( i )

       A recent inquiry led by scholars at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has revealed that individuals in the nascent phase of Alzheimer's disease, characterized by the commencement of cerebral alterations while cognitive symptoms remain __(11)__, harbor a distinct composition of intestinal microbiota in contrast to healthy individuals. Published in Science Translational Medicine, the findings propose that an in-depth examination of the gut microbiome could aid in the identification of individuals at an elevated risk of developing dementia, thereby __(12)__ for interventions that modify the microbiome to prevent or ameliorate cognitive decline.

      The team of researchers, including co-corresponding authors Gautam Dantas, PhD, and Beau M. Ances, MD, PhD, conceived the idea of investigating the association between the gut microbiome and Alzheimer's disease during a conversation held at a youth soccer game. While previous investigations have explored the gut microbiomes of individuals exhibiting symptomatic Alzheimer's, no research has thus far __(13)__ the gut microbiomes of individuals in the crucial pre-symptomatic phase.

       By scrutinizing participants from the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center, the researchers discovered significant disparities in gut microbiota between healthy individuals and those in the early stage of Alzheimer's, despite their __(14)__ of comparable diets. These disparities exhibited a correlation with the levels of amyloid beta and tau proteins, which escalate prior to the manifestation of cognitive symptoms. Notably, the disparities did not align with neurodegeneration, which becomes apparent as cognitive faculties begin to decline. The distinctive profile of gut microbiota holds the potential to serve as a screening tool for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease.

      The researchers intend to embark on a follow-up study spanning five years to ascertain the causal relationship between the observed disparities in the gut microbiome and the cerebral alterations witnessed in early Alzheimer's disease. __(15)__, it is conjectured that inflammation may play a pivotal role. Bacteria generate metabolites capable of influencing gut inflammation and circulating throughout the body, thereby exerting an impact on the immune system. Promoting the proliferation of beneficial bacteria or eliminating detrimental counterparts could potentially decelerate or halt the progression of symptomatic Alzheimer's disease.

       The Montparnasse Tower, a 59-story glass skyscraper in Paris, has faced widespread criticism since its construction in 1973. Many Parisians consider it an eyesore in the city's __(16)__ architecturally harmonious skyline. This negative sentiment is not surprising, as Parisians have historically resisted significant alterations to the city's appearance, a sentiment shared by the Eiffel Tower and the glass pyramids at the Louvre Museum, which were initially met with similar criticism but eventually accepted.

       Although approaching its 50th anniversary, the tower continues to be despised by a significant portion of the population. To understand this animosity, we must explore in depth the history of Paris's urban development. The city's layout and architectural style trace back to the mid-19th century __(17)__ Baron Haussmann was commissioned to transform the overcrowded and unsanitary city into a modern metropolis. Haussmann demolished old structures, introduced wide avenues, and implemented uniform Haussmannian apartment buildings, defining the aesthetic of Paris.

       Almost a century later, Paris faced another __(18)__ after World War II. The post-war era presented an opportunity for modernization, including the construction of highways and skyscrapers, similar to developments in the United States and the United Kingdom. Montparnasse, located in southern Paris, was selected for a large-scale urban renewal project. While some architects and developers were enthusiastic about the modernization plans, public opinion turned against the tower due to its height and the stark contrast it created with the surrounding low-rise buildings.

       Despite the backlash, the project proceeded, and the tower was inaugurated in 1973. Over the years, it has housed notable figures, including several French presidents. However, it has remained widely unpopular, __(19)__ constructing buildings taller than 37 meters in Paris in 1977. Skyscrapers were confined to the La Defense business district and suburban areas until height restrictions were relaxed in 2010. 

       The negative perception of the Montparnasse Tower has endured, with some even __(20)__ its demolition. The ongoing debate surrounding tall buildings in Paris prompted the city government to reintroduce height restrictions as part of its efforts to combat climate change. Nevertheless, plans for the Triangle Tower, a new skyscraper in Paris, raise questions about whether it will encounter similar opposition. In summary, the Montparnasse Tower's unpopularity in Paris stems from its departure from the city's architectural uniformity, historical resistance to major changes, and the jarring contrast it creates with the surrounding low-rise buildings. The tower remains a subject of contention, reflecting the ongoing debate about the role of tall buildings in shaping the city's identity.

       When it comes to all things Danish, modern furniture, beer and pastries stand out, but arguably the country’s most famous export are tiny toy bricks. In 2016 alone, over 75 billion of the colorful plastic bricks were sold, and the 85-year-old company behind them reigns as one of the world’s most iconic toy manufacturers. _21_ The LEGO story started in a Danish woodworking shop in the days before electricity. At the time, Billund was an obscure village, and Ole Kirk Christiansen was just a simple carpenter with ambition. As a young man, Christiansen turned his love of whittling and playing with wood into a business and, in 1916, he opened his own shop. _22_ But in 1924, just as he was looking to expand his successful business, his sons accidentally set a pile of wood chips in the shop on fire. The flames it produced destroyed the entire building—and the family’s home.

      Others might have given up with a total loss, but Christiansen saw the fire as an excuse to simply build a larger workshop. _23_ In 1929, the American stock market crash plunged the world into depression, and Christiansen’s wife died in 1932. Bowed by personal and financial disaster, Christiansen laid off much of his staff and struggled to make ends meet._24_ Since times were so hard, Christiansen made the hard decision to use his wood to create inexpensive goods that might actually sell. Among them were cheap toys. The decision didn’t pay off—at first. Christiansen actually slid into bankruptcy but refused to stop making toys when his siblings tried to make it a condition of a bailout loan. _25_ He even renamed the company to reflect its new direction: leg godt, or “play well,” became LEGO.

(A) Little did he know that those tragedies would lay the foundation for one of the business’s great comeback stories.
(B) Tragedy continued to strike, however.
(C) But his love of toys pushed the company ahead, even when it limped.
(D) But if it weren’t for a series of fires—and an ingenious woodworker—LEGOS may never have been built.
(E) At first, Christiansen’s shop produced furniture like ladders, stools, and ironing boards.

(a) ATTENTION!!

Date: December 20^th

To: All Riverside residents

From: City of Riverside Office

Subject: Solar and Our City

       The city of Riverside will hold a seminar entitled Solar Opportunities to educate city residents on the benefits of installing solar power systems in their homes. Representatives from several solar power companies will speak at the event and be available to answer attendees’ questions afterward.

       Attendees will learn about the costs of installing solar systems and many of the financing available. There include agreements where the solar developer retains part ownership and maintenance of the solar panels. Attendees will also learn about tax breaks available for installing systems.

      The seminar will be held at City Hall on January 3. To register, please call 555-912-0399.

       If dry cleaning is preferred, be sure to notify the cleaner that this garment is raw silk.