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Background Patients with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) and their caregivers require cognitive and behavioral symptom management, interdisciplinary care, support for caregivers, and seamless care coordination between providers. Caring for someone with ADRD or TBI is associated with higher rates of psychological morbidity and burden, social isolation, financial hardship, and deterioration of physical health. Tremendous need exists for primary care–based interventions that concurrently address the care needs of dyads and aim to improve care and outcomes for both individuals with ADRD and TBI and their family caregivers. Methods The Aging Brain Care Acquiring New Skills While Enhancing Remaining Strengths (ABC ANSWERS) study is a randomized controlled trial that tests the effectiveness of an intervention based on two evidence-based programs that have been developed for and previously tested in populations with ADRD, TBI, stroke, and late-life depression and/or who have survived an intensive care unit stay. This study includes 200 dyads comprised of a veteran with a diagnosis of ADRD or TBI and the veteran’s primary informal caregiver. Dyads are randomized to receive the ABC ANSWERS intervention or routine Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care with a standardized educational and resource information packet. Data collection occurs at baseline and three follow-up time points (3 months, 6 months, and 12 months). The primary outcome is caregiver quality of life (QoL). A secondary measure for the caregiver is caregiver burden. Secondary measures for both the veteran and caregiver include symptoms of depression and anxiety. Discussion The ABC ANSWERS intervention integrates common features of an evidence-based collaborative care model for brain health while concurrently attending to the implementation barriers of delivering care and skills to dyads. We hypothesize that caregivers in dyads randomized to the ABC ANSWERS program will experience higher levels of QoL and lower levels of depression, anxiety, dyadic strain, and caregiver burden at 12 months than those receiving usual VHA primary care. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03397667. Registered on 12 January 2018.

Although assisted reproductive technologies increase the risk of low birth weight and genomic imprinting disorders, the precise underlying causes remain unclear. Using a mouse model, we previously showed that superovulation alters the expression of imprinted genes in the placenta at 9.5days (E9.5) of gestation. Here, we investigate whether effects of superovulation on genomic imprinting persisted at later stages of development and assess the surviving fetuses for growth and morphological abnormalities. Superovulation, followed by embryo transfer at E3.5, as compared to spontaneous ovulation (controls), resulted in embryos of normal size and weight at 14.5 and 18.5days of gestation. The normal monoallelic expression of the imprinted genes H19, Snrpn and Kcnq1ot1 was unaffected in either the placentae or the embryos from the superovulated females at E14.5 or E18.5. However, for the paternally expressed imprinted gene Igf2, superovulation generated placentae with reduced production of the mature protein at E9.5 and significantly more variable mRNA levels at E14.5. We propose that superovulation results in the ovulation of abnormal oocytes with altered expression of imprinted genes, but that the coregulated genes of the imprinted gene network result in modulated expression.

Trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) are the first terminally differentiated subtype to form in the trophoblast cell lineage in rodents. In addition to mediating implantation, they are the main endocrine cells of the placenta, producing several hormones which regulate the maternal endocrine and immune systems and promote maternal blood flow to the implantation site. Generally considered a homogeneous population, TGCs have been identified by their expression of genes encoding placental lactogen 1 or proliferin. In the present study, we have identified a number of TGC subtypes, based on morphology and molecular criteria and demonstrated a previously underappreciated diversity of TGCs. In addition to TGCs that surround the implantation site and form the interface with the maternal deciduas, we demonstrate at least three other unique TGC subtypes: spiral artery-associated TGCs, maternal blood canal-associated TGCs and a TGC within the sinusoidal spaces of the labyrinth layer of the placenta. All four TGC subtypes could be identified based on the expression patterns of four genes: Pl1, Pl2, Plf (encoded by genes of the prolactin/prolactin-like protein/placental lactogen gene locus), and Ctsq (from a placental-specific cathepsin gene locus). Each of these subtypes was detected in differentiated trophoblast stem cell cultures and can be differentially regulated; treatment with retinoic acid induces Pl1/Plf+ TGCs preferentially. Furthermore, cell lineage tracing studies indicated unique origins for different TGC subtypes, in contrast with previous suggestions that secondary TGCs all arise from Tpbpa+ ectoplacental cone precursors.

(2001). Physical processes within the North Water (NOW) polynya. Atmosphere-Ocean: Vol. 39, No. 3, pp. 163-166.

This study assessed agreement between parents' and adolescent inpatients' scores on caretaker and self-report versions of the Functional Impairment Scale for Children and Adolescents (FISCA and FISCA-SR). Self-report data describing impairment in eight domains were collected from 375 inpatients (M age = 15.0 years, 55% females), with parent data available for 233 (62%). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated structural congruence between a hypothesized, three-factor model, based on a prior study of the parent FISCA, and an observed model, based on responses to the FISCA-SR (GFI = .95). Correlations (measuring relative agreement) and paired comparisons of means (assessing absolute agreement) generally identified stronger agreement in “public” than “private” domains of impairment, and greater relative than absolute agreement in covert, antisocial domains.

The accelerated decline in Arctic sea ice combined with an ongoing trend toward a more dynamic atmosphere is modifying carbon cycling in the Arctic Ocean. A critical issue is to understand how net community production (NCP; the balance between gross primary production and community respiration) responds to changes and modulates air–sea CO2 fluxes. Using data collected as part of the ArcticNet-Malina 2009 expedition in southeastern Beaufort Sea (Arctic Ocean), we synthesize information on sea ice, wind, river, water column properties, metabolism of the planktonic food web, organic carbon fluxes and pools, as well as air–sea CO2 exchange, with the aim of identifying indices of ecosystem response to environmental changes. Data were analyzed to develop a non-steady-state carbon budget and an assessment of NCP against air–sea CO2 fluxes. The mean atmospheric forcing was a mild upwelling-favorable wind (~5 km h−1) blowing from the N-E and a decaying ice cover (600 mg C m−2d−1) over the shelf prior to our survey, (2) freshwater dilution by river runoff and ice melt, and (3) the presence of cold surface waters offshore. Only the Mackenzie River delta and localized shelf areas directly affected by upwelling were identified as substantial sources of CO2 to the atmosphere (>10mmol C m−2d−1). Although generally

Methyltransferases are an important group of enzymes with diverse roles that include epigenetic gene regulation. The universal donor of methyl groups for methyltransferases is S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet), which in most cells is synthesized using methyl groups carried by a derivative of folic acid. Another mechanism for AdoMet synthesis uses betaine as the methyl donor via the enzyme betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT, EC 2.1.1.5), but it has been considered to be significant only in liver. Here, we show that mouse preimplantation embryos contain endogenous betaine; Bhmt mRNA is first expressed at the morula stage; BHMT is abundant at the blastocyst stage but not other preimplantation stages, and BHMT activity is similarly detectable in blastocyst homogenates but not those of two-cell or morula stage embryos. Knockdown of BHMT protein levels and reduction of enzyme activity using Bhmt-specific antisense morpholinos or a selective BHMT inhibitor resulted in decreased development of embryos to the blastocyst stage in vitro and a reduction in inner cell mass cell number in blastocysts. The detrimental effects of BHMT knockdown were fully rescued by the immediate methyl-carrying product of BHMT, methionine. A physiological role for betaine and BHMT in blastocyst viability was further indicated by increased fetal resorption following embryo transfer of BHMT knockdown blastocysts versus control. Thus, mouse blastocysts are unusual in being able to generate AdoMet not only by the ubiquitous folate-dependent mechanism but also from betaine metabolized by BHMT, likely a significant pool of methyl groups in blastocysts.

Portable audio products have not yet seen a wireless headphone solution that has been widely accepted. The main reason for this is that power consumption for current solutions (Bluetooth, analog) is too high. Secondly, the interference management is poor, leading to unacceptable performance in real-life applications. We present a solution that meets these problems and provides a workable platform for developing wireless audio headphones. The transceiver is fabricated in TSMC 0.18µm CMOS and consumes a peak current of 10.2 mA in RX mode and 22 mA in TX mode.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) includes an array of treatments designed to bypass fertility problems in both men and women in order to achieve conception. These methods vary from hormonal stimulation of follicular development and ovulation in women, to laboratory handling of both male and female gametes leading to fertilization. In the developed world 1–3% of all births are the result of ART. In recent years, concern has been raised about possible increases in the occurrence of rare genomic imprinting disorders in ART-conceived children. Studies suggest that the perturbations seen in these children could be associated with epigenetic disruption of chromosomal regions or epimutations. Genomic imprinting refers to the acquisition of a unique epigenetic profile in a small subset of genes during gametogenesis. These differential epigenetic marks in the gametes result in a parent-of-origin specific expression of these imprinted genes in the offspring. An important epigenetic mark involved in the imprinting process is DNA methylation, which takes place in the male and female germlines at very specific times during the development of gametes and involves a well-orchestrated expression of enzymes. This period of DNA methylation acquisition may be susceptible to perturbations resulting from gamete handling. Furthermore, genomic imprinting established in the germline must remain unaltered following fertilization of these gametes and throughout the life of the offspring, raising another possibility for ART-induced epigenetic disturbance during the maintenance of these imprints in early embryonic life. In the present chapter we discuss the current data available on the effects of ART on genomic imprinting in humans, as well as in animal research models, and discuss the possible mechanisms involved in this epigenetic deregulation.

Radiation leukemia viruses (RadLVs) are a group of murine leukemia viruses which are induced by radiation and cause T-cell leukemia. Viral clones isolated from the BL/VL3 lymphoid cell line derived from a thymoma show variable tropism and leukemogenic potential. We have constructed chimeric viruses by in vitro recombination between two viruses, a RadLV that is thymotropic and an endogenous ecotropic virus that is nonthymotropic. We show here that, in contrast to thymotropism determinants identified previously, which lie in the long terminal repeat (LTR), it is the envelope region that is responsible for the thymotropism of BL/VL3 RadLV. The nonthymotropic virus which we have rendered thymotropic by transfer of the env region of RadLV in the present study has been shown previously to become thymotropic when the LTR of another thymotropic virus is inserted in its genome. Thus, the LTR and envelope gene may be involved in complementary action to lead to thymotropism.

We studied the physiological status and turbulent transport of phytoplankton across the quasi-permanent 150 km long estuarine front separating the Gaspe current from the Anticosti gyre (NW Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada). In early June, chl a concentrations reached 35 pg 1-' in the current, but remained < 1 pg 1-' in the gyre. At that time of maximum river runoff and horizontal shear stress, the phytoplankton biomass developing in the current was rapidly transported across the front by turbulent mixing. The strong correlation between chl a and salinity (r = -0.96) lndcated that the rate of crossfrontal dilution far exceeded the rate of phytoplankton production. The N : C and C .ch l a ratios increased and decreased, respectively, with cross-frontal mixlng as nutrient-deficient cells from the Gaspe current experienced higher nutrient concentrations and a deepening of the mixed layer in the front. As freshwater runoff and frontal mixing decreased in summer, phytoplankton biomass accumulated in the density front and at the base of the jet current, where low advection and sufficient light and nutrient conditions prevailed. Sporadic upwelling along the front contributed an estimated 5 and 9 O/O of the total seaward flux of nitrate and silicate, respectively. Thus, nutrients from the drainage basin of the St. Lawrence, rather than the frontal upwelling of deep water, would b e responsible for the bulk of the inorganic nutrient flux from the NW Gulf of St. Lawrence to the southern Gulf and the Scotian Shelf.

Female aging entails a decline in fertility in mammals, manifested by reduced oocyte reserves and poor oocyte quality accompanied by chromosomal anomalies and reduced litter size. In addition to compromised genetic integrity, recent studies suggest that epigenetic mechanisms may be altered in aging oocytes, with age affecting the expression of DNA methyltransferases, which catalyze the important epigenetic modification, DNA methylation. Loss of DNA methylation patterns, most notably for imprinted genes, is lethal to mouse embryos. To investigate how maternal age affects embryonic development and underlying DNA methylation patterns, young and aged C57BL/6 females were mated with C57BL/6 or C57BL/6(CAST7) males to allow for the identification of parental alleles; resulting blastocysts and mid-gestation embryos and placentas were evaluated. Although pregnancy, ovulation and implantation rates were similar between age groups, an age-related increase in resorption sites, morphological abnormalities and delayed development was found. Interestingly, placental morphology was also perturbed by aging, with elevated numbers of trophoblast giant cells in aged pregnancies. Normal monoallelic expression of the imprinted genes H19 and Snrpn was unaltered in blastocysts from aged females. We failed to observe any age-related changes in methylation of the differentially methylated regions of imprinted genes Snrpn, Kcnq1ot1, U2af1-rs1, Peg1, Igf2r and H19. Restriction Landmark Genome Scanning showed no significant differences in genome-wide DNA methylation in embryos and placentas, regardless of maternal age. Our findings demonstrate that maternal age affects post-implantation embryo and placental development; however embryos capable of developing to mid-gestation appear to undergo normal acquisition and maintenance of DNA methylation patterning.

The paper presents photoelectric photometry of Lambda And never before published, obtained between February 1982 and December 1990 at 29 different observatories. Then it is combined with all other photometry available (previously published, contained in the I.A.U. Commission 27 Archives, and obtained with the Vanderbilt 16-inch automatic telescope but not yet published), to yield a 14.8-year data base. Analysis reveals a long-term cycle in mean brightness, with a full range of 0.15 m and a period of 11.4 +/- 0.4 years. Because most of the new photometry was concentrated in the 1983-1984 observing season, this one well-defined light curve is analyzed with a two-spot model. Spot A keeps a 0.04 m amplitude throughout four rotation cycles whereas the amplitude of spot B diminishes from 0.09 m down almost to 0.03 m. The spot rotation periods were 55.9 d +/- 0.6 d and 52.8 d +/- 1.0 d, respectively.

Imprinted genes play important roles in embryonic growth and development as well as in placental function. Many imprinted genes acquire their epigenetic marks during oocyte growth, and this period may be susceptible to epigenetic disruption following hormonal stimulation. Superovulation has been shown to affect growth and development of the embryo, but an effect on imprinted genes has not been shown in postimplantation embryos. In the present study, we examined the effect of superovulation/in vivo development or superovulation/3.5dpc (days post-coitum) embryo transfer on the allelic expression of Snrpn, Kcnq1ot1 and H19 in embryos and placentas at 9.5 days of gestation. Superovulation followed by in vivo development resulted in biallelic expression of Snrpn and H19 in 9.5dpc placentas while Kcnq1ot1 was not affected; in the embryos, there was normal monoallelic expression of the three imprinted genes. We did not observe significant DNA methylation perturbations in the differentially methylated regions of Snrpn or H19. Superovulation followed by embryo transfer at 3.5dpc resulted in biallelic expression of H19 in the placenta. The expression of an important growth factor closely linked to H19, Insulin-like growth factor-II, was increased in the placenta following superovulation with or without embryo transfer. These results show that both maternally and paternally methylated imprinted genes were affected, suggesting that superovulation compromises oocyte quality and interferes with the maintenance of imprinting during preimplantation development. Our findings contribute to the evidence that mechanisms for maintaining imprinting are less robust in trophectoderm-derived tissues, and have clinical implications for the screening of patients following assisted reproduction.

In this study we attempt to establish the consequence of in vitro hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced membrane damage as manifested by spectrin-hemoglobin (Sp-Hb) complex formation and decreased red blood cell (RBC) deformability to in vivo RBC survival in baboons. After exposure to 135 to 581 mumols/L H2O2 and reduction with dithiothreitol (DTE), baboon RBCs were infused into the animal, and the fraction of cells remaining in circulation after 24 hours and the lifespan of surviving cells were quantitated. In a dose-dependent fashion, a positive correlation was observed between in vitro membrane alterations and the 24-hour in vivo survival. While 12% of the control cells were removed from circulation in 24 hours, 23% were removed after treatment with 339 mumols/L H2O2, and 36% following exposure to 581 mumols/L H2O2. Pretreatment with carbon monoxide before exposure with H2O2 increased the survival of oxidized RBCs. RBCs not removed from circulation in the first 24 hours had a normal lifespan. Moreover, by selectively isolating biotin-labeled, peroxide-treated cells that survived the first 24-hour posttransfusion period, a significant decrease in Sp-Hb crosslinking was observed in these cells. These results suggest that a subpopulation of cells sensitive to oxidation were removed during the first 24 hours. To identify this population, the survival of density-fractionated RBCs exposed to oxidant stress was quantitated. No differences in either the 24-hour survival or RBC life span were observed between untreated low-density (MCHC less than or equal to 32g/dL) and high-density cells (MCHC greater than or equal to 37g/dL). However, striking differences were noted after treatment with 339 mumols/L H2O2, with the 24-hour survival of high-density cells showing a marked decrease compared with low-density cells. These data support our hypothesis that during peroxidative membrane damage, Hb oxidation initiates a sequence of events resulting in skeletal changes that lead to membrane alterations and, eventually, in vivo destruction, and that the dense, dehydrated cells are more susceptible to oxidant damage.

This workshop focused on describing clinical problems identified in the placentae of cloned animals and some of the potential biological mechanisms by which these anomalies arise. It was shown that placental anomalies related to somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in cattle often can be detected by ultrasonography early in gestation, enabling preventive clinical intervention. On the mechanistic front, the vascular defects in the placenta appear to be associated with anomalies in the expression of VEGF system, which could lead to the aberrant placentomes and generalized oedema seen in some gestations. Moreover, an upstream transcription factor (Mash2) controlling the differentiation of trophoblast into binucleate cells may be involved in the poor implantation rates of SCNT embryos. Finally, epigenetic patterns in placenta can be disrupted by fairly simple in vitro manipulations, which could explain the extreme anomalies observed in the placenta of SCNT pregnancies.

This study assessed agreement between parents' and adolescent inpatients' scores on caretaker and self-report versions of the Functional Impairment Scale for Children and Adolescents (FISCA and FISCA-SR). Self-report data describing impairment in eight domains were collected from 375 inpatients (M age = 15.0 years, 55% females), with parent data available for 233 (62%). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated structural congruence between a hypothesized, three-factor model, based on a prior study of the parent FISCA, and an observed model, based on responses to the FISCA-SR (GFI = .95). Correlations (measuring relative agreement) and paired comparisons of means (assessing absolute agreement) generally identified stronger agreement in "public" than "private" domains of impairment, and greater relative than absolute agreement in covert, antisocial domains.

Automated docking and three-dimensional Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship studies (3D QSAR) were performed for a series of 82 reversible, competitive and selective acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. The suggested automated docking technique, making use of constraints taken from experimental crystallographic data, allowed to dock all the 82 substituted N-benzylpiperidines to the crystal structure of mouse AChE, because of short computational times. A 3D QSAR model was then established using the CoMFA method. In contrast to conventional CoMFA studies, the compounds were not fitted to a reference molecule but taken in their 'natural' alignment obtained by the docking study. The established and validated CoMFA model was then applied to another series of 29 N-benzylpiperidine derivatives whose AChE inhibitory activity data were measured under different experimental conditions. A good correlation between predicted and experimental activity data shows that the model can be extended to AChE inhibitory activity data measured on another acetylcholinesterase and/or at different incubation times and pH level.

Herein a molecular mechanic study of the interaction of a lethal chemical warfare agent, O-ethyl S-[2-(diisopropylamino)ethyl] methylphosphonothioate (also called VX), with Torpedo californica acetylcholinesterase (TcAChE) is discussed. This compound inhibits the enzyme by phosphonylating the active site serine. The chirality of the phosphorus atom induces an enantiomeric inhibitory effect resulting in an enhanced anticholinesterasic activity of the SP isomer (VXS) versus its RP counterpart (VXR). As formation of the enzyme-inhibitor Michaelis complex is known to be a crucial step in the inhibitory pathway, this complex was addressed by stochastic boundary molecular dynamics and quantum mechanical calculations. For this purpose two models of interaction were analyzed: in the first, the leaving group of VX was oriented toward the anionic subsite of TcAChE, in a similar way as it has been suggested for the natural substrate acetylcholine; in the second, it was oriented toward the gorge entrance, placing the active site serine in a suitable position for a backside attack on the phosphorus atom. This last model was consistent with experimental data related to the high inhibitory effect of this compound and the difference in activity observed for the two enantiomers.

Initiation factor IF3 from Escherichia coli plays a critical role in the selection of the correct initiation codon. This protein is composed of two domains, connected by a lysin-rich hydrophilic linker. The conformation of native IF3 was investigated by heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. The two domains are independent and show little or no interaction. Heteronuclear relaxation studies of a sample selectively labelled on lysine residues demonstrates that the inter-domain linker is highly flexible, exhibiting increased 15N T2 values and negative 1H[15N] nuclear Overhause effects over a length of at least eight residues. Analysis of the rotational correlation times further shows that the motions of the two domains are most likely uncorrelated. The inter-domain linker thus displays almost totally unrestricted motions. Accordingly, the amide protons in the central region are shown to be in fast exchange with water. Such a high degree of flexibility of the inter-domain linker might be required for IF3 domains to interact with distant regions of the ribosome.

Recent evidence suggests that the Cougar (Puma concolor) has returned to New Brunswick, Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario. An abundance of sightings have been reported for many decades throughout south-central Ontario, but genetic confirmation has been confounded by a lack of carcasses or DNA. In this paper, we identify (1) genetic evidence of a single Cougar in the wild of Ontario, (2) a gene (cytochrome b) and methodology to distinguish the Cougar from other mammals in Ontario using scats, hair follicles, and soft and hard tissue, and (3) a gene that can distinguish individual Cougars from each other and would distinguish populations of subspecies if they exist in Ontario. Potential Cougar scats and other tissue samples were collected from across Ontario, and hair snares baited with catnip and carnivore lure were placed in locations where Cougar sightings were frequent, near Sudbury, Ontario. We analyzed samples for mtDNA, and one scat sample from the Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area, Port Colborne, Ontario, was positive for Cougar. Evidence from archeological data and Cougar sightings suggests that the historical range of Cougars extended in Ontario from the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence Ecotone south, primarily associated with the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome and the primary prey of the Cougar, the White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the North American Elk (Cervus elaphus). The data suggest that Cougar distribution has moved north in recent times due to clear-cutting, along with their primary prey. Further studies of Cougar presence in the province are warranted.

OBJECTIVE The primary purpose of this study was to determine the separate associations between visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) distribution, skeletal muscle (SM), and plasma insulin and glucose levels, and. A second objective was to determine whether anthropometric methods could be used to identify those women who are at increased metabolic risk. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Whole-body SAT, SM, and VAT volume were measured (in liters), using a multislice magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol in 40 premenopausal obese women. Plasma insulin and glucose levels were measured after an overnight fast and in response to a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). RESULTS With the exception of fasting glucose, VAT was positively correlated with all insulin and glucose variables (P < 0.01). This observation remained true whether VAT was derived from multiple MR images (i.e., VAT volume [in liters]) or from a single MR image (i.e., VAT area [in squared centimeters]). Furthermore, the segmentation of intraperitoneal adipose tissue (portally drained adipose tissue) from VAT did not improve the observed relationships. VAT remained a significant (P < 0.05) correlate of insulin and glucose area after adjusting for either SAT or abdominal SAT (ASAT). SAT, ASAT, and SM volume were not related to any metabolic variable. Waist circumference (WC) was the single strongest anthropometric correlate for fasting insulin and insulin area (P < 0.05). Because it has been reported that disturbances in insulin-glucose homeostasis are more likely associated with a WC value > 1 m, in subjects matched for total adiposity, we compared the glucose and insulin area values for those with a WC above (n = 17) and below (n = 15) this value. The group with a WC > 1 m had significantly higher values for both insulin and glucose areas (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The primary observation is that VAT is associated with plasma insulin and glucose variables independent of whole-body SAT, ASAT, and SM in obese women. In addition, the findings provide support for the utility of WC as an anthropometric tool that may be used to identify a subgroup of obese patients at increased metabolic risk.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the composition of trans fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat of Canadians relative to the composition of dietary sources of trans fatty acids. The fatty acid composition, total trans fatty acid content, and the geometric and positional isomer distribution of unsaturated fatty acids of subcutaneous adipose tissue of Canadians were determined using a combination of capillary gas–liquid chromatography and silver nitrate thin-layer chromatography. The mean total trans fatty acid content was 6.80% at the abdominal site and 5.80% at the lateral thigh site. Total trans isomers of linoleic acid (18:2n−6) were present at 1.17% in abdominal and 1.59% in thigh adipose tissue, with 9c,12t-18:2 being the most prevalent isomer followed by 9c-13t-18:2 and 9t,12c,-18:2. The oleic acid (18:1) trans isomer distribution in adipose tissue differed from that in butter fat, but it was similar to that in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The reverse was true for the 18:1 cis isomers. Total 18:1 trans isomers were inversely related to 18:2n−6 content in adipose tissue, suggesting the trans fatty acid intake is inversely related to the intake of linoleic acid. Partially hydrogenated vegetable oils appear to be the major source of trans fatty acids in adipose tissue of Canadians.Key words: trans fatty acids, adipose tissue, partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, linoleic acid.

Initiation factor IF3 from Escherichia coli is composed of two domains connected by a hydrophilic peptide. In this study, the N-terminal domain (residues 7-83) has been overexpressed, 15N labelled and purified. NMR assignments for this domain have been obtained by two-dimensional and three-dimensional heteronuclear and homonuclear spectroscopy. Using distance geometry and simulated annealing, a three-dimensional solution structure was calculated using 506 NOE and 56 dihedral angle restraints. The resulting structure is composed of a five-stranded antiparallel beta sheet surrounded by two alpha helices. Since the heteronuclear 1H-15N correlation spectrum of the N-terminal domain of IF3 is an almost exact subset of that of the native protein, the assignments obtained and the structure calculated should be directly transposable to the full-length protein.

From 1985 to 1988, 10 Canadian community health units, in conjunction with Health and Welfare Canada, conducted a standardized telephone survey to assess the prevalence of health risk factors among persons aged 15 and over. Seatbelt use, hypertension awareness, physical activity, smoking, alcohol use, cancer screening status and sociodemographic variables were ascertained in each community. Although prevalence rates for most of the major risk factors varied significantly among the survey communities, little clustering of high or low risk levels was observed in any particular locale. Periodic administration of the risk factor survey in communities across Canada would provide a valuable data base for both public health planners and researchers.

Radial velocities from 1916.95 to 1991.95 and photometry from l979.25, both published and new in this paper, are presented and analyzed. A new solution of the radial velocity curve reveals a new period of 80.90 days and an eccentricity of e = 0.05 +/- 0.02, both very different from the 80.17 days and 0.35 found by Abt et al. (1969). An alternative solution with e = 0 is given because we cannot decide firmly whether or not the small eccentricity is real. We find V sin i = 11.3 +/- 0.3 km/s from Maidanak and 10 unequal depth. 0.048 mins and 0.026 mins. The orbital ephemeris for conjunction (K gisnt behind) is JD(hel.) 2,448,111.1 (+/- 0.4 days ) + 80.898 days (+/- 0.004 days ) E, consistent with both the radial velocities and the photometry. With the ellipticity effect removed, the light curve shows residual variability which we fit with a two-spot model. During the 13 years covered by photometry there were nine different starspots, the largest one producing a light loss of 0.19 mins. Rotation periods for the nine spots ranged from 78.6 +/- 0.5 days to 83.7 +/- 0.4 days from which we concluded that the K giant does rotate synchronously but with a differential rotation coefficient of k = 0.06 +/- 0.01. Lifetimes for the nine spots ranged from 1.1 to greater than 4.2 yr and were consistent with the empirical spot lifetime laws of Hall & Henry (1994). Use of the mass function, the orbital period, the V sin i, the two different ellipticity effect amplitudes, and various logical constraints led to ranges of possible masses, radii and inclinations. The most believable solution was around i = 90 deg, R(sub 1) = 24 solar radii, M(sub 1) = 1.1 solar mass, and M(sub 2) = 0.6 solar mass. THe Rossby number for the K giant is 0.48, small enough compared to the critical value of 0.65 to explain why, though rotating 'slowly', it does have large spots.