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According to the United Nations, the total fertility rate - the number of children a
woman may be expected to bear during her lifetime - has fallen in every region of the
world since 1950. From an average of nearly six children per woman in the 1950s,
total fertility rate fell to three children in Latin America, 3.4 in India, and 3.5 in other
parts of Asia by theearly to mid-1990s. The only major exception to this sustained
downtrend is in North America, where the recent increase in total fertility rate appears
to be a transitory phenomenon associated with immigration and a large number of
baby-boom women deciding to have children relatively late in their lives
As significant as declining total fertility rates worldwide is the fact that, from 1990 to
1995, the rates in Europe, China, and North America were below the 2.1 average
children per woman needed to sustain population worldwide over the long run. The
United Nations' medium population projection of 2.1 children after 2040 is widely
used as a demographic forecast, but it unrealistically assumes that this rate will be the
same in both developed and developing countries. Many researchers, such as
Wolfgang Lutz of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis, do not
support the UN assertion that fertility would increase to replacement level in
developed countries. Lutz and others cite evidence pointing toward low fertility,
noting contraception, declining marriage rates, high divorce rates, increasing
independence and career orientation of women, materialism, and consumerism.
These factors, together with increasing demands and personal expectations for
attention, time, and also money to be given to children, are likely to result in fewer
couples having more than one or two children and an increasing number of childless
women,"Lutz and his colleagues write in The Future Population of the World. The
United Nations has a second scenario - the low/medium scenario - that presumes
fertility averaging 1.9 children per woman for all regions by 2025. This scenario may
be as unrealistic as the medium population scenario. The low/medium scenario may
underestimate future total fertility rates in developing countries, just as the UN
medium scenario may overestimate future total fertility rate in developed countries
The low/medium scenario projects a peak world population of 7.9 billion people in
2050, declining to 6.4 billion by 2150. The medium scenario projects a peak world
population of just less than 11 billion by approximately 2200. Most other projections,
however, predict peak global population in less than a century, followed by negative
population growth
These 1998 UN population figures were revised in 2000, and the new estimates,
though tentative, indicate population trends even lower than the 1998 predictions. The
low/medium scenario is comparable to what the United Nations now calls the low
variant forworldwide populations. Given the low variant, the United Nations predicts
that world population in 2050 will be 7.8 billion--slightly less than the 7.9 billion
projected under the low/medium scenario. It is predicted that the United Nations will
continue to revise population trends downward and that negative population growth
will occur even sooner than 2150. However, because the 2000 population data remain
tentative and do not extend to 2150, it is preferable to continue to rely on the 1998
data.
1. Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?
(A) immigrates to the United States give birth to fewer children than they would
have, had they remained in their native countries
(B) immigrates to the United States give birth to more children than they would
have, had they remained in their native countries
(C) more immigrates to the United States give birth to fewer children than they
would have, had they remained in their native countries
(D) less immigrates to the United States give birth to more children than they
would have, had they remained in their native countries
(E) immigrates to the United States give birth to fewer children, on average,
than native born American woman
The best answer is E. Since elevated fertility rate can be partly accounted for by
immigration, it can be inferred that the immigrants give birth to more children
than do native Americans, on average.
2. It can be inferred from the passage that
(A) the birth rate in South-East Asia has risen since the 1950s
(B) the birth rate in Africa has declined since the 1950s
(C) the birth rate in North America has declined since the 1950s
(D) the birth rate in North America is higher than the death rate
(E) the birth rate in North America is lower than the death rate
The best answer is B. According to the passage the fertility rate has declined in
every region of the world except North America, therefore it can be inferred that
the fertility rate dropped in Africa.
3. According to predictions made by Wolfgang Lutz, which of the following is
likely to occur?
(A) More women in future will remain childless than do so today.
(B) More woman will put off having children until their thirties than do so today
(C) More woman will give birth one or two babies than do today.
(D) Less women will choose not to have children.
(E) The number of children a couple has will be determined more and more
often by the female partner.
The best answer is A. According to the passage, Wolfgang Lutz predicts that
various factors will lead to an increasing number of childless women.
4. According to the United Nations projected demographics, the low/medium
forecast predicts
(A) a peak in approximately 2050 while the medium forecast predicts a peak in
approximately 2200
(B) a peak in approximately 2050 while the medium forecast predicts a peak in
approximately 2150
(C) a peak in approximately 2150 while the medium forecast predicts a peak in
approximately 2050
(D) a peak in approximately 2150 while the medium forecast predicts a peak in
approximately 2200
(E) a peak in approximately 2200 while the medium forecast predicts a peak in
approximately 2150
The best answer is A. The low/medium forecast predicts that the population will
reach its highest point - 7.9 billion - in approximately 2050. The medium
forecast predicts that the population will reach its highest point - 11 billion - by
approximately 2200.
The racial identity of South Asians has long been a subject of some controversy in the
United States. In the early years of the twentieth century, when whiteness, or African
ancestry, was a prerequisite for naturalization, American courts vacillated on the
question of whether Asian Indians were white or not. In contrast to Mexicans and
Armenians, who were deemed white for the purposes of citizenship acquisition, and
Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino applicants who were not, the verdict on the racial
classification of Indians changed from case to case. American uncertainty over South
Asian racial identity has also been mirrored in the Census Bureau's frequent changes
in its classification of this group. Over the course of the last century,respondents of
South Asian origin have been classified variously as `Hindu', `White', `Other', and
`Asian'.
South Asian newcomers are not alone, however, in confronting an American racial
landscape that at first seems to have no clear place for them. Not only does the
diversity of the United States' contemporary immigrant pool ensure a steady influx of
people who do not fit easily into the traditional black/white dichotomy, but in the past
as well, immigrants tested, stretched and molded the nation's conceptions of racial
categories. As Ignatiev has shown, Irish immigrants were not considered white until
well after their arrival in the United States, and this was true of other European groups
as well. Similarly, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Filipino Americans were not
always considered to constitute a pan-ethnic Asian race.
But unlike the Irish who have already become white, or the Chinese and Japanese
who are now Asian, the racial classification of South Asians in the United States is
still in flux. Although they now seem firmly ensconced in the census `Asian' category,
thisis a recent development and one that came about only after considerable debate.
Moreover, several writers have described an uneasy alliance between South Asians
and East Asians under the pan-ethnic `Asian' rubric. Finally, other Americans seem
unsure as to the racial status of these immigrants. F. James Davis finds evidence that
some blacks consider Indians to be black as well, and Rosemary Marangoly George
reports a widespread concern among Indian Americans in California over being taken
for Mexican or black. More broadly, Nazli Kibria maintains that South Asians are
seen as `ambiguous non-whites' in the United States
Defined as `the socio-historical process by which racial categories are created,
inhabited, transformed, and destroyed', racial formation is both a macro-level process
and the culmination of myriad individual encounters. Given their inchoate racial
status, South Asian Americans may offer unusual insight into this process of racial
formation.
1. The main topic of the passage is
(A) the socio-historical process by which racial categories are created
(B) the racial status of ambiguous non-whites in the United States
(C) census bureau classifications in the United States
(D) the process of racial formation as exemplified by the case of the South
Asians in the United States
(E) the racial identity of South Asians in the United States
The best answer is E. Choices A and D are too general. The passage mentions
ambiguous non-whites and census bureau classifications only as they relate to
the identity of South Asians in the U.S.
2. The author mentions the Irish most likely in order to
(A) prove how flexible racial categories can be over time
(B) suggest that they may not really be white
(C) counter the claim that all non-Africans are white
(D) suggest that South Asians follow their example
(E) differentiate between them and immigrants from China, Japan, Korea, and
the Philippines
The best answer is A. Racial categories are considered by most to be fixed. The
author gives the example of the Irish to prove that they can be flexible.
3. The information in the passage suggests that in the early twentieth century, it
would have been difficult for a person from which of the following ethnic
groups to obtain citizenship?
(A) A Briton
(B) A Filipino
(C) A Japanese
(D) An Armenian
(E) An American of African descent
The best answer is B. Britons and Armenians were considered white and so
would be granted citizenship. Citizenship was also granted to people of African
descent.
4. According to the author, which of the following is true of racial formation?
(A) It is an irreversible process.
(B) It is a social-historical process.
(C) It offers unusual insight into South Asians.
(D) It offers unusual insight into the human race.
(E) It is a racist practice.
The best answer is B. In paragraph four they author defines racial formation as
the socio-historical process by which racial categories are created.
In parallel with advances in drug therapy, anesthesia, and surgery, there has been a
shift in bioethics from a paternalistic ethic governed by doctors to one based on the
patient's autonomy and integrity. The notion of consent to medical procedures and
treatment is a reflection of this, and in many countries, this consent is now established
in law.
The terms "informed" and "patient's consent" were perhaps first coupled in the 1957
case of Salgo versus Leland Stanford Jr. University Board of Trustees. The plaintiff,
paralyzed after myelography, had not been informed by his doctor that paralysis was a
possible risk of this procedure. He won although the doctor had committed no mistake
because the doctor failed in his duty of disclosure. The court found that if the patient
had been properly informed he would have refused myelography.
From a legal perspective, any consent, if it is to be valid, has to meet three
independent preconditions, all of which have to be taken into account simultaneously.
Consent may be deemed invalid if it has been obtained by deception or coercion; if it
does not comply with formal procedures; or if the person lacks the capacity to consent
by virtue of mental illness. The weaker a patient's personal competence, the more
stringent the procedural considerations must be. This is to avoid coercion or
exploitation, and to ensure that the disclosure of information has taken into account
the patient's capacity for understanding and evaluating the situation.
Equally, certain radical medical procedures call for stringent requirements to be met
on personal and procedural competence. Such preconditions may be specifically
formulated, as in Norway's abortion, sterilization, and transplantation legislation.
These preconditions reflect a general principle of international health law, illustrated
by the 1973 US case of Kaimowitz vs Michigan Department of Mental Health. Here
the court found that even though a difficult psychiatric patient possessed the
competence required to consent to ordinary surgical procedures, and even to
"accepted neurosurgical procedures", his competence would not be sufficient for him
to consent to experimental neurosurgical procedures characterized as "dangerous,
intrusive, irreversible, and of uncertain benefit to the patient and the society".
The requirement for informed and voluntary consent is not always applicable to non-
invasive medical procedures. In most cases, staff should be able to decide on the
necessary procedures without having the patient's express consent, after having
provided information to the patient. They must, however, respect a patient's rejection
of any specific examinations or treatments. When the treatment offered is invasive,
the doctor will have the responsibility for providing the patient with all necessary
information--about the risks and the alternative treatments and their probable
consequences.
1. According to the passage, when a treatment is invasive,
(A) difficult psychiatric patients cannot consent to ordinary surgical procedures,
and even to "accepted neurosurgical procedures
(B) difficult psychiatric patients must have a family member give written
consent for any surgical procedures.
(C) the patients express consent is necessary and it is the doctors
responsibility to obtain it from the patient after he or she has received all
the necessary information
(D) the patients express consent is necessary and it is the staffs responsibility
to obtain it from the patient after he or she has received all the necessary
information
(E) the patients express consent is if the patient has received all the necessary
information about the risks and the alternative treatments and their
probable consequences.
The best answer is C. Consent is necessary for invasive procedures, and it is the
doctors responsibility to obtain it, not the staffs.
2. Which of the following, most accurately states the purpose of the passage?
(A) To compare two different approaches to the question of consent.
(B) To summarize two court cases regarding the question of informed consent.
(C) To argue for a particular interpretation of the term "informed consent.
(D) To cite examples of how the notion of informed consent has been abused by
medical staff working with psychiatric patients.
(E) To discuss the notion of informed consent, its history and some variations on
how the term is applied.
The best answer is E. The passage deals with various aspects of informed
consent, including the history of the term and some special consideration to how
it is applied.
3. It can be inferred from the passage that prior to 1957
(A) doctors were allowed to continue performing the potentially dangerous
myelography procedure
(B) doctors were allowed to continue performing the potentially dangerous
myelography procedure without the patients consent.
(C) doctors were not allowed to neglect informing their staff of the dangers of a
medical procedure and the alternatives that exist.
(D) doctors were not required by law to inform their patients of the dangers of
a medical procedure and the alternatives that exist.
(E) doctors were required by law to inform their patients of the dangers of a
medical procedure and the alternatives that exist.
The best answer is D. According to the passage, this case laid the precedent for
informed consent, therefore, it can be inferred that consent was not required
prior to the case.
4. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage about Norways
abortion legislation?
(A) Abortion legislation in Norway requires that the patient sign a special
consent form that is different from the general consent form required for
other medical procedures.
(B) Abortion legislation in Norway does not require that the patient sign a
consent form because the patient is assumed to have personal and
procedural competence.
(C) Abortion legislation in Norway does require the patient to sign a consent
form only when the attending physician believes the patient lacks personal
and procedural competence.
(D) Abortion legislation in Norway require the patient to sign a consent form
only even when the attending physician believes the patient lacks personal
and procedural competence.
(E) Legislation in Norway requires the patient to sign a consent form only when
a procedure is not intrusive so the law does not deal with abortion.
The best answer is A. According to the passage, the preconditions for abortion
and other procedures are specially formulated.
Resuscitation after severe hemorrhage is a very delicate process that involves many
biological procedures that need to be carried out within a very limited time window. To
successfully revive a victim of severe exsanguination, one must work quickly within the
"golden hour" time limit. In this time, there are various traumas that must be avoided;
cardiac arrest, hypotension, hemorrhagic shock, and hypothermia to name a few.
The resuscitation process involves the restoration of normotension (normative blood
pressure) while avoiding cardiac arrest and hemorrhagic shock. Even when normotension
has been restored, hemorrhagic shock, which can cause organ failure, can be a concern.
There are three types of hemorrhagic shock: compensated hemorrhagic shock;
uncompensated hemorrhagic shock, which is reversible; and irreversible hemorrhagic
shock. The most common method of resuscitation makes use of lactated Ringer's solution
to compensate for lost blood volume by causing the cells to swell, which in turn restores
normotension. Though this works fairly well, it is not the optimal treatment.
Half of the deaths that occur annually are due to acute illness or injury, and are associated
with circulatory failure or shock. Some of these deaths could be avoided by proper
monitoring. Present technology involves monitoring early in the temporal course of an
acute illness to observe the cardiac index, oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption. In
future, a possibility for a very effective non-invasive monitoring device, would be one
which could provide the following cardiac output readings: pulse oximetry for estimating
arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturations, a reflection of pulmonary function;
transcutaneous
oxygen and CO2 tensions, reflections of tissue perfusion; and noninvasive blood pressure
readings. Non-invasive systems are far more effective than invasive systems because they
provide a constant display of the data and can be used at any location, whether in the
hospital or in the field. In future, if systems like these are perfected, shock may be easily
intercepted and avoided, thus resulting in a significant number of saved lives.
Future studies on resuscitation should be centered around shock, prevention of cardiac
arrest as well as on increasing oxygen transport and increasing blood volume. The validity
of blood pressure as a measure of organ viability and optimum possibility of resuscitation
should be investigated as well. That said, resuscitation research should center mainly on
developing procedures that can do all of these quickly and efficiently so that resuscitation
will save lives everywhere - from hospital to battlefield.
1. In this passage, the author is primarily interested in
(A) describing the resuscitation process and suggesting strategies for improving
it.
(B) advocating particular strategies for future efforts to improve the
resuscitation process
(C) suggesting an alternative to an outdated research method
(D) distinguishing between different resuscitation strategies
(E) evaluating the effectiveness of resuscitation
The best answer is A. The passage both describes the resuscitation process and
suggests how it may be improved in future.
2. The author mentions which of the following as a possible consequence of
severe hemorrhage?
(A) hypertension
(B) normotension
(C) increased blood volume
(D) hemorrhagic shock
(E) lactated Ringers solution
The best answer is D. Paragraph two of the passage discusses hemorrhagic
shock, which, according to the passage, may occur after a severe hemorrhage
even if normotension has been restored.
3. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true about
monitoring technology?
(A) The present technology observes CO
2
delivery and consumption, while
future technology might provide readings on pulse oximetry and
transcutaneous oxygen and CO
2
tensions.
(B) The present technology observes oxygen delivery and consumption, while
future technology might provide readings on pulse oximetry and
transcutaneous oxygen and CO
2
tensions.
(C) The present technology observes oxygen delivery and consumption, while
future technology might provide readings on pulse oximetry and
transcutaneous oxygen and carbon monoxide tensions.
(D) The present technology observes oxygen delivery and consumption, while
future technology might provide readings on pulse oximetry and
transcutaneous oxygen and CO
2
saturations.
(E) The present technology regulates oxygen delivery and consumption, while
future technology might evaluate pulse oximetry, transcutaneous oxygen
and CO
2
tensions.
The best answer is B. The third paragraph outlines what the present technology
now does, and what future technology may one day be able to do.
4. It can be inferred from the passage that after "the golden hour has passed,
(A) hypothermia will occur
(B) there is no longer a chance of hypothermia
(C) a patients chances of recovery are diminished
(D) there is little or no chance that hemorrhagic shock will set in.
(E) there is little or no chance of cardiac arrest.
The best answer is C. According to the passage, in order to successfully
resuscitate a person suffering from severe hemorrhage, one must work within
"the golden hour time limit. In other words, after that time limit, the chances of
recovery are lessened.
Historians have traditionally focused on New England as the true
birthplace of America, yet New England was fairly unrepresentative
of the real America - a homogenous society dominated by English
Puritans and their inflexible doctrines. The middle colonies, on the
other hand, were made up of people of diverse origins, races, and
creeds, so their interrelationships are unquestionably more symbolic
of American culture. Like most people's idea of America, the middle
colonies developed a commercial culture based on a balanced
economy, and showed no real homogenous cultural traits that ran
through the region. Indeed, most of the groups that coexisted in
this region did not intermingle with each other, but kept their own
distinctive cultural and social habits. Because of this, the argument
can be made that the middle colonies were not the heterogeneous,
"melting pot" culture that some historians claim existed. After all,
heterogeneous seems to suggest a fusion of different types of
people, when in fact these colonies offered more of a clannish type
of policy when it came to dealing with their new neighbors.
Jack Greene hypothesizes that the idea of mastery was a crucial
factor in shaping America's colonial culture. Greene suggests that
the objective of the English who migrated to the Americas was to
achieve mastery over the rugged land of America as well as of other
groups, a mastery that was unavailable to them in their homeland.
The problem with this hypothesis is that it covers only the English
migration to the New World, and only a relatively small portion of
that group. In truth, many English chose to relocate to America for
reasons having nothing to do with mastery over others, such as
religious freedom and financial gain. Greene also advocates relating
the culture of colonial America back to that of Great Britain, a
technique that can be useful in delineating the differences between
the two areas. However, taking this approach too far can be
deleterious, as the English in America were quick to develop cultural
traits that had little connection to their homeland. A comparison of
some of these cultural aspects would only serve to confuse. Finally,
the many people who came to America from countries besides
England would not fit anywhere into Greene's paradigm.
1. The author mentions Jack Green's hypothesis most likely in
order to
(A) state a conclusion about facts presented in an earlier paragraph
(B) qualify the extent to which a previously mentioned hypothesis
is unsatisfactory
(C) demonstrate that, of three explanatory factors offered, two
may be incorrect
(D) introduce a hypothesis that is considered unsatisfactory by the
author
(E) discredit a previously mentioned hypothesis.
The best answer is D. In paragraph two of the passage, the author
presents Greene's hypothesis along with reasons why it is not
sufficient to understand the history of the America's colonial culture.
2. According to the author, the middle colonies were more
representative of American colonial culture than New England
because
(A) the middle colonies were inhabited by Puritans while New
England was inhabited by diverse creeds and cultures
(B) the middle colonies had symbolic relationships while New
England society was dominant
(C) the middle colonies were peopled by a variety of people from
different races and beliefs while New England was homogeneous
(D) New England was peopled by a variety of people from different
races and beliefs while the middle colonies were homogeneous
(E) New England was inhabited by Puritans while the middle
colonies were inhabited by diverse creeds and cultures
The best answer is C. According to the passage, New England was
a homogenous society while the middle colonies had a
heterogeneous mix of people.
3. Which of the following is NOT cited as an objective of some of
the people that immigrated to America in colonial days?
(A) Religious freedom
(B) Mastery over the land
(C) financial gain
(D) Mastery over other groups
(E) breaking out of a social class
The best answer is E. In paragraph two of the passage, the author
cites A, B, C and D as possible reasons that individuals immigrated
to America.
4. The author's attitude to the claim that the middle colonies were
a heterogeneous, "melting pot" culture is
(A) limited approval
(B) tentative acceptance
(C) mild skepticism
(D) studious criticism
(E) wholehearted endorsement
The best answer is D. The author rejects the claim that the middle
colonies were a heterogeneous "melting pot" culture.
A computer virus is an illegal and potentially damaging computer
program designed to infect other software by attaching itself to any
software it contacts. In many cases, virus programs are designed to
damage computer systems maliciously by destroying or corrupting
data. If the infected software is transferred to or accessed by
another computer system, the virus spreads to the other system.
Viruses have become a serious problem in recent years, and
currently, thousands of known virus programs exist.
Viruses can be categorized as boot sector viruses, file viruses, and
Trojan horse viruses. A boot sector virus infects the boot program
used to start the system. When the infected boot program executes,
the virus is loaded into the computer's memory. Once a virus is in
the memory, it can spread to any floppy disk inserted into the
computer. The second type of virus, a file virus, inserts viral code
into program files. The virus then spreads to any program that
accesses the infected file. A Trojan horse virus (named after a
Greek myth) hides within or is designed to look like a legitimate
program.
Some viruses interrupt processing by freezing a computer system
temporarily and then displaying sounds or messages. Other viruses
contain time bombs or logic bombs. A time bomb is a program that
performs an activity on a particular date. A logic bomb is a program
that performs an activity when a certain action occurs, such as an
employee being terminated. A worm, which is similar to a virus,
copies itself repeatedly until no memory or disc space remains. To
detect computer viruses, anti-virus programs have been developed.
Besides detecting viruses, anti-virus programs also have utilities to
remove or repair infected programs and files. Some damaged files
cannot be repaired and must be replaced with uninfected backup
files.
Computers can best be protected by installing a virus protection
software. In order to be effective, it is imperative to develop a
regular plan for copying and storing important data and program
files. Prior to running the virus protection software, floppy disks
should be scanned using a virus scan. Since one of the most
vulnerable points of entry for viruses is the internet, all programs
and email messages downloaded from the Internet should be
checked to make sure they are virus free.
1. The passage provides support for which of the following
statements?
A. Computer owners who use virus protection applications properly
are more likely not to suffer damages from computer viruses.
B. Computer owners who use virus protection applications properly
will not suffer damages from computer viruses.
C. Computer owners who use virus protection applications properly
are more likely to suffer damages from computer viruses.
D. Some damaged files can be repaired so must not be replaced
with uninfected backup files.
E. Some damaged files cannot be repaired and must be replaced
with infected backup files.
The best answer is A. The fourth paragraph states that computers
can best be protected by installing virus protection software.
2. According to the passage, a worm is
A. a virus that copies itself repeatedly until no memory or disc
space remains.
B. a virus that cannot be detected by an anti-virus program.
C. something similar to a virus that works by copying itself
repeatedly until no memory or disc space remains.
D. something similar to a virus that uses a logic bomb to performs
an activity when a certain action occurs.
E. an anti-virus program that works by copying itself repeatedly
until no memory or disc space remains.
The best answer is C. Choices A and B are incorrect because a
worm is not a virus. Choice D is incorrect because logic bomb are
not used by worms. Choice E is incorrect because a worm is not an
anti-virus program.
3. According to the passage, computer viruses can spread by which
of the following means?
I. Through boot programs
II. Through floppy disks
III. Through programs downloaded from the Internet
A. I only
B. II only
C. I and II only
D. II and III only
E. I and II and III
The best answer is D. Viruses can affect boot programs but they
cannot spread through boot programs.
4. According to the passage, a virus that inserts viral code into
program files is a
A. Trojan horse virus
B. time bomb
C. worm
D. file virus
E. boot sector virus.
The best answer is D. According to the second paragraph of the
passage, a file virus inserts viral code into program files.
Until now, efforts at preventing the proliferation of bioweapons have relied on
limiting access to the pathogens themselves. However, if terrorists can produce a
bioweapon from genome information alone, the same logic suggests that access to
genetic information should also be restricted. Scientists have begun to discuss the
restriction of the export of critical pieces of DNA. This measure could be extended to
the three big genome databases.
Scientists have long been aware of the potential dangers. The creation of polio, for
instance, was forecast months ago in an essay in Nature Immunology pointing out that
it would be simple to build an artificial polio virus. Nevertheless, most scientists still
oppose any attempts to restrict access to information. Earlier this year, the US
Department of Defense dropped proposals for checking any research it funds for
"sensitive" information before it is published, after scientists protested that this would
impede research needed to defend against bioweapons.
This was the case with anthrax. Unlike some other potential bioweapons, anthrax still
exists in nature, infecting animals and sometimes humans, and samples are held in
many labs worldwide. There is no reason for a terrorist to try to recreate it. The same
is not true of Ebola, smallpox or the 1918 flu virus. Even so, when the American
Society for Microbiology considered whether it should publish the smallpox genome,
it reasoned that the benefits in terms of understanding the virus and designing drugs
outweighed the risks.
Not all scientists share such views. Raymond Zilinskas of the Monterey Institute of
International Studies in California thinks some limits should be placed on the
publication of information on organisms such as smallpox. Zilinskas contends that
most scientists feel that basic research should not be restricted in this fashion. But
where does one cross the line? He and others have proposed that professional
societies and editorial boards at scientific journals should exert more control.
Even if they do not, the decision could be taken out of their hands. In addition to
international measures, individual governments are also cracking down. The USA
Patriot Act passed this year allows the federal government to stop some foreign
nationals working in the US from getting access to certain pathogens and toxins. The
US could extend this to cover access to genetic sequences as well.
1. The passage is primarily concerned with
(A) detailing the evidence that supports the claim that genetic information should be
restricted
(B) outlining the factors that have contributed to the restriction of genetic information
(C) evaluating whether sensitive genetic information should be restricted in light of
the danger of bioterrorism.
(D) summarizing the differences between genetic research in free countries and such
research in countries that promote terrorism.
(E) formulating a hypothesis about the proliferation of bioweapons.
The best answer is C. The passage does not reach any conclusions, it simply
evaluates the question of limiting access to sensitive genetic information.
2. Terrorists would be unlikely to try to steal genetic information about anthrax
because
(A) it is difficult to control and could therefore be a threat to the terrorists
themselves.
(B) they do not have the necessary know-how to utilize genetic information to build
anthrax powder
(C) actual anthrax is not only available in nature, but also in laboratories.
(D) the American Society for Microbiology has limited the dissemination of genetic
information on anthrax.
(E) the American Society for Microbiology has published genetic information on
anthrax.
The best answer is C. Since anthrax itself is attainable, it is unlikely that bioterrorists
would try to synthesize it using genetic information.
3. All of the following statements are supported by the passage EXCEPT:
(A) the smallpox genome has been published by the American Society for
Microbiology
(B) federal government has stopped some foreign nationals from accessing to
certain toxins
(C) Raymond Zilinskas of the Monterey Institute believes the anthrax genome should
not be published
(D) Most scientists oppose any attempts to restrict access to information
(E) it would not be difficult for a bioterrorist to build an artificial polio virus
The best answer is C. According to the passage, Raymond Zilinskas believes some
limits should be placed on the publication of information, but one cannot determine
from the passage if that would include anthrax information.
4. It can be inferred from the passage that which of the following is true?
(A) The USA Patriot Act will eventually stop all foreign workers from access to
genomes.
(B) It is not known whether or not bioterrorists have to skill to produce an actual
bioweapon from genome information alone.
(C) The Ebola virus affects animals.
(D) According to Nature Immunology magazine, some terrorists have built an
artificial polio virus
(E) The three big genome databases have restricted of the export of critical pieces of
DNA.
The best answer is B. In the first paragraph of the passage it is stated if terrorists
can produce a bioweapon from genome information alone. One can infer from this
that it is not known whether the terrorists can produce one or not.