Protective role of onion against acute alcoholic fatty liver

Rats were fasted for 8 hours and then fed 3 ml of 25% (v/v) ethanol per 100g body weight and subsequently sacrificed 18 hours later. The levels of triacylglycerols and total cholesterol were significantly raised in serum and liver of alcohol fed rats. However, when rats were fed on aqucous extract of onions (300 mg per 100g body weight) with 25% ethanol, no rise in serum and liver lipids was observed. Alcohol fed to the fats with or without onion extract had no effect on serum, AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase levels. The increase in serum urea in ethanol-fed rats was not altered in rats fed a mixture of alcohol and onion extracts. Values of liver MDA was lower in rats fed ethanol with or without onion extract compared to controls. Onion extract seemed to show a hypolipidemic effect in alcohol fed rats.     

柴达木盆地北缘大柴旦地区古生代花岗岩锆石SHRIMP定年

大柴旦地区是柴北缘古生代超高压带的重要组成部分，与超高压岩石相伴的花岗岩十分发育。这些花岗岩具有两类不同的岩石地球化学特征，I类以Na20／K2O比值小于1、明显的负Eu异常和低sr、高Y为特征，具有S-型花岗岩的属性，Ⅱ类以Na2O／K2O比值大于1、弱负Eu异常到正Eu异常和高Sr、低Y为特征，具有I-型花岗岩的属性，反映了它们的源岩及成因上的差异。锆石SHRIMP U-Pb定年结果表明，大柴旦地区花岗岩的年龄可分为三组，第一组年龄为446.3±3.9Ma，第二组年龄分别为408.6±4.4Ma、403.3±3.8Ma、401.8±3Ma，第三组年龄分别为374.5±1.6Ma、372±2.1Ma。结合区域地质特征，我们认为，第一组年龄可能反映了柴达木陆块与中南祁连板块碰撞的时代，第二组年龄可能反映了深俯冲地下的板块由于拆沉而折返的时代，第三组年龄可能反映了碰撞隆起后造山带上不同块体之间的伸展、滑塌的时代。     

Towards an information retrieval language based on a relational view of data

Among the problems associated with modern information retrieval systems is the lack of any systematic approach to the design of query language interfaces. In this paper we attempt to show how a relationally organised data base is well suited to bibliographic data management, and how, given such a relational organisation it is possible to construct an interface which separates the query language from the physical representation of the data base. It is also shown how such a query language organisation may be usefully interfaced to existing retrieval systems. Finally a query language for retrieval applications is proposed.     

Operating characteristics of hyperbolically and elliptically constrained self-adaptive incremental newton—raphson algorithms

To improve the versatility, stability and efficiency of the Newton—Raphson technique, further extensions and formalisms are generated in the constrained family of algorithms. Specifically, this paper; (i) introduces the use of piecewise continuous constraint bounds and, (ii) extends the formal rigorous base of the constrained scheme by considering such items as convergence characteristics, the existence of safety zones and self-adaptive attributes. To benchmark the enhancements, the results of several numerical experiments involving large deformation elasticity problems are presented. These illustrate the inherent stability and efficiency of the constrained incremental scheme in handling problems with varying curvature definiteness.     

Illustrating Dependence between Random Variables Using Slot Machines

This article illustrates the concept of statistical independence using the example of slot machines that may be played on multiple lines.     

Perceived Psychological Control in Early Adolescence Predicts Lower Levels of Adaptation into Mid-Adulthood

This study examined perceived parental psychological control in early adolescence as a critical stressor likely to be associated with lower levels of adaptation into mid-adulthood. A diverse sample of 184 adolescents was followed from age 13 through 32 to assess predictions to adult adaptation. Perceived parental psychological control at age 13 predicted relative decreases in observed support, lower likelihood of being in a romantic relationship, and lower academic attainment (after accounting for grade point average at baseline) by age 32. Many outcomes were mediated by lower levels of psychosocial maturity and peer acceptance in mid-adolescence. Overall, results suggest that perceived parental psychological control in early adolescence potentially undermines autonomy so as to lead to less favorable outcomes well into adulthood.     

Higher education in Hong Kong — the approach to 1997 and the China factor

Hong Kong has two major economic assets: its geographical location and labour force. Shortage of educated manpower has created a bottleneck hampering economic growth. Substantial emigration flows relating to 1997 is also a problem. Development of higher education and infrastructure are means to ensure sustainable economic growth. The government plans to enable 25% of the relevant age group to attend degree and diploma courses in 1995 through rapid expansion and heavy subsidy.Most families are willing to work hard to provide for their children's education. They believe that their society is full of opportunities, and wealth and education important criteria determining one's social status. While Confucian ethics continue to influence attitudes and values, utilitarian considerations are now significant in the choice of disciplines, extra-curricular activities, staff-student relationship, etc.Rapid expansion of tertiary education creates a shortage of qualified staff and students. Fear of 1997 affects academics' dedication. They have to plan their insurance policy and signs of self-censorship emerge. Meanwhile, localization makes progress and the government begins to support research. Exchanges with China allowed local academics to help Chinese universities to renew their external linkages and establish new curricula.Higher education in Hong Kong has completed its take-off. It has achieved standards of developed countries. In the 1990s, it will attempt to consolidate and improve its quality.This is the updated and revised version of a paper prepared for the conference Hong Kong In Transition 1992 organized by the One Country Two Systems Economic Research Institute in Hong Kong