Stress-Energy in Liouville Conformal Field Theory.

We construct the stress-energy tensor correlation functions in probabilistic Liouville conformal field theory (LCFT) on the two-dimensional sphere by studying the variation of the LCFT correlation functions with respect to a smooth Riemannian metric on . In particular we derive conformal Ward identities for these correlation functions. This forms the basis for the construction of a representation of the Virasoro algebra on the canonical Hilbert space of the LCFT.

A novel tool to mitigate by-catch mortality of baltic seals in coastal fyke net fishery.

Developing methods to reduce the incidental catch of non-target species is important, as by-catch mortality poses threats especially to large aquatic predators. We examined the effectiveness of a novel device, a "seal sock", in mitigating the by-catch mortality of seals in coastal fyke net fisheries in the Baltic Sea. The seal sock developed and tested in this study was a cylindrical net attached to the fyke net, allowing the seals access to the surface to breathe while trapped inside fishing gear.

The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPAR gamma 2 gene influences sex hormone-binding globulin level and its relationship to the development of the metabolic syndrome in young Finnish men.

Association of low sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) level with the risk of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in men has previously been reported. A proline to alanine substitution in codon 12 of the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARgamma2) gene has been shown to be related to high insulin sensitivity. The relationship of SHBG levels with the Pro12Ala polymorphism of PPARgamma2 in men has not been previously studied.

Common polymorphisms (single-nucleotide polymorphisms SNP+45 and SNP+276) of the adiponectin gene regulate serum adiponectin concentrations and blood pressure in young Finnish men.

Epidemiologic studies have shown that serum level of adiponectin, a circulating protein secreted by adipocytes, predicts the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the adiponectin locus (T45G or G276T) of the adiponectin gene (APM1) have been associated with insulin resistance, low serum adiponectin levels, and diabetes. In the present study, the association of these polymorphisms with serum adiponectin level and insulin resistance-associated risk factors was investigated.

Effect of the Pro12Ala polymorphism of the PPARg2 gene on serum adiponectin changes.

The Pro12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma 2 (PPARgamma2) gene and adiponectin, a protein secreted from adipose tissue, have been associated with insulin sensitivity. The present study demonstrates that in Finnish servicemen who were on a high-caloric diet for 6 mo only subjects with the Ala 12 allele of PPARgamma2 had a significant increase in adiponectin levels with weight loss induced by heavy exercise. This study demonstrates an interaction of genetic and environmental factors in the regulation of serum adiponectin concentrations.