers, and shown to be nearly constant even when the temperature was varied within 700–800 °C. Most of the fracture appeared to proceed through the interior of the AlN ceramic. Based on the experimental results, it is believed that a strong bonding between AlN and braze alloy can be achieved without the apparent forming of a Ti-rich reaction layer at the interface.

A feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of plant extracts derived from Mentha arvensis (MA) and Geranium thunbergii (GT) on broiler performance, carcass yield, digestive organ weights, meat quality and odorous gas emissions from the excreta. A total of 210 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly assigned to one of the following dietary treatments for five weeks: (1) control, (2) 0.1% MA, (3) 0.05% GT, (4) 0.1% GT and 0.1% mixed preparation with varying ratios such as (5) 0.1% 1MA:1GT, (6) 0.1% 1MA:4GT and (7) 0.1% 4MA:1GT. The weight gain (0–3 weeks) was significantly (P<0.01) increased in response to dietary inclusion of plant extracts; however, no significant differences were observed in breast and thigh meat yield (P>0.05). Additionally, no differences were observed in proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, small and large intestine weight. When compared with the control group, birds fed plant extracts had the lowest meat TBARS value after 0 and 3 weeks of storage (P<0.05). Moreover, the pH value was significantly lower (P<0.05) in the plant extract supplemented groups at 0 weeks. The faecal H2S emissions were significantly reduced at 0 h and 6 h in all supplemented groups relative to the control (P<0.05). Similarly, NH3 emissions were reduced at 0 h and 6 h for all supplemented groups except the 0.1% 1MA:1GT group (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present study indicate that plant extracts supplementation can be used to improve performance and meat quality of broiler chickens while reducing the emission of harmful gases from the excreta.

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