Image Super-Resolution Based on Sparse Coding with Multi-Class Dictionaries

Sparse coding-based single image super-resolution has attracted much interest. In this paper, a super-resolution reconstruction algorithm based on sparse coding with multi-class dictionaries is put forward. We propose a novel method for image patch classification, using the phase congruency information. A sub-dictionary is learned from patches in each category. For a given image patch, the sub-dictionary that belongs to the same category is selected adaptively. Since the given patch has similar pattern with the selected sub-dictionary, it can be better represented. Finally, iterative back-projection is used to enforce global reconstruction constraint. Experiments demonstrate that our approach can produce comparable or even better super-resolution reconstruction results with some existing algorithms, in both subjective visual quality and numerical measures

Highly Efficient Production of Soluble Proteins from Insoluble Inclusion Bodies by a Two-Step-Denaturing and Refolding Method

The production of recombinant proteins in a large scale is important for protein functional and structural studies, particularly by using Escherichia coli over-expression systems; however, approximate 70% of recombinant proteins are over-expressed as insoluble inclusion bodies. Here we presented an efficient method for generating soluble proteins from inclusion bodies by using two steps of denaturation and one step of refolding. We first demonstrated the advantages of this method over a conventional procedure with one denaturation step and one refolding step using three proteins with different folding properties. The refolded proteins were found to be active using in vitro tests and a bioassay. We then tested the general applicability of this method by analyzing 88 proteins from human and other organisms, all of which were expressed as inclusion bodies. We found that about 76% of these proteins were refolded with an average of >75% yield of soluble proteins. This “two-step-denaturing and refolding” (2DR) method is simple, highly efficient and generally applicable; it can be utilized to obtain active recombinant proteins for both basic research and industrial purposes

Genome-Wide Analysis of mRNAs and lncRNAs of Intramuscular Fat Related to Lipid Metabolism in Two Pig Breeds

Background/Aims: Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can regulate adipogenesis and lipid accumulation. Intramuscular fat deposition appears to vary in different pig breeds, and the regulation mechanism has not yet been fully elucidated at molecular level. Moreover, little is known about the function and profile of lncRNAs in intramuscular fat deposition and metabolism in pig. The aim of this study was thus to explore the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in intramuscular fat deposition. Methods: In this study, Laiwu (LW) pig and Large White (LY) pig with significant difference in fat deposition were selected for use. RNA-seq technology and bioinformatics methods were used to comparatively analyze the gene expression profiles of intramuscular fat between LW and LY pigs to identify key mRNAs and lncRNAs associated with lipid metabolism and adipogenesis. Real-time fluorescence-based quantitative PCR was applied to verify the expression level of the differentially expressed mRNAs and lncRNAs. Results: A total of 513 mRNAs and 55 lncRNAs were differentially expressed between two pig breeds. By co-expression network construction as well as cis- and trans-regulated target gene analysis, 31 key lncRNAs were identified. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes and lncRNAs were mainly involved in the biological processes and pathways related to adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. Conclusion: XLOC_046142, XLOC_004398 and XLOC_015408 may target MAPKAPK2, NR1D2 and AKR1C4, respectively, and play critical regulatory roles in intramuscular adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in pig. XLOC_064871 and XLOC_011001 may play a role in lipid metabolism-related disease via regulating TRIB3 and BRCA1. This study provides a valuable resource for lncRNA study and improves our understanding of the biological roles of lipid metabolism- related genes and molecular mechanism of intramuscular fat metabolism and deposition

Identification and Characterization of CircRNAs of Two Pig Breeds as a New Biomarker in Metabolism-Related Diseases

Background/Aims: CircRNAs, as miRNA sponges, participate in many important biological processes. However, it remains unclear whether circRNAs can regulate lipid metabolism. This paper aims to study the molecular mechanism of fat deposition and provide useful information for the prevention and therapy of lipid metabolism-related diseases. Methods: CircRNA sequencing was performed to investigate the expression of circRNAs in the subcutaneous adipose tissues of Large White pig and Laiwu pig. The expression of circRNAs was further validated by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, circRNA-microRNAs (miRNA)-mRNA interaction networks were constructed using bioinformatics tools. In addition, GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed for the target genes of circRNAs. Results: In the subcutaneous adipose tissue of Laiwu pig, 70 up-regulated circRNAs and 205 down-regulated circRNAs were identified. Two circRNAs (up-regulated circRNA_26852 and down-regulated circRNA_11897), the expressions of which were confirmed by qRT-PCR, were selected for subsequent analysis. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed for circRNA_26852 and its target genes as well as circRNA_11897 and its target genes. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses reveal that the target genes of circRNA_26852 and circRNA_11897 are enriched in pathways related to adipocyte differentiation and lipid metabolism, as well as in disease-related pathways. Conclusions: In this study, circRNA sequencing and bioinformatics technique were used to analyze, for the first time, the expression of circRNAs in the subcutaneous adipose tissues of Large White pig and Laiwu pig. It is inferred that circRNAs might regulate adipogenic differentiation and lipid metabolism. The results provide a theoretical basis for further study on fat deposition mechanism and provide potential therapy targets for metabolism-related diseases

Geochemistry in geologic CO2 utilization and storage: A brief review

 In this brief review, a comprehensive collection of previous studies about geochemistry in geologic CO2 utilization and storage is presented and discussed to demonstrate the importance of CO2-rock and CO2-wellbore cement interactions in geologic CO2 utilization and storage scenarios. For CO2-rock interaction, CO2 injection reduces the pH of brine in CO2 storage reservoir, which triggers dissolution of silicate and oxide minerals in the reservoir. Dissolution of silicate and oxide minerals causes concentration increase of cations and anions, which induces secondary precipitation of silica, silicates and carbonates. For CO2-cement interaction, the interaction between CO2 and wellbore cement results in formation of a unique “sandwich” structure in cement (i.e., one carbonate precipitation zone in the middle and two dissolution zones on two sides). For both CO2-rock and CO2-cement interactions, pH plays a key role in the extent of mineral dissolution and precipitation, and the extent is dependent on pH buffering capacity of the CO2 storage reservoir. The potential of CO2-induced contaminant mobilization in deep CO2 storage reservoir and shallow aquifer is also discussed, and the chance for CO2 injection and CO2 leakage to cause severe shallow aquifer contamination is low.Cited as:Zhang, L., Wang, Y., Miao, X., Gan, M., Li, X. Geochemistry in geologic CO2 utilization and storage: A brief review. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2019, 3(3): 304-313, doi: 10.26804/ager.2019.03.0

Electroacupuncture Ameliorates Learning and Memory via Activation of the CREB Signaling Pathway in the Hippocampus to Attenuate Apoptosis after Cerebral Hypoperfusion

Studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) ameliorates learning and memory after ischemic injury. However, there have been few studies elucidating the mechanisms of EA on learning and memory in cerebral hypoperfusion. In this study, we explored the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) signaling pathway-mediated antiapoptotic action involved in EA-induced improvement of learning and memory. EA at GV20 and GV14 acupoints was applied in cerebral hypoperfusion rats. A Morris water maze task was performed, and the immunoreactivities of pCREB, Bcl-2, and Bax in the hippocampal CA1 area were evaluated by the Western blotting technique. Our findings indicated that (1) EA ameliorated spatial learning and memory impairment in cerebral hypoperfusion rats; (2) EA increased the immunoreactivities of pCREB and Bcl-2 and decreased the immunoreactivity of Bax; (3) intracerebroventricular administration of H89 (the inhibitor of protein kinase A) blocked EA-induced, pCREB-mediated antiapoptotic action and improved learning and memory. These results suggest that EA can ameliorate learning and memory via activation of the CREB signaling pathway in the hippocampus to attenuate apoptosis after cerebral hypoperfusion

Research Progress in Components, Structure and Functions of Human Milk and Bovine Milk Fat Globules

As an important nutrient in milk, fat exists in the form of milk fat globules. Cow’s milk is an important substitute for breast milk, but the difference between its milk fat globules and those of human milk remains to be clarified. In this paper, the main differences in protein composition, lipid composition, structure and function between cow’s and human milk fat globules are reviewed. The types of milk fat globule membrane proteins (MFGMPs) in human milk are significantly more than those in cow’s milk, and there are also obvious differences in the abundance of some special proteins. The composition and distribution of unsaturated and saturated fatty acids in cow’s milk and human milk are also different. Sphingomyelin is more abundant in human milk phospholipids, but in cow’s milk, lecithin is the main phospholipid. In all mammalian milk, the core of the lipid structure is triglyceride, encapsulated by a complex three-layer membrane. In terms of composition and structure, there is heterogeneity in milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) between the same species and different species. By summarizing the differences between human milk and cow’s milk fat globules, this review aims to increase the utilization rate and value of milk MFGM, to improve the structure of simulated milk fat globules, and to further optimize infant formula

High-throughput Sequencing to Analyze Changes in the Structural Diversity of the Flora of Cheddar Cheese during Processing

In order to clarify the microflora structure in Cheddar cheese processing, MiSeq high-throughput sequencing technology was used to analyze the community structure of Cheddar cheese at three stages of processing (post-pasteurization, curdling, and ripening 0, 30, 60 and 90 d) in this study. The results showed that the community structure varies widely of cheddar cheese during processing. The highest microbial community diversity and abundance were found after pasteurization (Chao1 index and Shannon index mean values were 6.09 and 1415.78, respectively). The dominant microflora in the pasteurization stage at the genus level was Stenotrophomonas (21.04%). The community structure was relatively similar in the curd and ripening stages, Lactococcus were the dominant flora in both stages, with abundance averaging more than 85%. During the ripening period, the relative abundance of Lactococcus increased first and then decreased. The community structure in the pasteurized cheeses was different compared to the other groups, and there was less change in the community structure of the groups during the ripening period. This study provides a basis for clarifying the community structure of Cheddar cheese, and has a certain reference value for the expansion of Cheddar cheese microbiome information