Sungkyunkwan University

About: Sungkyunkwan University is a education organization based out in Seoul, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Thin film & Graphene. The organization has 28229 authors who have published 56428 publications receiving 1352733 citations. The organization is also known as: 성균관대학교.

Image segmentation by generalized hierarchical fuzzy C-means algorithm

Abstract: Fuzzy c-means (FCM) has been considered as an effective algorithm for image segmentation. However, it still suffers from two problems: one is insufficient robustness to image noise, and the other is the Euclidean distance in FCM, which is sensitive to outliers. In this paper, we propose two new algorithms, generalized FCM (GFCM) and hierarchical FCM (HFCM), to solve these two problems. Traditional FCM can be considered as a linear combination of membership and distance from the expression of its mathematical formula. GFCM is generated by applying generalized mean on these two items. We impose generalized mean on membership to incorporate local spatial information and cluster information, and on distance function to incorporate local spatial information and image intensity value. Thus, our GFCM is more robust to image noise with the spatial constraints: the generalized mean. To solve the second problem caused by Euclidean distance (l2 norm), we introduce a more flexibility function which considers the distance function itself as a sub-FCM. Furthermore, the sub-FCM distance function in HFCM is general and flexible enough to deal with non-Euclidean data. Finally, we combine these two algorithms to introduce a new generalized hierarchical FCM (GHFCM). Experimental results demonstrate the improved robustness and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

Injectable, spontaneously assembling, inorganic scaffolds modulate immune cells in vivo and increase vaccine efficacy

Abstract: Materials implanted in the body to program host immune cells are a promising alternative to transplantation of ex vivo–manipulated cells to direct an immune response, but required a surgical procedure. Here we demonstrate that high-aspectratio, mesoporous silica rods (MSRs) injected with a needle spontaneously assemble in vivo to form macroporous structures that provide a 3D cellular microenvironment for host immune cells. In mice, substantial numbers of DCs are recruited to the pores between the scaffold rods. The recruitment of DCs and their subsequent homing to lymph nodes can be modulated by sustained release of inflammatory signals and adjuvants from the scaffold. Moreover, injection of an MSR-based vaccine formulation enhances systemic TH1 and TH2 serum antibody and cytotoxic T cell levels compared to bolus controls. These findings suggest that injectable MSRs may serve as a multifunctional vaccine platform to modulate host immune cell function and provoke adaptive immune responses.

Injectable Biodegradable Hydrogels

Abstract: Injectable biodegradable copolymer hydrogels, which exhibit a sol-gel phase transition in response to external stimuli, such as temperature changes or both pH and temperature (pH/temperature) alterations, have found a number of uses in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications, such as drug delivery, cell growth, and tissue engineering. These hydrogels can be used in simple pharmaceutical formulations that can be prepared by mixing the hydrogel with drugs, proteins, or cells. Such formulations are administered in a straightforward manner, through site-specific control of release behavior, and the hydrogels are compatible with biological systems. This review will provide a summary of recent progress in biodegradable temperature-sensitive polymers including polyesters, polyphosphazenes, polypeptides, and chitosan, and pH/temperature-sensitive polymers such as sulfamethazine-, poly(beta-amino ester)-, poly(amino urethane)-, and poly(amidoamine)-based polymers. The advantages of pH/temperature-sensitive polymers over simple temperature-sensitive polymers are also discussed. A perspective on the future of injectable biodegradable hydrogels is offered.

Planar CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells with Constant 17.2% Average Power Conversion Efficiency Irrespective of the Scan Rate

Abstract: J. H. Heo, D. H. Song, H. J. Han, Prof. S. H. Im Functional Crystallization Center (FCC) Department of Chemical Engineering Kyung Hee University 1732 Deogyeong-daero , Giheung-gu, Yongin-si , Gyeonggi-do 446-701 , Republic of Korea E-mail: imromy@khu.ac.kr S. Y. Kim, Prof. J. H. Kim Department of Physics Incheon National University 119 Academy-ro , Yeonsu-gu , Incheon 406-772 , Republic of Korea D. Kim, Dr. H. W. Shin, Prof. T. K. Ahn Department of Energy Science Sungkyunkwan University Seobu-ro 2066 , Jangan-gu , Suwon 440-746 , Republic of Korea C. Wolf, Prof. T.-W. Lee Department of Materials Science and Engineering Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) 77 Cheongam-Ro , Nam-Gu, Pohang , Gyungbuk 790-784, Republic of Korea