Monotone Regrouping, Regression, and Simpson’s Paradox

We show in a general setup that if data Y are grouped by a covariate X in a certain way, then under a condition of monotone regression of Y on X, a Simpson’s type paradox is natural rather than surprising. This model was motivated by an observation on recent SAT data which are presented.We show in a general setup that if data Y are grouped by a covariate X in a certain way, then under a condition of monotone regression of Y on X, a Simpson’s type paradox is natural rather than surprising. This model was motivated by an observation on recent SAT data which are presented.Non-Refereed Working Papers / of national relevance onl

Stimuli Responsive Polymers for Enhanced Drug Release Applications

This talk will focus on the development of polymeric nano-structured systems for drug and gene delivery applications. Two major classes of polymer systems will be considered; namely poly(ethylene-oxide-b-propylene-oxide-b-ethylene-oxide) (Pluronics) tri-block copolymers (FDA approved) and methacrylic acid (MAA) block and random copolymers. These polymers were functionalised with biodegradable or stimuli-sensitive functional groups to produce stimuli-sensitive nano-structure for efficient delivery of drugs and DNAs. The atom transfer radical polymerisation (ATRP) was adopted to synthesize a range of mono-dispersed block copolymers (e.g. PEO-b-MAA, MMA-b-MAA). Ring opening polymerization method was used to functionalize Pulronics with degradable functional groups, such as lactide (LA), and caprolactone (CL). Other stimuli-sensitive functional groups such as methacrylic acid was used to impart pH sensitivity to the polymers. Various types of methacrylic acid block and random cross-linked copolymers and other novel systems, such as fullerene based block copolymers were synthesized. Detailed mechanism and physics that control the micellization, microstructure and drug/polymer interactions will be discussed.Singapore-MIT Alliance (SMA

Contributions of MyD88-dependent receptors and CD11c-positive cells to corneal epithelial barrier function against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Previously we reported that corneal epithelial barrier function against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was MyD88-dependent. Here, we explored contributions of MyD88-dependent receptors using vital mouse eyes and confocal imaging. Uninjured IL-1R (-/-) or TLR4 (-/-) corneas, but not TLR2 (-/-), TLR5 (-/-), TLR7 (-/-), or TLR9 (-/-), were more susceptible to P. aeruginosa adhesion than wild-type (3.8-fold, 3.6-fold respectively). Bacteria adherent to the corneas of IL-1R (-/-) or TLR5 (-/-) mice penetrated beyond the epithelial surface only if the cornea was superficially-injured. Bone marrow chimeras showed that bone marrow-derived cells contributed to IL-1R-dependent barrier function. In vivo, but not ex vivo, stromal CD11c+ cells responded to bacterial challenge even when corneas were uninjured. These cells extended processes toward the epithelial surface, and co-localized with adherent bacteria in superficially-injured corneas. While CD11c+ cell depletion reduced IL-6, IL-1β, CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL10 transcriptional responses to bacteria, and increased susceptibility to bacterial adhesion (>3-fold), the epithelium remained resistant to bacterial penetration. IL-1R (-/-) corneas also showed down-regulation of IL-6 and CXCL1 genes with and without bacterial challenge. These data show complex roles for TLR4, TLR5, IL-1R and CD11c+ cells in constitutive epithelial barrier function against P. aeruginosa, with details dependent upon in vivo conditions

Rheology And Dynamics Of Ph–Responsive Microgel Systems

The colloidal phenomenon of soft particles is an important field of research due to the growing interest in a variety of important systems found in biological science, such as vesicles, bi-layers, membranes, and living cells. Synthetic mono-dispersed colloida l suspensions in the nano to micron size range are increasingly becoming important model systems for the study of a variety of phenomena observed in soft condensed matter physics, such as glass transitions and crystal nucleation. In order to understand the behavior of these complex systems, we need to elucidate the relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic properties of these systems. In this presentation, we report on a study of a microgel system that offers us a platform to understand these relationships, and the physical forces that control their behavior. Please click Additional Files below to see the full abstract

Relationships influencing organisational culture in men's elite football clubs in Norway.

This paper examines the relationships within and outside organisations that have the leverage to influence culture in the context of men's elite football clubs in Norway. Participants from three clubs held positions as Performance Director (n=2), sport psychology practitioner (n = 3), and physiotherapist (n = 2) and participated in semi-structured interviews focusing on the relationships, tensions, and dynamic organisational forces in their respective clubs. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we developed two overarching themes showing (1) Organisational cultures in time frames and (2) Relationships among stakeholders influencing organisational culture. Developing these themes indicated that an organisational culture is not only a point of arrival, but also a point of departure for future activities. Hence, those charged with organisational culture work must maintain awareness of the influence of a club's history and how it influences dynamic tensions with stakeholders within and outside clubs. It is also critical that cultural practitioners are mindful of players' and staffs' individual journeys, which influence how they self-organise into fluid and temporary subgroups. The findings can sharpen our understanding of working with culture in elite football by emphasising other sources of culture besides leaders' attempts at controlling or steering it in their preferred way. Using the findings provided in this study can help practitioners recognise organisational tensions or slippage towards cultural problems before they lead to traumatic organisational crises. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.