Simvastatin attenuates leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions and ameliorates ischemic injury in hypercholesterolemic mice independently of lipid-lowering actions.

In yeast, Hmo1p is important for communicating target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase activity to downstream targets. Results show that TOR kinase controls expression of the HMO1 gene and that an important component of this regulation is its direct association with the HMO1 gene. The implications are that TOR kinase may have more elaborate nuclear functions.

To meet targets on fuel poverty, energy efficiency and carbon emissions existing homes need to be more energy efficient. We report the results of a participatory action research project to explore the challenges associated with energy efficiency retrofit programmes and ways to better implement future schemes.Six focus groups were held with 48 participants from a range of energy efficiency roles. Data were analysed thematically using the research question "What are the challenges presented by implementing energy efficiency retrofit programmes".We identified four themes in the data: Funding mechanisms; Predicting performance; Installation; and People. Challenges include funding mechanisms for retrofit programmes resulting in insufficient time to plan, publicise, implement and evaluate a scheme and insufficient flexibility to specify the most appropriate intervention for individual homes. Site workers sometimes need to adapt retrofit designs because of insufficient detail from the designer and can equate quality of installation with quality of finish. Landlords and occupier behaviour can impact on the programme's success and there is a need for greater information on benefits for landlords and for energy behaviour change interventions run alongside retrofit programmes for occupiers. There is a need for outcome evaluations of retrofit schemes with the results shared with stakeholders.

Chewing lice, Geomydoecus and Thomomydoecus, coexist on pocket gophers, Thomomys spp. We investigated the spatial distribution of the 2 genera on their hosts and explored possible mechanisms of resource partitioning by chewing lice. Chewing lice appear to partition available host resources spatially, with Geomydoecus occurring primarily on the lateral and dorsal regions of the host, and Thomomydoecus occurring primarily on the lateral and ventral regions. Although spatial partitioning of the host habitat is evident, it does not appear to be explained by hair diameter. Spatial partitioning of the host's body could be the result of some other factor, possibly temperature or humidity gradients of the host's body.

The regioselectivity of hydroxyl radical addition to arenes was studied using a novel analytical method capable of trapping radicals formed after the first elementary step of reaction, without alteration of the product distributions by secondary oxidation processes. Product analyses of these reactions indicate a preference for o- over p-substitution for electron donating groups, with both favored over m-addition. The observed distributions are qualitatively similar to those observed for the addition of other carbon-centered radicals, although the magnitude of the regioselectivity observed is greater for hydroxyl. The data, reproduced by high accuracy CBS-QB3 computational methods, indicate that both polar and radical stabilization effects play a role in the observed regioselectivities. The application and potential limitations of the analytical method used are discussed.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a detailed appraisal of the quality of domestic retrofits. Design/methodology/approach This paper presents the results of technical surveys on 51 retrofits undertaken before, during and after the retrofits. Findings Failures are observed to be endemic and characterised into five themes: 72 per cent showed moisture issues pre-retrofit, 68 per cent had moisture risks post-retrofit, 62 per cent did not adopt a whole house approach, 16 per cent showed inadequate quality assurance protocols and 64 per cent showed evidence of insufficient design detailing. Each theme is further subcategorised with a view to identifying implications for future policy. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest the 10 per cent Ofgem retrofit failure rates predictions are an underestimate and so there may be a need for additional investigations to understand the trend across the UK. Practical implications Recommendations to reduce the failure rates may include making changes to the current inspection regime, widening understanding among installers; providing standard repeatable designs for repeated features; and empowering occupants to trigger inspections. Social implications The sample is representative of a substantial proportion of the homes in the UK suggesting that retrofit quality may in many instances be below the required standards. Originality/value Risks of moisture issues and underperformance in domestic retrofit are a concern for government industry and households. This research shows that many installation failures are the result of not implementing existing guidelines and a change to the enforcement of standards may be needed to enact a fundamental change in installer practice and process control.

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This paper is based on a presentation given to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Weekend Briefing for Building Surveyors on the subject of the Disability Discrimination Act and historic buildings. Historic buildings can pose challenges when services need to be provided in a building with public access, and these need intelligent solutions. The case study provides helpful examples of solutions for practitioners in the field.