Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

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Public release date: 24-Jul-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Angela Hopp 240-283-6614 American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Human defensins, aptly named antimicrobial peptides, are made in immune system cells and epithelial cells (such as skin cells and cells that line the gut). One of these peptides, human neutrophil peptide 1, under certain circumstances hinders HIV infection, but exactly how it works remains unclear.

HIV entry into mature T-helper cells (cells essential to the immune system) proceeds by attachment of the virus to specific targets on T-helper cells, uptake of the virus, fusion of its envelope with the cell membranes, and release of the virus into the cells. In a forthcoming Journal of Biological Chemistry Paper of the Week, Gregory Melikyan at Emory University and colleagues investigated the ability of human neutrophil peptide 1 to impede each step of this process.

Using model cell lines, Melikyan's group showed that human neutrophil peptide 1 effectively prevented HIV entry into cells in multiple ways. First, human neutrophil peptide 1 reduced the number of specific targets on the cells available for HIV attachment. Second, this defensin also bound to specific targets on both the HIV envelope and the cells, preventing early and late stages of HIV-cell fusion. Finally, human neutrophil peptide 1 prevented HIV uptake into the cells without compromising the general ability of the cells to engulf other molecules.

While human neutrophil peptide 1 hinders HIV entry into cells under these lab conditions, it does not do so as effectively in the presence of serum -- meaning that it may not be as successful at blocking HIV in our bodies. But Melikyan's team showed that human neutrophil peptide 1 remained attached to its specific targets in the presence of serum, despite its reduced efficacy. Their work suggests that the structure of human neutrophil peptide 1 is important for its anti-HIV activity, and they propose that serum may interfere with the ability of this defensin to form complexes, reducing its ability to block HIV.

"Our work provides new insights into the ability of defensins to recognize and neutralize diverse pathogens, including HIV," Melikyan says. This research reveals that human neutrophil peptide 1 can bind various viral and cellular targets and that a previously unappreciated feature is essential for its anti-HIV activity, possibly its propensity to form large complexes, Melikyan explains.

The team's findings suggest a new avenue of research for combatting HIV and viruses that infiltrate cells in a similar manner.

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From the article: "Multifaceted mechanisms of HIV-1 entry inhibition by human alpha-defensin" by Lusine H. Demirkhanyan, Mariana Marin, Sergi Padilla-Parra, Changyou Zhan, Kosuke Miyauchi, Maikha Jean-Baptiste, Gennadiy Novitskiy, Wuyuan Lu, and Gregory B. Melikyan (to be published in the Aug. 17 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry and currently online as a Paper in Press at http://www.jbc.org/content/early/2012/06/25/jbc.M112.375949.full.pdf)

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Under the right conditions, peptide blocks HIV infection at multiple points along the way

Research and Markets: Biomedical Hydrogels: Biochemistry, Manufacture and Medical Applications

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/m5pjfs/biomedical_hydroge) has announced the addition of Woodhead Publishing Ltd's new book "Biomedical Hydrogels: Biochemistry, Manufacture and Medical Applications" to their offering.

Hydrogels are very important for biomedical applications because they can be chemically manipulated to alter and control the hydrogel's interaction with cells and tissues. Their flexibility and high water content is similar to that of natural tissue, making them extremely suitable for biomaterials applications. "Biomedical hydrogels" explores the diverse range and use of hydrogels, focusing on processing methods and novel applications in the field of implants and prostheses.

Part one of this book concentrates on the processing of hydrogels, covering hydrogel swelling behaviour, superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogels and regulation of novel hydrogel products, as well as chapters focusing on the structure and properties of hydrogels and different fabrication technologies. Part two covers existing and novel applications of hydrogels, including chapters on spinal disc and cartilage replacement implants, hydrogels for ophthalmic prostheses and hydrogels for wound healing applications. The role of hydrogels in imaging implants in situ is also discussed.

With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, "Biomedical hydrogels" is an excellent reference for biomedical research scientists and engineers in industry and academia, as well as others involved in research in this area, such as research clinicians.

Key features:

- examines the diverse range and use of hydrogels, focusing on processing methods and novel applications

- comprehensive book explores the structure and properties of hydrogels and different fabrication technologies

- covers important areas such as processing of hydrogels, covering hydrogel swelling behaviour, superabsorbent cellulose-based hydrogels and regulation of novel hydrogel products

Key Topics Covered:

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Research and Markets: Biomedical Hydrogels: Biochemistry, Manufacture and Medical Applications

Moores Law – Transistor Graph – Video

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13-10-2011 16:28 Moore's law describes a long-term trend in the history of computing hardware. The number of transistors that can be placed inexpensively on an integrated circuit doubles approximately every two years. This trend has continued for more than half a century and is expected to continue until at least 2015 or 2020. The capabilities of many digital electronic devices are strongly linked to Moore's law: processing speed, memory capacity, sensors and even the number and size of pixels in digital cameras. All of these are improving at (roughly) exponential rates as well (see Other formulations and similar laws). This exponential improvement has dramatically enhanced the impact of digital electronics in nearly every segment of the world economy. Moore's law describes a driving force of technological and social change in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. The law is named after Intel co-founder Gordon E. Moore, who described the trend in his 1965 paper. The paper noted that the number of components in integrated circuits had doubled every year from the invention of the integrated circuit in 1958 until 1965 and predicted that the trend would continue "for at least ten years". His prediction has proved to be uncannily accurate, in part because the law is now used in the semiconductor industry to guide long-term planning and to set targets for research and development.

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Moores Law - Transistor Graph - Video

HD Moores Law – Video

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21-03-2012 02:35 Joshua Corman wrote a post entitled HD Moore's Law in which he raises some valid points around the fact that tools like Metasploit make it incredibly easy for anyone with little or no knowledge to be able to test a system for vulnerabilities. Naturally, the purpose of this or other such tools is to aid a security tester in finding these vulnerabilities. However, like any such tool, you cannot dictate if someone will use this for attack or defensive purposes. The question then becomes whether your security defences have increased at the same rate? (hint the answer is no.) It's a relatively straightforward process with many tools to choose from that you can simply point and click to your systems and see if they can find some vulnerabilities. If they do, then you're in a bit of trouble because it means anyone with a computer and internet connection can also find the same vulnerability.

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HD Moores Law - Video

‘US producing state-of-the-art psychos’

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An American human rights activist says, by advocating a way of life, devoid of spirituality, the US is producing state-of-the-art Frankensteins, who are incapable of controlling their impulses.

Twelve people were killed and 59 others injured in a shooting rampage in Aurora, Colorado in early Friday.

The bloodshed took place when a masked gunman, later identified as a 24-year-old James Holms, opened fire at viewers during the screening of the new Batman movie, The Dark Night Rises, in Auroras Century Theater Cinema.

Nearly everyone was shot, Aurora police Chief Dan Oates has said, adding that a handful of those taken to the hospital for treatment did not have gunshot wounds, but suffered other injuries in the incident.

The deadly incident has once again raised debate about gun control in the US as it took place only 20 miles from Columbine High School, the scene of a 1999 shooting, in which 13 people were killed and 24 others injured.

Press TV has conducted an interview with human rights advocate Mauri Saalakhan to further discuss the issue.

The video also offers the opinions of two additional guests: Joe Iosbaker with the United National Antiwar Coalition and public interest lawyer William John Cox.

What follows is a rough transcription of the interview.

Press TV: Mr. Saalakhan, a lot has been said of course since we saw the first court appearance by the killer himself, the reasons behind what happened, what do you think is the root cause for this tragedy or rather tragedies of this nature?

Saalakhan:

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‘US producing state-of-the-art psychos’

New Russian space station docking gear test fails

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MOSCOW (Reuters) - A test of new spacecraft docking gear for Russian flights to the International Space Station failed, the U.S. and Russian space agencies said on Tuesday, casting doubt on the automated system meant to simplify missions to the orbiting outpost. The space agencies said a new docking attempt would likely take place on Sunday, after an unmanned Japanese spacecraft, the HTV-3 ...

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New Russian space station docking gear test fails

Sally Ride, first US woman in space, dies at 61

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Expand Photo Uncredited | NASA

FILE - This undated photo released by NASA shows astronaut Sally Ride. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/NASA, File)

FILE - In this July 28, 2009 file photo, former astronaut Dr. Sally Ride, with Jeffrey Greason in the background, comments during a public meeting of the Review of U.S. Human Space Flight Plans Committee, in League City, Texas. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, Brett Coomer, File) MANDATORY CREDIT AP PHOTO/HOUSTON CHRONICLE, BRETT COOMER.

FILE - In this June 1983 file photo provided by NASA, astronaut Sally K. Ride, STS-7 mission specialist, communicates with ground controllers from the mid-deck of the earth-orbiting Space Shuttle Challenger. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/NASA, File)

FILE - In this Aug. 29, 1983 file photo, astronaut Sally Ride poses at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Caneveral, Fla. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/Brian Russell, File)

FILE - In this June 1983 photo released by NASA, astronaut Sally Ride, a specialist on shuttle mission STS-7, monitors control panels from the pilot's chair on the shuttle Columbia flight deck. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/NASA, File)

FILE - This undated file photo released by NASA shows astronaut Sally Ride. Ride, the first American woman in space, died Monday, July 23, 2012 after a 17-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 61. (AP Photo/NASA, File)

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Sally Ride, first US woman in space, dies at 61

Sally Ride, America’s First Woman in Space, Dies at 61

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Human space flight has always captivated the minds of the public, especially ever since man ventured into space; however, when a woman first traveled up into space (alongside man), the way we observed space travel was changed forever. The woman who took responsibility for being the first American woman in space was Sally Ride.

Sally Ride, a 32 year-old English and Physics graduate from Stanford University, was accepted into the space program at NASA after responding to a newspaper advertisement from the well-known space agency (Source: Nasa.gov). Ride then assisted as Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) for various space shuttle flights, and also assisted with the shuttles robotic arm.

Rides first venture into space was on the Challenger in 1983, making her the first American woman to travel into space via NASA. Unfortunately, she was not the actual first woman in space. Two Russian women (Valentina Tereshkova and Svetlana Savitskaya) traveled into space prior to her assignment with NASA.

Recently, Ride was involved with a long battle of pancreatic cancer, and then lost her fight on July 23rd, 2012, at 61 years of age. NASA posted the following tweet regarding her passing:

Various celebrities and fans of Sally Ride tweeted their respects to Americas first woman in space:

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Sally Ride, America’s First Woman in Space, Dies at 61

NASA Supercomputer Facility To Provide Enhanced Landsat Data

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July 24, 2012

Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

A new NASA supercomputer will help take the space agency into a new chapter of discovery through enhanced Landsat observations.

NASA is making the NEX facility available to the research community for further research and development after extensive development and testing.

The new facility is a virtual laboratory that will allow scientists to tackle Earth science challenges with global high-resolution satellite observations.

Because of the large volume of high-resolution Landsat data, scientists who wanted to study the planet as a whole prior to NEX needed to invest tremendous amounts of time and effort to develop high-end computational methods rather than focus on important scientific problems, Tsengdar Lee, high-end computing program manager at NASA Headquarters in Washington, said in a press release. NEX greatly simplifies researchers access to and analysis of high-resolution data like Landsat.

The new facility will contain a large collection of global data sets and analysis tools from NASA, according to the space agency. Some of the data will include surface weather records, topography, soils, land cover and global climate simulations.

Scientists can fit Landsat scenes together like a jigsaw puzzle to create snapshots of global vegetation patterns that contain over a half-trillion pixels in less than 10 hours, according to NASA.

The science community is under increasing pressure not only to study recent and projected changes in climate that likely impact our global environment and natural resources, but also to design solutions to mitigate, or cope, with the likely impacts, Rama Nemani, a senior Earth scientist at NASAs Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, said in a press release. We want to change the research paradigm by bringing large data holdings and supercomputing capabilities together, so researchers have everything they need in one place.

NEX combines Earth-system modeling, remote-sensing data from NASA and other agencies, and a scientific social networking platform to deliver a complete research environment.

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NASA Supercomputer Facility To Provide Enhanced Landsat Data

Recycling minister hails nanotechnology potential

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Speaking at an event in London last week (July 17) held by the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network, the minister warned that nanotechnologies could do great harm if developed irresponsibly - and told delegates there was a shared responsibility to manage the risks.

"We are all stakeholders when it comes to assessing and managing risk and this presents us with a shared responsibility," he said. "It means maintaining an effective relationship between the Government and industry."

Lord Taylor added that it was important that the nanotechnology industry shared information on good practice with other stakeholders in the sector to help safeguard the public and the environment.

"While we continue to build an evidence base on which to decide the nature of appropriate controls, it's important that companies take steps to manage potential risks," he said.

The Government has recognised the role of nanotechnology, both as a potential driver for economic recovery and as an important enabling technology that has huge potential across many sectors, including the waste and recycling industry.

On the packaging front, it is already paving the way for future innovations as companies look to optimise material performance in terms of product preservation and environmental impact.

Defra and BIS are taking a new collaborative approach to provide support for the UK's fledgling industry. Part of this is a newly formed nanotechnology strategy forum, which will act as an advisory body comprising representatives from industry, regulatory bodies, academia and NGOs to help inform decisions and foster responsible development of the technology.

Last October, Lord Taylor and David Willetts, the Government's science minister, held a roundtable discussion with representatives from the nanotechnology industry. One of the concerns raised was that industry and regulation appeared to be moving down parallel pathways.

"A number of reviews of UK and European legislation have found that existing frameworks can be adapted, but for regulation to be effective it must be backed up by an evidence of risk and such evidence is often lacking for nanomaterials," Lord Taylor maintained.

He added: "We would, however, strongly argue against an over precautionary response, which responds to hazard without understanding corresponding risk."

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Recycling minister hails nanotechnology potential

Coast to Coast AM (July-02-2012) Mars, Energy,

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24-07-2012 08:16 Date: 07-02-12 Host: George Noory Guests: Charles Shults III, Howard Bloom Aerospace and defense systems developer Sir Charles Shults discussed his work with alternative energy sources, the discovery of new extrasolar planets, the new rover which will land soon on Mars, and the concept of mind uploading into virtual worlds which could lead to a form of immortality. The Curiosity rover is scheduled to arrive on Mars on August 5th-- it's a larger vehicle than the previous rovers, and has advanced testing and photographic equipment. It's due to land in Gale Crater-- an area where water would have been present over a great period of time, and Shults believes there is a high probability that fossils of primitive life may be found there. (Check out our Insta-Poll on whether you believe there's current or past life on Mars.) There may be some simple ways to develop interstellar travel, Shults declared. One possibility is a reactionless thruster, which could be thought of as a quantum mechanics device "that could produce thrust in one direction without throwing exhaust out the other side," he explained. Regarding energy, he'd like to see the end of burning petroleum for fuel, and one development he expressed enthusiasm for is a new type of fuel cell that can also act as a kind of battery. By 2025, Shults foresees the ability for people to upload the contents of their brain, or back-up their memories to a computer. This capability could prove highly useful if someone suffered a ...

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Coast to Coast AM (July-02-2012) Mars, Energy,

Accreditation Awarded to PhD Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine

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Newswise LOS ANGELES (July 23, 2012) The Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine at Cedars-Sinai has been accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, an affirmation that the PhD-awarding educational effort meets the most rigorous standards of higher learning.

The programs first class of students is scheduled to earn their doctoral degrees in 2013.

Achieving independent accreditation for our PhD program is a highly significant important milestone for our relatively new graduate education program, said Shlomo Melmed, MD, senior vice president of academic affairs, dean of the medical faculty and Helene A. and Philip E. Hixon Chair in Investigative Medicine. This historic achievement reflects our commitment to medical innovation and training for more than a century. The addition of a formally accredited graduate education program at Cedars Sinai injects new vitality in our academic community, which continues to advance the frontiers of scientific scholarship and to result in world-class care for our patients.

The July decision by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges certifies the academic integrity of the independent Cedars-Sinai graduate program, and was based on an intense, five-year assessment of its every aspect. This recognition gives students access to federal student loans and qualifies Cedars-Sinai to apply for educational funding and grants as an accredited degree-granting institution.

The graduate program at Cedars-Sinai seeks to train scientists to develop laboratory discoveries for understanding disease pathogenesis and new patient therapies. Its students, supported by a diverse faculty of scientists and physicians, train in Cedars-Sinai laboratories where more than 900 research projects are under way in areas including molecular genetics, immunology, molecular and cellular oncology, cardiovascular biology, neurosciences ,regenerative medicine, metabolism and therapeutic trials. Students are currently involved in investigating an array of illnesses, including Alzheimers, antibiotic-resistant infections, diabetes, cancer and diseases of the heart, lung and bowel.

Cedars-Sinai is committed to expanding the horizons of medical knowledge through research and contributing to the future of medicine by educating and training the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists, said Leon G. Fine, MD, vice dean of research and graduate research education and chair of biomedical sciences. When we started our graduate program in 2007, it was to both fulfill this core part of our mission and to provide a fundamentally different program. By immersing our students in both basic science and clinical medicine, we create an environment that promotes discoveries that not only are significant scientifically but that also have powerful potential to help patients.

The program, which offers a doctorate in Biomedical Science and Translational Medicine, has accepted six to eight students each year and is expected to reach a total enrollment of 35 in September.

Since its inception, the Program has been successfully led by David Underhill PhD, who is the Program Director. Broad faculty involvement in the core curriculum and in mentoring and supervision of students in the laboratories has enabled students to engage in research studies in a wide range of scientific disciplines.

On the road to accreditation, Fine said, the medical center worked to foster its academic culture by creating a graduate students association, opening of a graduate education center overseen by administrators Emma Yates and Linda King, and by providing the student support systems which are expected in graduate programs of the highest caliber.

Our graduate program has been embraced by our scientists and physicians alike, who have dedicated their time as teachers, mentors and research supervisors, he said. Were proud that the committee praised us for our students positive reviews about the level of engagement they receive from our faculty members.

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Accreditation Awarded to PhD Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Translational Medicine

Medical school advances after building provided

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Martinsville Bulletin, Inc. P. O. Box 3711 204 Broad Street Martinsville, Virginia 24115 276-638-8801 Toll Free: 800-234-6575

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

By ASHLEY JACKSON - Bulletin Staff Writer

A building in uptown Martinsville was provided Monday to the Integrative Centers for Science and Medicine to launch a medical school in the area.

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Medical school advances after building provided

Liberty Star Signs Letter of Agreement for Encampment and Drilling Services at Big Chunk, Southwestern Alaska, with …

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Liberty Star Uranium & Metals Corp. is pleased to announce that the Company has entered into an Agreement for Exploration Services , including encampment construction, operation and diamond core drilling services, with MBGS LLC of Anchorage, Alaska, for work at the Company’s Big Chunk Super Project .

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Liberty Star Signs Letter of Agreement for Encampment and Drilling Services at Big Chunk, Southwestern Alaska, with ...

Liberty Property Trust Announces Second Quarter Results

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MALVERN, Pa., July 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty Property Trust (LRY) reported that funds from operations available to common shareholders (diluted) ("FFO") for the second quarter of 2012 was $0.63 per share, compared to $0.69 per share for the same period in 2011. Funds from operations for the second quarter of 2012 include lease termination fees of $0.7 million.

FFO per share for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $1.31, compared to $1.34 per share for the same period in 2011.

Net income per common share (diluted) was $0.29 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, compared to $0.74 per share (diluted) for the quarter ended June 30, 2011. Net income for the six-month period ended June 30, 2012 was $0.61 per share, compared with $0.99 per share for the same period in 2011. Net income for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 includes net gains on property dispositions of $3.3 million ($0.03 per share) and $50.5 million ($0.44 per share) respectively, and net income for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and June 30, 2011 includes net gains on property dispositions of $4.9 million ($0.04 per share) and $52.1 million ($0.45 per share), respectively.

"Liberty's execution in the second quarter was exceptional on all fronts," said Bill Hankowsky, chairman and chief executive officer. "We took steps to enhance the future profitability of our portfolio through the sale of a significant amount of commodity office space, we leased over five million square feet of space, and we enhanced our already outstanding balance sheet with well-timed capital events."

Portfolio Performance

Leasing: At June 30, 2012 Liberty's in-service portfolio of 77 million square feet was 90.7% occupied, compared to 90.5% at the end of the first quarter. During the second quarter, Liberty completed lease transactions totaling 5.5 million square feet of space.

Same Store Performance: Property level operating income for same store properties decreased by 0.6% on a cash basis and decreased by 1.0% on a straight line basis for the second quarter of 2012 compared to the same quarter in 2011.

Portfolio Activity

During the second quarter, Liberty furthered the execution of its portfolio repositioning strategy through property sales and acquisitions.

Dispositions: During the quarter, Liberty sold 54 operating properties containing 2.7 million square feet, and 58 acres of land for $208.6 million. The properties were 82.3% leased, and consisted primarily of single-story and mid-rise suburban office and high-finish flex product in Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and New Jersey.

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Liberty Property Trust Announces Second Quarter Results