Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dealing with randomisation bias in a social experiment:The case of ERA (WPEG conference presentation)

The UK Employment Retention and Advancement (ERA) programme has been evaluated by a large-scale randomised experiment. It has however emerged that due to the experimental set-up over one quarter of the eligible population was not represented in the experiment: some eligibles actively refused to be randomly assigned, while some were somehow not even offered the possibility to participate in random assignment and hence in ERA. The fact that ERA was a study and involved random assignment has significantly altered how the intake as a whole was handled, as well as the nature of the adviser/individual interaction in a way that would not have been the case had ERA been normal policy. The pool of participants has been both reduced and altered, which is likely to have led to some randomisation bias or, alternatively, to some loss in external validity in the experimental estimate for the effect on the eligible population. The beauty of the ERA set-up and data is that it offers the rare chance to formally measure the extent of randomisation bias or the loss in external validity. Specifically, the key objective of the paper is to quantify the impact that the full ERA eligible population would have been likely to experience had they been offered the chance to participate in ERA, and to assess how this impact for the full eligible group relates to the experimental impact estimated on the potentially self-selected and advisor-selected subgroup of study participants. We separately consider how to deal with non-participation when follow-up information on the outcomes of the non-participants is available (administrative data) or not available (survey data such as earnings). Non-response to the survey and/or to the earnings question among survey respondents can create additional issues when trying to recover the earnings effect of ERA for the full eligible population. JEL codes: C21, J18, J38 Acknowledgments: I would like to acknowledge the many helpful suggestions from Costas Meghir, as well as Electra Small for her hard data work and Ingun Borg, Mike Daly, Christine Daniels, Richard Dorsett, Lesley Hoggart, Phil Robins, Jim Riccio and Stacy Sharman for detailed comments on previous drafts. The usual disclaimer applies. Address for correspondence: Institute for Fiscal Studies, 7 Ridgmount Street, London WC1E 7AE UK. E-mail: barbara s@ifs.org. uk.
Responses to the combination of the glycolytic inhibitor 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG) and docetaxel (DC) in patients with lung and head and neck (H/N) carcinomas

14025 Background: We demonstrated in mouse xenografts that the combination of docetaxel chemotherapy with 2DG is feasible and increases responses against tumors (CancerRes; 2004 64:31–4). Methods: To determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of daily oral doses of 2DG given alone and in combination with weekly docetaxel (DC) in patients (pts) with advanced malignancies who had relapsed after chemotherapy, and to evaluate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of 2DG alone and in combination with weekly DC. 2DG was initially administered orally once daily for 7 days every other week starting at a dose of 2 mg/kg, and DC was administered at 30mg/m2 for 3 of every 4 weeks. A modified accelerated titration design was used. Following completion of the every other week (EOW) 2DG dosing regimen, 3 weeks on and 1 week off (3–1W) dosing; and then continuous (CW) 2DG dosing were investigated. Results: 21 pts were enrolled in the EOW dosing at 2DG doses up to 88 mg/kg/day; another 10 pts were enrolled in the other dosing regime.
Choix technologiques des firmes et équilibres de consommation contestée

Le present article a pour objet de modeliser le probleme d’entente entre producteurs et consommateurs que posent certains choix de technologie de production. Partant d’un modele d’equilibre general en concurrence parfaite, nous montrons qu’il existe dans certaines configurations une asymetrie entre les consommateurs et les firmes. Il en resulte que l’economie ne peut atteindre spontanement l’optimum. Dans les cas de consommation « repugnante », le retour de l’optimum passe par la suppression du marche.
Drug Screening: A Comparison of Urinalysis Results from Two Independent Laboratories

Urinalysis for detection of drug abuse is widely used in pre-employment screening and correctional administration. Substantial protocols have been developed in these applications of drug testing to minimize the impact of any given vendor on results. Much less documentation exists for epidemiological drug testing programs such as the Arrestee Drug Abuse Monitoring (ADAM) program. This paper explores the impact that changes in laboratory vendors and data collection methods have on drug testing results. Here, we report the findings from a comparison study. The project was designed to determine the consistency of the urinalysis results when the same urine specimens were analyzed by two independent laboratories.
Antitumor Effect of Weichangan Decoction on Subcutaneously Implanted Human Gastric Cancer in Nude Mice

Objective:To investigate the effects of Weichangan Decoction,a Chinese Herbal Formula,on tumor growth and metastasis and p-ERK1/2 expression in gastric carcinoma.Methods:Thirty BALB/C nude mice transplanted with SGC-7901 cells were randomly divided into three groups(10 mice per group),and intragastric administered with normal saline or Weichangan Decoction daily,or i.p.administered with 5-FU weekly.Tumor volume and metastatic nodules in lung were observed.Expressions of p-ERK1/2 proteins in the tumor tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results:Weichangan Decoction and 5-Fu significantly reduced tumor volume,quality and number of metastatic nodules compared with controls(P0.05). The expressions of p-ERK1/2 proteins in tumor tissues in the Weichangan Decoction group were lower than those in the 5-Fu and control groups(P0.01). Conclusion:Weichangan Decoction has inhibitory effects on tumor growth and metastasis in SGC-7901 gastric carcinoma,and may be related to down-regulation of p-ERK1/2 expression.
Application of Microbial Transformation in Research of Chinese Medicine

Microbes can catalyze the hydrolyzation,redox reaction,hydroxylation and glycosylation of Chinese medicine.The unique advantages of microbial transformation in the research of Chinese medicine are that it can increase the source of natural active leading compounds,enhance the curative activity of traditional Chinese medicine,weaken the side effects of Chinese medicine,promote the absorption of active ingredients of Chinese medicine,reduce the production cost of traditional Chinese medicine and so on.Microbial transformation has become one of the focus in the research of Chinese medicine.
Relations between Prenatal Testosterone Levels and Cognitive Abilities at 4 Years.

Relations between prenatal testosterone (T) levels and cognitive abilities at age 4 were examined for 28 girls and 30 boys. Prenatal T levels were measured in 2nd trimester amniotic fluid samples obtained by amniocentesis and were examined in relation to scores on tests of cognitive abilities
Feeding on fear: Edible marijuana and disproportionality in US media

Abstract Aims: US marijuana policy is in flux, as some states have legalized it for medical and recreational use despite long-standing federal prohibition. Edible marijuana (edibles) allows consumption without smoke inhalation, yet concern surrounding dosing and its effect is concerning. Cohen’s moral panic framework informs how and why some societal problems are disproportionately constructed and stigmatized, while other important problems are tolerated or ignored. This qualitative study explores the construction of disproportionality within textual US news coverage of legal edibles. Methods: A three-year sample of 349 articles was retrieved and analysed. Analysis was informed a priori by the moral panic criteria of disproportionality, and data reflect headlines and story text purporting to gauge problems surrounding edibles. Findings: Using reports of emergencies, poison centre calls and anecdotes, disproportionality surrounding edibles was constructed using indefinite numeric adjectives while avoiding or downplaying totals and presenting statistics with little context to gauge danger relative to other substances. Edibles were also depicted as causing fatalities, occluding other contributing causes. Conclusions: Deviance was ascribed to marijuana by exaggerating its toxicity when eaten and downplaying important contextual factors. Disproportionality surrounding marijuana supports bases vested in maintaining criminalization policies while drawing attention from other relevant social problems.
Modeling microstructural evolution and phase transformations in material science

The main objective of the research work presented in this thesis was to develop a better understanding of the kinetics of crystal growth phenomenon where atomistic and microscale are tightly coupled as nucleation. To that end a new material science concept on atomistic length and di usive time scales was developed further and applied to the fundamental studies of the nucleation kinetics for the binary alloy system beyond classical nucleation theory. The theoretical approach used in this thesis is the phaseeld crystal (PFC) method. The originally introduced PFC approach [7] can only model certain classes of material systems with Poisson's ratio of 1/3. Thus, it requires an appropriate extension of this approach to overcome these limitations and to extend the applicability of this approach to a wider range of material systems. This extension of the originally introduced PFC model to develop a more generalized model with the capability to model material systems of arbitrary Poisson's ratio [8, 9], is one of the important aims of this thesis. Furthermore, questions around the numerical e ciency as well as the recovery of physical details associated with the scale-bridging approach are also addressed by the development of the complex amplitude formalism which demonstrates the explicit connection between the PFC and PF models [10]. This development of a scale-bridging approach is an important aim of this thesis which facilitates the further advancement towards multi-scale modelling of microstructural evolution phenomena in a wide range of material systems. Finally, an application is presented which concerns a fundamental approach to study the nucleation mechanisms associated with binary systems motivated by their higher industrial relevance. This study successfully demonstrated the usefulness of the nite system size approach for a precise assessment of the equilibrium properties of the curved liquid-solid interface as well as the nucleation barriers beyound the predictions based on the classical nucleation theory and non-classical Tolman formula [12].
Experimental Investigation of Cold-formed Steel Beam-column Sub-frames: Pilot Study

SUMMARY This paper presents the findings of an experimental investigation on the structural performance of bolted moment connections in cold-formed steel beam-column sub-frames. A total of eight tests with three different connection configurations in both internal and external columns were carried out. Double lipped C-sections back-to-back with hot rolled steel gusset plates of 10 mm and of 16 mm in two different shapes were tested; four bolts per member were used in the connections. Among the tests, three different modes of failure were identified and the measured moment resistances at the connections were found to vary from 36% to 97% of the measured moment capacities of the cold-formed steel sections, demonstrating that bolted moment connections between cold-formed steel members are structurally feasible and economical. Furthermore, structural members with double lipped C sections back-to-back are shown to be practical in constructing short to medium span portal frames with bolted moment connections through rational design.
Instruction Begins in the Home: Relations between Parental Instruction and Children's Self-Regulation in the Classroom.

The study examined the effectiveness of 3 aspects of parental instruction for predicting children's self-regulation in school. Fathers, mothers, and their children (52 families) were visited in their homes the summer before the child entered 3rd grade. Metacognitive content (task and strategy information), manner of instruction (small steps at an appropriate pace), and emotional support were coded from parents' instructions to their children for a problem-solving task. Children's self-regulatory behaviors in the classroom were assessed the following school year. Two patterns of relations were observed. Manner of instruction predicted children's attention to instructions and help-seeking in the classroom. Metacognitive content of instructions did not predict these aspects of self-regulation. In contrast, metacognitive content of instructions presented in an understandable manner with emotional support predicted children's monitoring and metacognitive talk.
Impact of CYP2E1 Polymorphisms on the Risk of Esophageal Cancer

To evaluate the relationship among polymorphism with CYP2E1 gene, habit of smoking and alcohol, and their interaction on the risk of esophageal cancer. Methods: Genotyping of CYP2E1 was performed using PCR-RFLP analysis in 78 esophageal cancer cases and 118 normal matched controls. Results: A significant difference was observed in the habit of smoking and alcohol between controls and esophageal cancer cases, but no significant difference of CYP2E1 genetypes was observed. By multivariate analysis, the CYP2E1 C1 /C1 genetype, smoking and alcohol are the risk factors of esophageal cancer, and the odds ratio(OR) are 1.5, 3.1 and 6. 4 respectively. Smoking and alcohol are important risk factors of esophageal cancer, but they can not interact with CYP2E1 C1/C1 genetype and CYP2E1 DD genetype to increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Conclusion:The CYP2E1 C1/C1 genetype and smoking and alcohol are important risk factors for development of esophageal cancer, but there is no an apparent gene - environment interaction found between them.
Computational study of liquid film flows along flat and undulated substrates

Computational Study of Liquid Film Flows along Flat and Undulated Substrates by Phuc-Khanh Nguyen Chairman: Prof. Vasilis Bontozoglou This work presents a computational study of the gravity-driven liquid film flowing along either a flat wall, or a wall with periodic corrugations. The Galerkin Finite Element Method (FEM) briefly described in Chapter 2 is used to solve the two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations with appropriate boundary conditions. For the film flow on a flat wall, the properties of the extreme solitary wave, fully developed and stationary in the co-moving frame, are derived in terms of the flow rate and liquid properties in Chapter 3. Emphasis is placed on high Reynolds numbers, where inertia has a strong influence (drag-inertia regime), and where the predictions of simplified model diverge impressively. Moreover, these solitary waves are found to interact with each other and to form bound-states separated by intrinsically defined separation distances, documented in Chapter 4. Time-dependent computations show that, at short intrinsic separations, a continuous oscillation around the mean separation takes place. Next, the steady solutions of inertial film flows along strongly corrugated substrates are systematically computed to describe the coupling of free surface deformation and recirculation eddy around the bottom trough, in three regimes of subcritical, resonance, and supercritical flow. Finally the numerical methodology for a time-dependent computation and its linearised version are developed in Chapter 6. Time-dependent direct numerical simulation (DNS) results predict a stabilising effect of corrugations on the liquid film flow. They further demonstrate that, above the critical threshold, energy-transfer takes place from long-wave to short-wave modes, and thus the classical long-wave instability is delayed and a short-wave appears first.
Assessment of Test User Qualifications: A Research-Based Measurement Procedure.

The qualifications of test purchasers have been a concern of the American Psychological Association since 1950, when ethical standards for test distribution, on the basis of a 3-level classification of tests, were developed. The standards relied on professional credentials and on occupational titles to screen test purchasers. In response to widespread recognition that credentials and titles were inadequate to screen test purchasers, the Test User Qualifications Working Group used 2 job analysis methods to determine test user competencies. This article describes the results of that research that can be applied to improving testing practices, including (a) 86 test user competencies and 7 factors accounting for much test misuse, (b) a test classification system based on critical incidents of test misuse, and (c) empirically based test purchaser qualification forms. These products are designed to help achieve responsible test use.
Solid lipid nanoparticles bearing oxybenzone: In-vitro and in-vivo evaluation

In the present project, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) bearing oxybenzone were prepared by ethanol injection method to improve its effectiveness as sunscreen. SLNs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential and surface morphology. The optimized SLNs bearing oxybenzone were incorporated into water-removable cream base and compared with SLNs unloaded water-removable cream base for in vitro and in vivo parameters. Cream base formulation containing SLNs (Csd) with 5% oxybenzone showed slow drug release and better sun protecting factor (more than 25) compared to cream base containing 5% oxybenzone. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy was used to visualize the distribution of developed formulations in skin. CLSM indicated prolonged retention of SLNs in the stratum corneum as compared to plain cream base. These studies revealed that the cream base bearing SLNs exhibited good skin retention as well as enhanced sun protection effect compared to cream base.
Facial Expressions Used by Children in a Conflict Situation

72 pairs of kindergarten children were each given a brief play session involving an object with which only 1 child could play at a time. Facial expressions used by children defending their possession of the object were studied. Results showed a relationship between the facial expressions a child used and both his own subsequent behavior and that of his partner. "Agressive" facial expressions were associated with persistent attempts by the expressers to maintain access to the disputed object. Percipients of aggressive expressions were relatively hesitant about making a new attempt to take the object from the expresser. 1 nonaggressive expression was also followed by percipient hesitancy. The relationship of the aggressive expressions to both primate threat displays and human facial expressions of emotion is discussed. Language: en
Management of Frontal Sinus Trauma Associated with Orbital Roof and Nasal Bone Fracture - Case Report and Review of the Literature

The majority of frontal sinus fractures are common in young male adults, which sustain accidents, involving significant amount of force. Treatment of such cases is still a matter of research in neurosurgical and craniofacial surgery. A rational approach to the management of frontal sinus fractures is based on understanding the anatomic relationship of the frontal sinus with the brain and periorbital region and preventing early and late complications. The main goal of a multidisciplinary team is to isolate the intracranial contents and restore function and aesthetics of the frontal bone and orbital area. Although diagnosis and prognosis have progressed due to advances in computer tomography, patients have to be aware of life long problems and risks, even with appropriate management. In this article we present a case of a 32-year old male patient, who sustained such an injury and required specialized diagnosis and treatment.
Desirable Responding Triggered by Affect: Automatic Egotism?

Two experiments demonstrated an increase in socially desirable responding in the presence of affectladen stimuli. Subjects responded "me" or "not me" to trait adjectives presented on a microcomputer. Affect was manipulated by pairing each trait adjective with a distractor word presented nearby. Some distractors were affect-laden (e.g., sex, blood); others were innocuous (e.g., station, lake). In Study I, some trait adjectives were positive traits and others were neutral. Results showed that endorsements of positive traits were increased and speeded up by the affective distractors; denials of positive traits were reduced and slowed down by affective distractors. Both claims and denials of neutral traits were slowed by the affective distractors. In Study 2, positive, neutral, and negative traits were presented. The Study 1 results were replicated with parallel results for negative traits: Denials of negative traits were increased and speeded by the affective distractors, whereas claims of negative traits were reduced and slowed. This overall pattern of results was interpreted as a response-potentiation effect; that is, dominant responses were facilitated and subordinate responses were inhibited. Thus the net reaction to the presence of affective distractors was increased desirable responding. The high speed of this process suggests mediation by a fast-rising arousal or an attentional mechanism. The latter model suggests that self-perception automatically becomes more egotistical. This automatic egotism may underlie a variety of self-presentation phenomena, including certain defense mechanisms.
Maturidade perceptomotora e reconhecimento de palavras: estudo correlacional entre o Bender - Sistema de Pontuação Gradual e o Teste de Reconhecimento de Palavras

The aim of this study was to investigate evidence of validity of the Bender - Scoring System for Grades, by comparison with the Word Recognition Test, starting with the premise that the tests would show commonality in certain aspects. In addition, the study sought to verify whether the B-SPG is sensitive to capture differences in mean for age. The study participants included 297 children, 153 being boys (51.5%) aged between 7 and 10 years (M=9.04, SD=0.88). They were in the 2nd to the 5th year of elementary schooling, at private (27.3%) and public (72.7%) schools, in the interior of State of Sao Paulo. The instruments were applied collectively, and the Bender - Gradual Scoring System pictures were projected. Significant correlations were observed between the instruments. Furthermore, it was found that the Bender - Gradual Scoring System was shown to be sensitive in capturing differences related to age, revealing the aspect of maturity assessed by testing, and also revealed relationship with progress in school stages.
School choice, family characteristics, and home-school relations: Contributors to school achievement?

Urban low-income 5th-graders participated in a school-choice study. Families utilizing choice schools (N = 73) were more likely to be African American, lower-income, and high-risk neighborhood residents than families whose children attended assigned schools (N = 100). Firm-responsive parenting, family togetherness, and family supportiveness also were linked positively to utilization of choice. Parent involvement in children's schooling was higher in neighborhood schools. School choice positively predicted children's mathematics achievement and school orientation. Parents who chose schools rated the teachers as practicing more parent-involvement strategies than parents of assigned students, but teachers reported equal practices. Parent ratings of school quality did not differ between conditions, nor did teachers or parents report better relationships in either condition.