Abstract: A mail slot catching net device is provided. The device is comprised of a net that can be attached underneath and/or around a mail slot on the rear surface of a door that the mail slot is installed in. Once mail is delivered through the mail slot, the device collects said mail in the net above the ground. The mail can then be easily removed from the net via opening a fastener positioned on the net.

Abstract: Provided are methods for assessing samples to determine or to aid in determining Insulin Resistance and/or malfunctioning adipocytes. The methods involve analysis of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) trafficking by determining kinetic parameters that include the fractional rate of NEFA appearance (Ra), the rate of NEFA disappearance (kNEFA), threshold for glucose-induced suppression (tG), and IC50 for glucose inhibition of NEFA production (glCso). Determining Ra for stearate that is similar to a control value, and/or a kNEFA for stearate that is higher than a control, indicates that the individual from whom the sample was taken has IR and/or adipocyte dysfunction. The method can include analysis of trafficking patterns for one or more of myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, oleic, and linoleic acids, in addition to stearate. A determination of IR and/or adipocyte dysfunction can indicate that the individual is a candidate for treatment with an agonist of a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.