Diffusion Thermopower at Even Denominator Fractions

We compute the electron diffusion thermopower at compressible Quantum Hall states corresponding to even denominator fractions in the framework of the composite fermion approach. It is shown that the deviation from the linear low temperature behavior of the termopower is dominated by the logarithmic temperature corrections to the conductivity and not to the thermoelectric coefficient, although such terms are present in both quantities. The enhanced magnitude of this effect compared to the zero field case may allow its observation with the existing experimental techniques.Comment: Latex, 12 pages, Nordita repor

Future developments - Adaptive Optics Applied to Glaucoma Imaging

Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (SLO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have substantially advanced ophthalmic imaging by improving the transversal resolution and axial resolution beyond that which can be achieved by the fundus camera. SLO improved the transversal resolution by using a small aperture in front of the photodetector and OCT improved the axial resolution by employing principles of coherence gating. Combining the two technologies into a single instrument produces an OCT instrument with the transversal resolution of an SLO but the finer axial resolution afforded by OCT principles, typically 5-10 um or less. Transversal resolution of both SLO and OCT instruments is limited by the aberrations of the eye to more than 15 um with a pupil size of less than 3 mm. Transversal resolution in both instruments can, in principle, be improved to less than 3 um resolution by enlarging the beam diameter. In practice, this often fails due to imperfections in the crystalline lens, cornea, intraocular fluid, and tear film that disturb the wavefront, and hence distort the round uniformity of the spot illuminating the retina. Applying adaptive optics (AO) principles, aberrations of the eye can be both measured and compensate

Exercise and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrinopathy affecting both the metabolism and reproductive system of women of reproductive age. Prevalence ranges from 6.1-19.9% depending on the criteria used to give a diagnosis. PCOS accounts for approximately 80% of women with anovulatory infer-tility, and causes disruption at various stages of the reproductive axis. Evidence suggests lifestyle modification should be the first line of therapy for women with PCOS. Several studies have examined the impact of exercise interventions on reproductive function, with results indicating improvements in menstrual and/or ovulation frequency following exercise. Enhanced insulin sensitivity underpins the mechanisms of how exercise restores reproductive function. Women with PCOS typically have a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that are risk factors for CVD. There is irrefutable evidence that exercise mitigates CVD risk factors in women with PCOS. The mechanism by which exercise improves many CVD risk factors is again associated with improved insulin sensitivity and decreased hyperinsulinemia. In addition to cardiometabolic and reproductive complications, PCOS has been associated with an increased prevalence of mental health disorders. Exercise improves psychological well-being in women with PCOS, dependent on certain physiological factors. An optimal dose-response relationship to exercise in PCOS may not be feasible because of the highly individualised characteristics of the disorder. Guidelines for PCOS suggest at least 150 min of physical activity per week. Evidence confirms that this should form the basis of any clinician or healthcare professional prescription

Preliminary investigation into the biodegradation of cellulosic sludge from a Kraft pulp mill

Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: Ye

In vivo insulin action is familial characteristic in nondiabetic Pima Indians

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) is a genetic disorder characterized by two major pathogenic processes: reduced insulin action and a relative or absolute decrease in plasma insulin concentrations. We studied 116 nondiabetic siblings from 45 families to determine if in vivo insulin action showed any aggregation among siblings. Subjects were Pima Indians from the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona who, as a group, have the highest reported incidence and prevalence of NIDDM in the world. In vivo insulin action was determined by the euglycemic-clamp technique at two rates of insulin infusion in each subject with resulting mean plasma insulin concentrations of 119 and 1938 ??U/ml. After adjustment for age, sex, and degree of obesity, there was significant aggregation among siblings of in vivo insulin action at the high insulin infusion rate (P ???.0001). Family membership independently accounted for ~34% of the variance in this measure of insulin action. Glucose uptake at the lower insulin infusion rate also showed familial aggregation (P .01), with family membership independently accounting for ~15% of the variance of this measurement. We conclude that in vivo insulin action is a familial characteristic. The familial component of insulin action occurs in addition to the effects of obesity, age, and sex on insulin action. Therefore it is not sufficient to simply know that an individual is lean or obese to predict his/her in vivo insulin resistance, because it must also be known whether he/she is from an insulin-resistant or insulin-sensitive family. An alteration of insulin action may be an underlying and potentially genetically determined abnormality in Pima Indians that could help explain the familial aggregation of diabetes in this population. Such a genetic mechanism might also operate in populations with Native American admixture (e.g., Mexicans) as well as other populations