Showing papers by "The Chinese University of Hong Kong published in 1976"

Attitudes of Hong Kong Bilinguals toward English and Chinese Speakers

Abstract: Bilingual Hong Kong Chinese university students were asked to evaluate the taped voices of Chinese and English speakers on 13 traits. Subjects were unaware that speakers were actually bilinguals speaking once in each language. Chinese guises of the speakers were rated more favorably on seven traits and English guises on four traits. Factor analysis of ratings revealed two major factors, one consisting of traits related to character, and the other of traits related to success. Chinese guises were favored on the former and English guises on the latter.

Isolation of the Uterotonic Principle from Leonurus Artemisia, the Chinese Motherwort

Abstract: A search in ancient Chinese medicinal literature and modern phytochemical references indicates that the therapeutic value of Leonurus artemisia (I-mu ts'ao, the Chinese motherwort) might reside in a uterotonic principle present in leaves. Leonurine (4-guanidino-n-butyl syringate) was isolated from fresh and dry leaves of Leonurus artemisia. The uterotonic effect of leonurine was demonstrated in rat uterus in vitro. Results from this study suggest that functional phytochemistry based on ethnobotanical experience could lead to development of new and effective drugs from Chinese medicine.

A Contribution to Our Knowledge of Leonurus L., I-mu-ts'ao, the Chinese Motherwort

Abstract: This article deals with the ethnobotanical aspects of the Chinese motherwort. Since time immemorial the Chinese people have used various parts of motherwort to meet different physical needs. By the time a written language was developed and the medical uses were recorded. , motherwort was treated as an article of superior quality. At present, under the name of i-mu-ts'ao, the plant is used for improving bloodflow both by official physicians and herbal practitioners throughout the country as well as by villagers in isolated areas. According to Chinese classical literature on materia medica, the early uses were limited to the parts of the plant which met the most obvious needs of the prehistorical people in their struggle for existence-food and pain reliever. Evidently, in their search for food, the ancient people found that the four nutlets contained in the dry and spinose calyx of the Chinese motherwort resemble the seasame seed in size and oil content. They gathered them and used them for food in similar manner as with the sesame. Consequently, they discovered the good effects to the eyesight, the improvement of strength, and the uplift of spirit. These discoveries led to the use of the seed of the species as an eye medicine for improving the eyesight, and as a tonic for the increase of strength and the elevation of spirit. Contagious skin diseases caused serious problems for the ancient people. The use of the leafy shoot for a bath to release the discomfort of itches and shingles was also recorded in the 42-word first medicinal record of the species in the earliest known Chinese materia medica-the Shen-nung pen-ts'ao-ching. Translators of the Chinese classics have included the records of i-mu-ts'ao. According to my knowledge, these works are all partial translations with the selections of the medicinal properties and the omissions on the methods of preparation. They have the outline and abandon the details. Consequently most of them are not clear. In order to provide complete information on the discoveries of the ancient Chinese people on the uses of i-mu-ts'ao, all the records up to the end of the sixteenth century are organized and translated under the following headings: (1) ecological and morphological observations; (2) preparations; (3) physical and therapeutical properties; (4) special prescriptions for internal and external uses-including pills for pregnant women, for mothers post partum, as an emmenagogue, and as a corrective agent, condensed liquid, powder, fresh juice, baby bath and washes, poultices, charred shoots, gargles, drops and cakes; (5) other economic uses-including cosmetics and food; and (6) etymology. The distribution of i-mu-ts'ao is significant in photogeography and in the nomenclature of the species. I-mu-ts'ao was purposely introduced from South China to Linnaeus in Sweden before the publication of the Species Plantarum in 1753. Linnaeus planted the seed in the botanical garden of the University of Uppsala...

Temperate coliphage HK022. Clear plaque mutants and preliminary vegetative map.

Abstract: Wild type phage HK022 was mutagenized by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine to induce clear plaque mutants. A total of 225 clear plaque mutants were isolated and 198 of these were assignable to one or the other of the two complementation groups of the corresponding cistrons which have been designated as cI and cII, respectively. Approximately 25% of the c mutants were found to be temperature-sensitive (cts); producing turbid plaques at 32 C and clear plaques at 38 C and above. From complementation tests involving cI and cII mutants, bacteria lysogenic for cII prophage were frequently obtained. Double lysogens harboring a cI and a cII prophage were infrequently found and single lysogens harboring only a cI prophage have not been recovered. Bacterial lysogens harboring a prophage carrying a cts mutation in the cI cistron were readily obtainable. However, such lysogens show a lethal phenotype at 40 C and above, although they appear to be fully viable at 32 C. It is shown that by incubation of lysogens harboring a cts mutant of the cI cistron at 42 C, it is possible to isolate cryptic lysogens which are non-immune but harbor at least one of the phage sus+ alleles. Genetic data involving cI, cII, and two complementing sus mutants of essential genes are presented. From these data the following vegetative map is deduced: sus4–cII-cI-sus3.

The causal priority between socioeconomic status and psychiatric disorder: a prospective study.

Abstract: We found that socioeconomic status was more likely to have causal priority over psychiatric disorder than the reverse. This finding held separately among men and among women. It is suggested that the social causation hypothesis may be more plausible than the social drift hypothesis. Over the last few decades, sociologists and psychiatrists have been greatly interested in the relationship between mental illness and social environment. There exists, however, a controversial issue : do social-structural forces predispose to mental illness? Or do mental disorders cause changes in social-structural characteri-

Potential anti fertility plants from Chinese medicine

Abstract: A brief review of the history of development of Chinese pharmacognosy and its application to gynecology and obstetrics is presented. An evaluation system is introduced for short-listing some potentially useful and anti-fertility plants. Twenty such plants are listed in order of priority according to our evaluation system. Brief descriptions of the botany, phytochemistry and reputed biological effects are provided. It is hoped that this article may provide an impetus for the development of new antifertility agents.

Response of a liquid surface to the passage of an intense laser pulse

Abstract: The temporal hydrodynamic response of the free surface of a transparent liquid dielectric due to the passage of an intense, focused laser pulse is considered theoretically, and the calculated focal length of the surface lens is in satisfactory agreement with the recent experimental result of Ashkin and Dziedzic. An understanding of this effect is important for answering the question of the momentum of light in a material medium.

The Haemostatic Effects of the Chinese Herbal Drug Yunnan Bai Yao: A Pilot Study

Abstract: The effects of Yunnan Bai Yao on the bleeding time in rats and the blood clotting time in rabbits and man were studied. The medicinal preparation markedly shortened both the bleeding the clotting times; the decreases were significantly more intense than those inconsistently produced by starch or by starch with calcium. These preliminary findings suggest that the action of Yunnan Bai Yao appears not to be due to its pH (5.2) or to vasoconstriction, but other factors such as its calcium content or the physical effect of its particle size cannot yet be excluded.

The cytolytic effect of cobra cardiotoxin on Ehrlich ascites tumor cells and its inhibition by Ca2

Abstract: In the presence of cobra cardiotoxin, cellular constituents from Ehrlich ascites tumor cells leak out into the medium The leakage is detrimental to important cell functions The rate of cardiotoxin-induced cytolysis is dose-dependent and is not affected by cell concentration Calcium ion inhibits the cytolysis reversibly; addition of calcium ion stops the cytolytic action whereas removal of calcium ion by EDTA abolishes the inhibitory effect Among the alkaline earth metals studied, Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+ inhibit whereas Mg2+ potentiates the cytolysis Progression of cytolysis requires a continuous presence of cardiotoxin; removal of cardiotoxin molecules by cardiotoxin antiserum completely abolishes the cytolytic activity The ability of calcium ion to inhibit cardiotoxin-induced cytolysis is probably due to an interference of the binding of cardiotoxin molecules to the cell membrane

The depression of endolysin synthesis in bacteria infected with high multiplicities of phage λ

Abstract: The effect of multiplicity of infection was studied in Escherichia coli with λ phage, using phage endolysin as an example of a late gene product. A very sensitive endolysin assay method was used so that the initiation time of endolysin synthesis could be more accurately determined. It was observed that high multiplicity of infection (1) increases the rate of lysogenization, (2) progressively delays lysis time, and (3) significantly delays and reduces the synthesis of endolysin in λcIII+-infected cells. The extent of delay and reduction in endolysin synthesis increases with increasing multiplicity. In contrast, λcIII67cII68-infected cells show no delay in endolysin synthesis at high multiplicity of infection when compared with the λcIII+ cII+-infected cells. The results suggest that (1) the expression of cIII and cII genes is multiplicity dependent, (2) high multiplicity of infection enhances the expression of the cIII and cII genes, and (3) the expression of the cIII and cII genes interferes with the expression of the late genes. A model to explain how the expression of the cIII and cII genes interferes with the expression of the late genes is proposed.

Linkage Politics in China: Internal Mobilization and Articulated External Hostility in the Cultural Revolution, 1967-1969

Abstract: Studies on the relationship between internal politics and external behavior present many contradictions This paper attempts to modify previous research methods by focusing on the relationship between internal mobilization and articulated external hostility in China during the period of the Cultural Revolution, 1967-1969The findings suggest that during times of authority crisis, domestic mass mobilization tends to be associated with increased antiforeign verbal accusations and mass protests The Maoists manipulated the expression of external hostility for the purpose of mobilizing internal support for their own domestic programs Some suggestions concerning the study of China's international behavior and about cross-national research on the linkage of internal politics and external behavior are provided

Synthesis, acid hydrolysis, and Visible spectra of some bromopentakis(alkylamine)cobalt(III) complexes

Abstract: Complexes of the [Co(RNH2)5Br]2+ type with R = Me, Et, n-Pr and n-Bu have been synthesized. The acid hydrolysis of these complexes have been studied in aqueous solution except for the butylamine complex, in which case the acid hydrolysis has been done in diocane-water medium because the complex is only slightly soluble in water. The acid hydrolysis of these complexes follow a pseudo-first-order reaction rate law and an SN2 mechanism with an octahedral wedge transition state has been assigned. The visible spectra of these complexes, together with [Co(NH3)5Br]2+, have been recorded and the overlapped bands have been resolved into Gaussian curves by least squares. Values of crystal field parameters Dq(RNH2), Dq(Br) and Dt in the complexes have been determined with a method originally devised by Wentworth and Piper. The calculated results agree well with those reported by other workers and a linear relationship previously observed by Mitzner et al. between Dq(RNH2) and ΔH° of proton ionization of RNH3+ ions is also found. Darstellung, Saure-Hydrolyse und VIS-Spektren einiger Bromopentakis(alkylamin)-kobalt(III)-Komplexe Komplexe des Typs [Co(RNH2)5Br]2+ (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, n-Bu) wurden dargestellt. Die saure Hydrolyse wurde in wasrigem Medium untersucht, abgesehen vom Butylaminkomplex, der auf Grund seiner geringen Loslichkeit in Wasser in Dioxan—Wasser untersucht wurde. Die saure Hydrolyse dieser Komplexe erfolgt nach pseudo-1. Ordnung und einem SN2-Mechanismus mit einem oktaedrischen Keiltyp-Ubergangszustand. Die VIS-Spektren dieser Komplexe sowie des [Co(NH3)5Br]2+ wurden aufgenommen und die sich uberlappenden Banden uber Gaus-Kurven aufgelost. Die Werte der Kristallfeldparameter Dq(RNH2), Dq(Br) und Dt wurden nach einer ursprunglich von Wentworth und Piper vorgeschlagenen Methode bestimmt. Die berechneten Werte stimmen gut uberein mit denen anderer Autoren, und ein linearer Zusammenhang von Dq(RNH2) und ΔH° der Protonisation des RNH3+-Ions, wie er kurzlich von Mitzner u. a. beobachtet wurde, wird ebenfalls gefunden.

Resistive Electrostatic Ion Cyclotron Instability in Plasmas

Abstract: The stability of electrostatic ion cyclotron waves propagating obliquely with respect to the background magnetic field is studied for collisional, fully-ionized plasmas in which there is a relative field-aligned streaming between electrons and ions It is found that electron-ion collisions, in conjunction with electron streaming, provides a mechanism for instability The role of electron streaming is to supply a source of free energy and the role of electron-ion collisions is to restrict the field-aligned mobility of the electrons, thus preventing them from establishing a Boltzmann equilibrium Ion-ion collisions and finite ion Larmor radius are found to exert a stabilizing influence The instability is analyzed for both current-carrying plasmas and counterstreaming-beam-plasma systems

Directional anisotropy of dielectric β‐relaxation in oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract: The dielectric β-relaxation in oriented poly(ethylene terephthalate) was investigated over wide ranges of frequency and temperature, with the electric field applied at inclinations of 0°, 45°, and 90° to the draw direction. Pronounced directional anisotropy is observed over the entire range of temperature and frequency. With the external field parallel to the draw direction the dielectric loss is considerably smaller than the value obtained with the field normal to the draw direction. The value obtained with the electric field at 45° to the draw direction is intermediate between the other two. On the other hand, the activation energy is largest for 0° inclination and smallest for 90° inclination. It is suggested that motions of the dipoles involve localized rocking of the molecular chain backbone, particularly when the external electric field is parallel to the chain direction.

Electromagnetic ion cyclotron instability in current-carrying collisional plasmas

Abstract: The stability of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves propagating obliquely with respect to the background magnetic field is studied for a finite-beta collisional plasma carrying a field-aligned current. It is found that instability occurs when the current exceeds a certain threshold value, with growth rate proportional to the electron-ion collision frequency. The instability is stabilized by ion viscosity and ion kinetic effects. A preliminary comparison of the theory with an instability observed in the UCLA arc-jet plasma device is made.

Control of colony formation in Coelastrum microporum (Chlorococcales, Chlorophyta)

Abstract: Colony formation in Coelastrum microporum Naeg. strains 280 and 281 could be controlled by adding 0.75 g l−1 Na3 citrate and 0.1% (v/v) soil extract to modified Bristol's medium with 0.25 g l−1 CaCl2. When growing in this medium, 92% of colonies in strain 280 and 88% in strain 281 could be obtained. Slightly lower percentages of colonies were observed when both strains were grown in modified Bristol's medium with either Na3 citrate or soil extract added. Modified Bristol's medium with 0.025 g l−1 CaCl2 and without both Na3 citrate and soil extract favoured unicell formation in both strains. However, the percentages of colonies increased when the CaCl2 level was raised to 0.25 g l−1 in this medium. Modified Bristol's medium with 1 g l−1 CaCl2 was found to be inhibitory to colony formation.

Translocation of labelled assimilate in potassium‐deficient plants

Abstract: Summary The pattern of distribution of labelled assimilate, and the amounts exported from a source leaf, have been investigated in eleven species of plants growing in a potassium-deficient medium. Comparison with the same parameters for plants growing with full nutrient complement showed no detectable differences in either the pattern or quantity of photosynthate that was translocated.

The New Ethic in China and the Anti-Confucius Campaign

Abstract: to forgetful visitors, give an air of unreality to the new society in the People’s Republic. Although Maoists’ would vigorously debate the issue of the ’sinfu!ness of man’, they would admit that criminal and unethical behaviour has not been eliminated in China. The campaign to criticize Lin Piao and Confucius, which developed like a crescendo in 1973 and 1974, attacked elitism, selfish individualism, male chauvinism and other forms of behaviour that the Maoists see as unethical. This campaign, which must be seen in the context of a series of campaigns including the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution 2, raises questions about what the Maoists mean by the renewal of persons and society. Has a new person and

A comment on the entropy of the Chinese language

Abstract: Some statistical properties of the Chinese language are studied from an information-theoretic point of view. The entropies of Chinese characters, radicals, and Mandarin syllables are evaluated.

Further studies on the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine in retinal development.

Abstract: Neonatal albino rats treated with 6-hydroxydopamine revealed depletion of rhodopsin and monoamine oxidase in their retinas.

Visible spectra of some chloropentakis(alkylamine)-cobalt(III) complexes

Abstract: All four spin-allowed transitions in the visible spectra of the complexes [Co(RNH2)5Cl]2+, R = H, Me, Et, n-Pr, and n-Bu, have been resolved and the relevant crystal field and RACAH parameters determined with a method previously described. The results appear to be consistent within the series and agree well with those reported in the literature for structurally related systems. VIS-Spektren einiger Chloropentakis(alkylamin) kobalt(III)-Komplexe Alle vier Spin-erlaubten Ubergange in den Spektren der Komplexe [Co(RNH2)5Cl]2+, R = H, Me, Et, n-Pr und n-Bu werden zugeordnet und die Kristallfeld- und RACAH-Parameter mit einer fruher beschriebenen Methode bestimmt. Die Ergebnisse passen folgerichtig in die Serien und stimmen gut mit Literaturangaben uber strukturell ahnliche Systeme uberein.

Laser-induced fluorescence in uranium-doped glass

Abstract: Two fluorescent levels were observed in soda-lime-silica glass containing 1% uranium at 5145 and 5242 A. There is a possibility of a third fluorescent level at 5180 A. The emission peaks are attributed to the transitions from the fluorescent levels to the symmetric and antisymmetric modes of the ground state of the uranyl ion. The intensities of the fluorescent systems are dependent on the excitation wavelengths of the argon ion laser and the sample temperatures.

Resolving power in holographic Fourier-transform spectroscopy and the effects of nonlinear film response

Abstract: A general formulation is given, including the nonlinearity of a film’s t-E curve, on the intensity distribution of the reconstructed spectrum in holographic Fourier-transform spectroscopy, and a discussion on resolution follows. It is shown that Rayleigh’s criterion never applies except for a doublet under a special situation. The amplitude cancellation mechanism, which is responsible for a recently reported very good resolution, is not of much advantage when the spectrum is not a simple doublet. A third-order approximation is used to study the nonlinear effect, and a doublet case is analyzed in detail for positions and intensities of the higher-order lines.

The effect of two forms of light on the development of the neonatal rat retina.

Abstract: The effects of red and far red light on the development of the retinas were studied in the neonatal rat models. Red light appeared to be stimulatory and far red light appeared to be inhibitory.