The Taliban Factor in the Republic of Korea`s Afghanistan Strategy

( Niu Song ) 한국국방연구원 2013 The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis Vol.25 No.1

Years of hiding of the Taliban and its comeback in 2006 forms a potential and real challenge to the Republic of Korea`s Afghanistan Strategy. Based on different standpoints, the Republic of Korea (ROK) and the Taliban both have different recognitions of the main contradictions in the three stages between each other. The first stage (2002.July2007), contradictions of anti-terrorism and terrorism activities and reconstruction and anti-reconstruction activities (ROK`s view) and anti-invasion and invasion (Taliban`s view); the second stage (July 2007. end of2009), contradictions of safeguarding and abusing of human rights (ROK) and defending and opposing Islam (Taliban); Third stage (end of 2009 to present),contradictions of assuming and opposing its responsibility to its allies and the international community (ROK) and maintaining and disdaining Pashtu tribal honors (Taliban). While there are complicated contradictions between the ROK and the Taliban and no great progress in the U.S. Afghanistan strategy, it is very hard for ROK to put its Afghanistan strategy into further practice.

An ID-based Broadcast Encryption Scheme for Cloud-network Integration in Smart Grid

( Shufen Niu ),( Lizhi Fang ),( Mi Song Fei Yu ),( Song Han ) 한국인터넷정보학회 2021 KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Syst Vol.15 No.9

The rapid growth of data has successfully promoted the development of modern information and communication technologies, which are used to process data generated by public urban departments and citizens in modern cities. In specific application areas where the ciphertext of messages generated by different users’ needs to be transmitted, the concept of broadcast encryption is important. It can not only improve the transmission efficiency but also reduce the cost. However, the existing schemes cannot entirely ensure the privacy of receivers and dynamically adjust the user authorization. To mitigate these deficiencies, we propose an efficient, secure identity-based broadcast encryption scheme that achieves direct revocation and receiver anonymity, along with the analysis of smart grid solutions. Moreover, we constructed a security model to ensure wireless data transmission under cloud computing and internet of things integrated devices. The achieved results reveal that the proposed scheme is semantically secure in the random oracle model. The performance of the proposed scheme is evaluated through theoretical analysis and numerical experiments.

Thrombospondin-2 Couples Pressure-Promoted Chondrogenesis through NF-κB Signaling

Niu Jing,Feng Fan,Zhang Songbai,Zhu Yue,Song Runfang,Li Junrong,Zhao Liang,Wang Hui,Zhao Ying,Zhang Min 한국조직공학과 재생의학회 2023 조직공학과 재생의학 Vol.20 No.5

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies found that the mechanical stimulation promote chondrogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), along with up-regulation of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2). The aim of this study was to explore the effect of thrombospondin-2 (TSP-2) on the mechanical pressure-stimulated chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs and the possible role of NF-jB signaling in the mechano-chemical coupling regulation toward chondrogenesis. METHODS: Rat BMSCs were isolated, cultured and identified. The time-dependent expressions of TSP-2 and Sox9 in BMSCs under a dynamic mechanical pressure of 0–120 kPa at 0.1 Hz for 1 h were tested by qPCR and Western blotting. The role of TSP-2 in chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs under mechanical pressure was validated by using small interfering RNA. The impact of TSP-2 and mechanical pressure on chondrogenesis were detected and the downstream signaling molecules were explored using Western blotting. RESULTS: Mechanical pressure stimulation of 0–120 kPa for 1 h significantly upregulated the expression of TSP-2 in BMSCs. The expression of the chondrogenesis markers Sox9, Aggrecan, and Col-II were all upregulated under dynamic mechanical pressure or TSP-2 stimulation. Additional exogenous TSP-2 may potentiate the chondrogenic effect of mechanical stimulation. After knock down TSP-2, the upregulation of Sox9, Aggrecan and Col-II under mechanical pressure was inhibited. The NF-jB signaling pathway responded to both dynamic pressure and TSP-2 stimulation, and the cartilage-promoting effect was blocked by an NF-jB signaling inhibitor. CONCLUSION: TSP-2 plays an essential role in the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs under mechanical pressure. NF-jB signaling is involved in the mechano-chemical coupling of TSP-2 andmechanical pressure for the chondrogenic differentiation of BMSCs.

Synthesis of CdS, ZnS, and CdS/ZnS Core/Shell Nanocrystals Using Dodecanethiol

Niu, Jinzhong,Xu, Weiwei,Shen, Huaibin,Li, Sen,Wang, Hongzhe,Li, Lin Song Korean Chemical Society 2012 Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society Vol.33 No.2

We report a new route to synthesize high quality zinc blende CdS and ZnS nanocrystals in noncoordinating solvent 1-octadecene, using dodecanethiol (DDT) molecules as both the sulfur source and surface capping ligands. Different reaction temperatures and Cd(Zn)/DDT molar ratios were tested to optimize the synthesis conditions. Absorption photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize assynthesized nanocrystals. The narrow half width at the half-maximum on the long wavelength side of the firstexcitonic absorption peak and TEM images demonstrated nearly monodisperse size distributions of asprepared CdS, ZnS, and CdS/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals. Only trap emissions of the nanocrystals were detected when the amount of DDT was excessive, this came from the strong quenching effect of thiol groups on the nanocrystal surfaces. After overcoating with ZnS shells, band-gap emissions of CdS nanocrystals were partially recovered.

Identification and Functional Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes Related to Metastatic Osteosarcoma

Niu, Feng,Zhao, Song,Xu, Chang-Yan,Chen, Lin,Ye, Long,Bi, Gui-Bin,Tian, Gang,Gong, Ping,Nie, Tian-Hong Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.24

Background: To explore the molecular mechanisms of metastatic osteosarcoma (OS) by using the microarray expression profiles of metastatic and non-metastatic OS samples. Materials and Methods: The gene expression profile GSE37552 was downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus database, including 2 human metastatic OS cell line models and 2 two non-metastatic OS cell line models. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by Multtest package in R language. In addition, functional enrichment analysis of the DEGs was performed by WebGestalt, and the protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by Hitpredict, then the signal pathways of the genes involved in the networks were performed by Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) automatic annotation server (KAAS). Results: A total of 237 genes were classified as DEGs in metastatic OS. The most significant up- and down-regulated genes were A2M (alpha-2-macroglobulin) and BCAN (brevican). The DEGs were significantly related to the response to hormone stimulus, and the PPI network of A2M contained IL1B (interleukin), LRP1 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1) and PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor). Furthermore, the MAPK signaling pathway and focal adhesion were significantly enriched. Conclusions: A2M and its interactive proteins, such as IL1B, LRP1 and PDGF may be candidate target molecules to monitor, diagnose and treat metastatic OS. The response to hormone stimulus, MAPK signaling pathway and focal adhesion may play important roles in metastatic OS.

Association of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphisms with White Matter Lesions and Brain Atrophy

ZhiLi Niu,PingAn Zhang,Dong Li,ChengLiang Zhu,LiNa Feng,Ge Xiong,NaNa Song,Pei Tang,Feng Liu 대한신경정신의학회 2020 PSYCHIATRY INVESTIGATION Vol.17 No.2

Objective Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) is mainly synthesized in the liver. So far, it is unknown the relationship among APOE gene polymorphisms and WML, brain atrophy. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the associations of APOE gene polymorphisms in patients with WML and brain atrophy. Methods A total of 58 patients with WML, 128 patients with brain atrophy, 112 patients with co-occurrence of WML and brain atrophy and 95 healthy elderly volunteers were recruited from Renmin Hospital of WuHan University. Results Allele E3 was the most common allele. The alleles E2 had significantly higher levels of ApoB and lower age in WML group. The alleles E2 was associated with the lower level of ApoB, LDL-Ch, TCh, and sdLDL in co-occurrence group. The E3/E3 genotype has higher level of sdLDL, but lower age and female frequency in WML. The E3/E4 genotype had higher level of TG, but lower age in WML. Gender, Age, E2, Hyperhomocysteinemia and UA were also significantly associated with disease progression. Conclusion This study found that clinical data, lipids and metabolic complications were closely related to ApoE genotypes and alleles, and also disease progression and type.

miR-380-3p promotes β-casein expression by targeting α_S1-casein in goat mammary epithelial cells

Ning Song,Jun Luo,Lian Huang,Xiaoying Chen,Huimin Niu,Lu Zhu Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2023 Animal Bioscience Vol.36 No.10

Objective: α_S1-Casein is more closely associated with milk allergic reaction than other milk protein components. microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNAs that modulate multiple biological progresses by the target gene. However, the post-transcriptional regulation of α_S1-casein expression by miRNA in ruminants remains unclear. This study aims to explore the regulatory roles of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis in goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). Methods: α_S1-Casein gene and miR-380-3p expression was measured in dairy goat mammary gland by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). miR-380-3p overexpression and knockdown were performed by miR-380-3p mimic or inhibitor in GMEC. The effect of miR-380-3p on α_S1-casein synthesis was detected by qRT-PCR, western blot, luciferase and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays in GMEC. Results: Compared with middle-lactation period, α_S1-casein gene expression is increased, while miR-380-3p expression is decreased during peak-lactation of dairy goats. miR-380-3p reduces α_S1-casein abundance by targeting the 3'-untranslated region (3'UTR) of α_S1-casein mRNA in GMEC. miR-380-3p enhances β-casein expression and signal transducer and activator of transcription 5a (STAT5a) activity. Moreover, miR-380-3p promotes β-casein abundance through target gene α_S1-casein, and activates β-casein transcription by enhancing the binding of STAT5 to β-casein gene promoter region. Conclusion: miR-380-3p decreases α_S1-casein expression and increases β-casein expression by targeting α_S1-casein in GMEC, which supplies a novel strategy for reducing milk allergic potential and building up milk quality in ruminants.

Research on Aero-engine Maneuvering Load Distribution Based on POT Model

Xuming Niu,Hongtao Liu,Cong Xu,Zhigang Sun,Yingdong Song,Qi Lu 한국항공우주학회 2023 International Journal of Aeronautical and Space Sc Vol.24 No.3

The maneuvering load is significantly correlated with the pilot's operation, thus indicating the maneuvering motion of the aero-engine during the actual flight. Accordingly, the establishment of accurate distribution models is of great engineering significance and high theoretical value for the compilation of load spectrum. In this paper, to analyzing the statistics of the normal overload coefficient (NOC) spectrum of aero-engine, a mixed distribution model is built in accordance with the Peak Over Threshold (POT) model. A threshold selection method relating to usage is proposed based on the correlation between the rotating speed and the normal overload coefficient. The normal overload coefficient data which is higher than the threshold is defined as extreme load, while the normal overload coefficient data which is lower than the threshold is defined as medium–low load. The multi-correlation coefficient between the model fitting distribution curve and the measured normal overload coefficient distribution curve lays a basis for judging. As revealed by the results, the measured normal overload coefficient finds good agreement with the mixed distribution model.

Particle Size Dependent Heavy Metals in Road Dusts from Maanshan City, China

Siping Niu,Xiaolong Song,Jianghua Yu,Xuan Wang,Jianjun Lian 대한토목학회 2020 KSCE JOURNAL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING Vol.24 No.5

In this study the road dusts (RDs) <1,000 μm from Maanshan City, China were characterized from the prospects of size fractionated pollution by heavy metals (HMs). Particulates with size <75 μm, 75 − 125 μm, 125 − 250 μm, 250 − 500 μm and 500 − 1,000 μm averagely accountedfor 35.7±11.7%, 14.6±11.0%, 25.3±12.5%, 11.6±8.8% and 12.8±12.9% of the total weight, respectively. This result implies the gravimetric percentage was overall declined with increasing granular size, following gamma distribution function (p < 0.001). It was observed that the highest contents of Zn, Ni, Pb and Cd occurred with the fine RDs <75 μm while Cu with these <125 μm, suggesting HMs preferred to be associated with the fine particulates. Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cr and Cd were present in RDs with bulk contents of 68±30 mg/kg, 285±122 mg/kg, 23±16 mg/kg, 53±21 mg/kg, 432+297 mg/kg and 0.56±0.39 mg/kg, which resulted in geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values as -1.04, 2.35, -2.38, 0.38, 1.54 and 0.18, respectively. Hence, it can be concluded that the RDs had only been significantly polluted by Zn. Person correlation analysis suggests those HMs ubiquitously present in RDs had size-dependent sources.

A novel aminopeptidase with potential debittering properties in casein and soybean protein hydrolysates

Peng Song,Lei Cheng,Kangming Tian,Meng Zhang,Suren Singh,Dandan Niu,Bernard Prior,Nokuthula Peace Mchunu,Zheng-Xiang Wang 한국식품과학회 2020 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.29 No.11

A new aminopeptidase (An-APa) was identified and biochemically characterized from Aspergillus niger CICIM F0215. It had maximal activity at 40 °C and pH 7.0 and exhibited a broad substrate specificity both on hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acid residues at N-terminals. With An-APa hydrolysis for 1 h, the casein-pepsin and soybean protein isolates (SPI)-pepsin hydrolysates released both hydrophilic and hydrophobic amino acids and the hydrophobic amino acids having Q values (degree of hydrophobicity) greater than 1500 cal/mol were remarkably released. Leu, Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Pro, Val and Lys in the casein hydrolysate after treatment with An-APa increased 18.61, 0.84, 11.35, 13.18, 3.34, 6.30, 7.46, and 8.19 mg/100 mL, respectively, and 19.72, 1.47, 18.37, 11.72, 4.61, 4.10, 8.13, and 5.85 mg/100 mL, respectively, in the SPI hydrolysate. Both accounted for 65.0% and 64.4% of total released free amino acids from casein and SPI hydrolysates, respectively. This indicated that An-APa could be potentially applicable in debittering protein hydrolysates.