Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogeneous Discounting via Wealth, Twin-peaks and the Role of Technology

The article gives new answers to the two following questions: One, what can be a potential source of the twin-peaks of economic growth? Two, why were some of the countries that were believed to belong to the group of low steady state countries (like Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, etc.) able to reach a convergence path which led them to a high steady state? We endogenize the time preference rate via a broad measure of wealth and provide empirical evidence that wealth affects the discount rate negatively. We provide sufficient conditions for multiplicity of equilibria and demonstrate how endogenous discounting via wealth leads to the twin-peaks of economic growth. We prove that improvements in technology can help avoid the Twin-Peaks.
The Relation Between Valence and Arousal in Subjective Experience Varies With Personality and Culture.

OBJECTIVE While in general arousal increases with positive or negative valence (a so-called V-shaped relation), there are large differences among individuals in how these two fundamental dimensions of affect are related in people's experience. In two studies, we examined two possible sources of this variation: personality and culture. METHOD In Study 1, participants (Belgian university students) recalled a recent event that was characterized by high or low valence or arousal and reported on their feelings and their personality in terms of the Five-Factor Model. In Study 2, participants from Canada, China/Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, and Spain reported on their feelings in a thin slice of time and on their personality. RESULTS In Study 1, we replicated the V-shape as characterizing the relation between valence and arousal, and identified personality correlates of experiencing particular valence-arousal combinations. In Study 2, we documented how the V-shaped relation varied as a function of Western versus Eastern cultural background and personality. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the steepness of the V-shaped relation between valence and arousal increases with Extraversion within cultures, and with a West-East distinction between cultures. Implications for the personality-emotion link and research on cultural differences in affect are discussed.
Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP do not predict progressive joint damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis treated with prednisolone: a randomised study

Objective To analyse if predictors of radiographic progression differ between patients treated with or without prednisolone in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Radiographs of hands and feet were assessed using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score and radiographic progression was defined as an increase in the total Sharp score above 5.8 (the smallest detectable change). Design Prospective, randomised study of patients with early RA. Setting Secondary level of care; six participating centres from southern Sweden; both urban and rural populations. Participants In all, 225 patients, 64% women, with a diagnosis of RA according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, were included if they were between 18 and 80 years of age and had a disease duration of less than 1 year. Intervention The patients were randomised to 7.5 mg prednisolone daily for 2 years (P-group; n=108) or no prednisolone (NoP-group; n=117) when they started with their first disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug and were prospectively followed for 2 years. Results The frequency of patients with radiographic progression after 2 years was 26% in the P-group and 39% in the NoP-group (p=0.033). Relevant interactions between treatment and rheumatoid factor (RF) (p=0.061) and between treatment and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide 2 (anti-CCP) (p=0.096) were found. RF and anti-CCP independently predicted radiographic progression only in the NoP-group, OR (95% CI) 9.4 (2.5 to 35.2), p=0.001 and OR (95% CI) 8.7 (2.5 to 31.3), p=0.001, respectively. Conclusions The presence of RF and anti-CCP predicted radiographic progression in patients not treated with prednisolone but failed to predict progression in patients treated with this drug. The data suggest that early treatment with prednisolone may modulate not only inflammation but also autoimmunity-associated pathogenetic mechanisms. Trial registration number ISRCTN20612367.
Naja atra snakebite in Taiwan

Abstract Background: Naja atra snakebite is uncommon in Taiwan and causes distinct effects on its victims. Although the Taiwan government produces its own specific antivenom, little information on the management of N. atra snakebite is available. Materials and methods: We retrospectively evaluated 183 patients admitted to two medical centers. Of these, 45 were identified as definite cases of N. atra snakebite, 86 as suspected cases, and 52 as clinical cases. Demographic data, symptomatology, and management were compared between these case groups. Results: Symptomatology and management were similar in the three groups. Among the 183 patients, 10 (5.5%) were asymptomatic and nine (4.9%) had transient and partial ptosis or body weakness. The principal effects were local tissue swelling and pain in 173 patients (94.5%), followed by clinically suspected wound infection in 148 (80.9%), skin necrosis in 120 (65.6%), necrotizing soft tissue infection in 77 (42.1%), fever in 59 (32.2%), and gastrointestinal effects in 53 (29%). The median total dose of specific antivenom needed to treat N. atra envenoming was 10 vials. In the envenomed patients, debridement was required in 74 patients (42.8%), fasciotomy/fasciectomy in 46 (26.6%), and finger or toe amputation in seven (4%). The first operation was performed at a median of 3.5 days after the bite. Discussion and conclusions: Based on these typical manifestations, clinical diagnosis of N. atra snakebites may be feasible and practical. In contrast to other snakes of Elapidae family, N. atra bite did not cause serious neurological effects. Early surgical consultation should be obtained because half of the patients underwent surgery due to infectious complications. Acute compartment syndrome was the surgical indication in rare cases; however, overestimation of the incidence may have occurred. This syndrome should be confirmed by serial intracompartmental pressure monitoring instead of only physical examination, and a sufficient dose of antivenom should be given prior to surgical decompression.
Infection, antibiotic therapy and risk of colorectal cancer: A nationwide nested case–control study in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus are at a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The objective of our study was to examine the inter‐relationship among infection sites, systemic antibiotic use and risk of CRC among patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. From a diabetic cohort from the Taiwan's National Health Insurance claims database, we identified 3,593 incident colon cancer cases, 1,979 rectal cancer cases and 22,288 controls and conducted a nested case–control study to examine the association between antibiotic use and CRC incidence. Logistic regression models were applied to estimate the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) between infection sites, antibiotic use and CRC incidence. Patients with intra‐abdominal infection were significantly associated with increased risk for colon cancer (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.73–2.35) and rectal cancer (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.26–2.00). Any antianaerobic antibiotic use was associated with a higher risk of colon cancer (OR = 2.31, 95% CI = 2.12–2.52) and rectal cancer (OR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.50–1.90) but without an obvious dose–response relationship for cumulative use. Antianaerobic antibiotics also increased the risks for those with nonintra‐abdominal infection. No association was found between antiaerobic agent use and the CRC risk. The results suggest intra‐abdominal infections and antianaerobic antibiotic use may be a marker for precancerous lesions or early CRC, although the possibility of antianaerobic antibiotics playing an additional role cannot be excluded. Further research examining the relationship between intra‐abdominal infection, antianaerobic antibiotics use and possible change of microbiota leading to colorectal carcinogenesis is warranted.
A tale of the two PEGylated liposomal doxorubicins

Dear editor We are writing this letter in response to the article “Outcomes analysis of an alternative formulation of PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin in recurrent epithelial ovarian carcinoma during the drug shortage era” by Berger et al and published in August 2014.1 This paper is one of the earliest reports of the outcome of using Lipodox® available in the Western medical literature. There are two PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin formulations, with the brand names Lipodox and Lipo-Dox®. Lipodox is manufactured by Sun Pharma and has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration as a generic of Doxil® since February 4, 2013.2 Lipo-Dox is manufactured by TTY Biopharm, and has a lipid formulation different to that of Doxil and has a longer half-life;3 it has been sold in Taiwan and many Asian countries since 1998, and is probably the alternative formulation referenced in the paper by Berger et al.1 Berger et al incorrectly referenced two Asian ovarian cancer trials for efficacy and survival data for Lipodox, and we need to set the record straight that the Taiwanese trial used TTY Biopharm Lipo-Dox,4 and that the Japanese trial most likely used the originator Doxil.5 Another smaller study using single-agent TTY Biopharm Lipo-Dox in patients with ovarian cancer refractory to both cisplatin and paclitaxel produced efficacy similar to that reported by Chou et al6 but with no serious toxicity because of a slightly lower dose (see Table 1). Table 1 Clinical trials reporting single-agent liposomal doxorubicin therapy for refractory ovarian cancer, with dosage, response, survival, and toxicity information
The need to re-investigate the nature of homoplastic characters: an ontogenetic case study of the 'bracteoles' in Atripliceae (Chenopodiaceae).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Within Chenopodioideae, Atripliceae have been distinguished by two bracteoles enveloping the female flowers/fruits, whereas in other tribes flowers are described as ebracteolate with persistent perianth. Molecular phylogenetic hypotheses suggest 'bracteoles' to be homoplastic. The origin of the bracteoles was explained by successive inflorescence reductions. Flower reduction was used to explain sex determination. Therefore, floral ontogeny was studied to evaluate the nature of the bracteoles and sex determination in Atripliceae. METHODS Inflorescences of species of Atriplex, Chenopodium, Dysphania and Spinacia oleracea were investigated using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS The main axis of the inflorescence is indeterminate with elementary dichasia as lateral units. Flowers develop centripetally, with first the formation of a perianth primordium either from a ring primordium or from five individual tepal primordia fusing post-genitally. Subsequently, five stamen primordia originate, followed by the formation of an annular ovary primordium surrounding a central single ovule. Flowers are either initially hermaphroditic remaining bisexual and/or becoming functionally unisexual at later stages, or initially unisexual. In the studied species of Atriplex, female flowers are strictly female, except in A. hortensis. In Spinacia, female and male flowers are unisexual at all developmental stages. Female flowers of Atriplex and Spinacia are protected by two accrescent fused tepal lobes, whereas the other perianth members are absent. CONCLUSIONS In Atriplex and Spinacia modified structures around female flowers are not bracteoles, but two opposite accrescent tepal lobes, parts of a perianth persistent on the fruit. Flowers can achieve sexuality through many different combinations; they are initially hermaphroditic, subsequently developing into bisexual or functionally unisexual flowers, with the exception of Spinacia and strictly female flowers in Atriplex, which are unisexual from the earliest developmental stages. There may be a relationship between the formation of an annular perianth primordium and flexibility in floral sex determination.
Hong Kong as a Global Metropolis: Industrial metropolis

List of figures List of maps List of tables Preface 1. Enigma 2. Intermediaries of capital 3. From Canton to Hong Kong 4. Hub of the China trade 5. Chinese and foreign social networks of capital 6. Trade and finance center for Asia 7. Industrial metropolis 8. Global metropolis for Asia 9. Hong Kong, China Bibliography Index.
HONG KONG INSTITUTE FOR MONETARY RESEARCH ® THE CHINESE ECONOMIES IN GLOBAL CONTEXT : THE INTEGRATION PROCESS AND ITS DETERMINANTS

The linkages between the People’s Republic of China and the other Chinese economies of Hong Kong and Taiwan are assessed, and compared against the linkages with Japan and the US. We first characterize the time series behavior of three criteria of integration, namely real interest parity, uncovered interest parity, and relative purchasing power parity. There is evidence that these parity conditions tend to hold over longer periods between the People’s Republic of China and all other economies, although they do not hold instantaneously. Overall, the magnitude of deviations from the parity conditions is shrinking over time. Amongst all, however, Hong Kong exhibits indications of a more advanced level of integration with the mainland. We also find that evidence is surprisingly positive for integration with the US. We then turn to examining the determinants of the degree of integration. Regression results suggest that the degree of financial and real integration depend upon the extent of capital controls, foreign direct investment linkages as well as exchange rate volatility.
Risk Factors for Asymptomatic Ventricular Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Objective. The aim of the study was to describe echocardiographic abnormalities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, concurrent systemic comorbidities, rheumatologic clinical activity, serologic markers of rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory activity. Methods. In an observational, cross-sectional study, rheumatoid arthritis outpatients were included (n = 105). Conventional transthoracic echocardiographic variables were compared between patients with arthritis and non-RA controls (n = 41). For rheumatoid arthritis patients, articular activity and rheumatologic and inflammatory markers were obtained. Results. Ventricular dysfunction was found in 54.3% of the population: systolic (18.1%), diastolic (32.4%), and/or right (24.8%), with lower ejection fraction (P < 0.0001). Pulmonary hypertension was found in 46.9%. Other echocardiographic findings included increased left atrial diameter (P = 0.01), aortic diameter (P = 0.01), ventricular septum (P = 0.01), left ventricular posterior wall (P = 0.013), and right ventricular (P = 0.01) and atrial diameters compared to control subjects. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies levels were significantly elevated in cases with ventricular dysfunction. Angina and myocardial infarction, diabetes, and dyslipidemia were the main risk factors for ventricular dysfunction. Conclusions. Ventricular dysfunction is common in rheumatoid arthritis and associated with longer disease duration and increased serologic markers of rheumatoid arthritis. Screening for cardiac abnormalities should be considered in this kind of patients.
The Impact of Technology-Enhanced Student Teacher Supervision on Student Teacher Knowledge, Performance, and Self-Efficacy during the Field Experience

The eSupervision instructional program is a series of five online modules housed in a content management system that support triad members (student teachers, cooperating teachers, university supervisors) during the field experience. The program was designed on a cognitive apprenticeship framework and uses a variety of technology to support both novice and expert activities, including online discussion forums, guided observations, video reflection, and a lesson plan performance support system. Forty-one student teachers (19 eSupervision, 22 non-eSupervision) completed a statewide assessment of knowledge and performance at the conclusion of their student teaching. Seventeen (8 eSupervision, 9 non-eSupervision) also completed a pre- and post-efficacy measure. After accounting for their experiences with the cooperating teacher, the results indicate a non-significant difference in teaching knowledge and performance and a statistically significant interaction in self-efficacy favoring eSupervision students. Implications for teacher education and the practices that improve the supervision of student teachers are discussed.
Social ideas and social change in Bengal, 1818-1835

In this meticulously documented and closely reasoned volume, Professor Edgar Wickberg has published a study of economic, cultural and social activities of the Philippine Chinese. He suggests that the objective of this study "is to describe the economic and social position of the Chinese in the Philippines as of 18501898" (vii). Furthermore, he acknowledges the twofold purpose of the study to be "the exploration of a hitherto neglected phase in the development of the Philippine Chinese community" and the introduction of "unpublished materials from the Philippine National Archives" (viii-ix). He has achieved both objectives and opened the door to the "neglected phase" of the Philippine Chinese in the nineteenth century. Several questions and assumptions raised in the book will encourage scholars to undertake further study in examining this important national minority group. The author deals with the Chinese position before 1850, the growth of Chinese activities in the Philippine economy, social contraction of the Chinese in the face of indigenous nationalism manifested in an anti-Chinese feeling, and the subsequent development of the overseas Chinese institutional ties with China. Professor Wickberg has drawn a number of conclusions: the factor responsible for an increase in Chinese influx in the later nineteenth century was not the liberal immigration act of 1839. Rather, it was such economic factors as the opening of Philippine ports to world trade, Chinese access to the government's tax-collecting monopoly contracts, the founding of Hong Kong, and improved transportation facilities. He dismisses the less convincing contention of other scholars that a most-favored nation clause in the 1864 Sino-Spanish Treaty helped expand Chinese emigration. He also points out that, as trade opportunities with the West and China grew, the Philippine Chinese ceased to be retail dealers, distributors and artisans but became commercial agents, wholesalers, processors, and importer-exporters. In the process of their economic transformation, they developed JOURNAL OF ASIAN STUDIES
Cross-Cultural Issues in Parent-Professional Interactions: A Qualitative Study of Perceptions of Asian American Mothers of Children with Developmental Disabilities

This study investigated the perspectives of 23 first-generation Asian American mothers of children with developmental disabilities. The intent was to explore the working relationships between the mothers and professionals in health care and special education in the United States. The participants in this study were from China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Korea, Japan, and India. Data were drawn from semi-structured interviews conducted over 16 months of field-work. The study revealed that mothers endured significant hardships because of communication and cultural barriers. Levels of English proficiency and acculturation as well as a variety of cultural factors were found to be the primary determinants of their perceptions of interactions with the professionals. Implications for professional practice and support for Asian American mothers are discussed.
Lexical tone disruption in Cantonese aphasic speakers

This study reports on the nature of tonal disruption in brain-damaged subjects. The language selected for investigation was Cantonese, a Chinese dialect spoken in southern China and Hong Kong with six lexical tones. Brain-damaged subjects were asked to identify and produce Cantonese words in isolation. It was found that lexical tone disruption is a generalized sign in aphasia. There was no evidence that there exists a particular pattern of tonal disruption in any specific type of aphasia. Results also indicated tonal disruption in both production and perception tasks. This impairment was often more severe with the perceptual ability than the production. Indeed, the data suggested that tonal disruption can be a disorder at either the phonological or phonetic level.
The Magnitude and Resilience of Trust in the Center

This article proposes two explanations for why public confidence in China’s central authorities has appeared high and stable since the early 1990s. Drawing on interviews with petitioners in Beijing, it argues that trust in the Center is resilient in the sense that individuals who might be expected to lose trust often manage to retain it by redefining what constitutes the Center and what is trustworthy about it. On one hand, they remain confident by excluding authorities they find untrustworthy from the Center. On the other hand, they remain confident in the Center’s commitment even when they no longer trust its capabilities. Drawing on a local survey conducted in 2011, this article suggests that global and generic measures used in national surveys may overstate the amount of public confidence in central authorities by missing two subtle variations. First, people may sound confident about central leaders in general while they only trust one or some leaders. Second, people may sound fully confident about central leaders while they only have partial trust.