Kinase-negative mutants of JAK1 can sustain interferon-gamma-inducible gene expression but not an antiviral state.

The receptor-associated protein tyrosine kinases JAK1 and JAK2 are both required for the interferon (IFN)-gamma response. The effects of expressing kinase-negative JAK mutant proteins on signal transduction in response to IFN-gamma in wild-type cells and in mutant cells lacking either JAK1 or JAK2 have been analysed. In cells lacking endogenous JAK1 the expression of a transfected kinase-negative JAK1 can sustain substantial IFN-gamma-inducible gene expression, consistent with a structural as well as an enzymic role for JAK1. Kinase-negative JAK2, expressed in cells lacking endogenous JAK2, cannot sustain IFN-gamma-inducible gene expression, despite low level activation of STAT1 DNA binding activity. When expressed in wild-type cells, kinase-negative JAK2 acts as a dominant-negative inhibitor of the IFN-gamma response. Further analysis of the JAK/STAT pathway suggests a model for the IFN-gamma response in which the initial phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK2 is mediated by JAK2, whereas phosphorylation of the IFN-gamma receptor is normally carried out by JAK1. The efficient phosphorylation of STAT 1 in the receptor-JAK complex may again depend on JAK2. Interestingly, a JAK1-dependent signal, in addition to STAT1 activation, appears to be required for the expression of the antiviral state.     

Ectomycorrhizal fungi of Kashmir forests

All the macromycetes recorded in Kashmir and suspected to be mycorrhizal (77 taxa) are discussed in the context of the vegetational communities of Kashmir.     

Extracts of the invasive shrub Lonicera maackii increase mortality and alter behavior of amphibian larvae

Water-soluble phytochemicals produced by invasive plants may represent novel elements of invaded ecosystems that can precipitate a variety of direct and indirect effects on native organisms. Phenolic compounds in particular are a common plant defense, and these compounds may have disproportionate impacts on amphibians compared to other taxa. We coupled an exploration of invasive plant extract effects on larvae of four amphibian species (the salamander Ambystoma maculatum, the toad Anaxyrus americanus, and the frogs Hyla sp. and Lithobates blairi) with behavioral observations designed to determine whether behavior can ameliorate the negative effects of exposure to invasive plant extracts. Larvae were reared in extracts of the widespread invasive Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), mixed native leaf litter, and a water control. Anaxyrus americanus tadpoles reared in L. maackii extracts were more likely to die than tadpoles reared in native extracts, but differences in mortality following rearing in native and exotic extracts were not significant for the other three species. Anaxyrus americanus and L. blairi tadpoles made more trips to the surface in L. maackii extracts than in native extracts, consistent with the hypothesis that exotic extracts may interfere with respiratory physiology and suggesting that L. blairi can behaviorally ameliorate the negative effects of L. maackii extracts. Our study highlights both a direct and indirect pathway by which invasive plant extracts may alter the ecological dynamics of native fauna.     

Blood Selenium Status in Normal Punjabi Population of Pakistan

Selenium concentrations in the blood of 112 (56 females and 56 males) normal subjects, from different regions of the Punjab (Pakistan), have been determined using the technique of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The whole blood selenium concentrations were found to be 452 ± 12 ppb (parts per billion or nano-gram of Se per gram freeze-dried blood or 96 ± 3 μg/L ), with 470 ± 16 ppb (or 100 ± 4 μg/L) in female and 435 ± 16 ppb (or 92 ± 4 μg/L) in male population. Compared with other populations of the world, these levels are amongst the lowest.     

Notes on British boleti: V

Summary

A key to those British boletes which have been attributed to the genus Xerocomus, based on habitat, microscopic and macroscopic characters is proposed. Two taxa included or re-introduced into the British list based on field observations, are Boletus conifer arum and B. spadiceus. They may have been overlooked previously or confused with far commoner taxa, especially those of the Boletus chrysenteron-subtomentosus complex. Some extra-limital and little known species have been keyed out for completeness ; they include Boletus amarellus, B. armeniacus, B. badiorufus, B. lanatus, B. striaepes, B. truncatus, and B. tumidus. Also included are boleti which may be confused with certain members of this group, as are B. dupainii, B. lignicola and B. porosporus each of which is based on a single British collection. Boletus versicolor and its satellites are distinguished from each other in the key as are the dark green forms of B. chrysenteron.     

Tenth research symposium Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh 1970

Summary

The use of fungi, particularly macro-fungi, in culinary and medical activities is discussed, in addition to the early history of the cultivation of fungi for human consumption. Larger fungi have been utilized in the production of dyes, tinder, and fabric over many centuries and have been used also as a source of light and for deodorizing and fumigation. Difficulty is experienced in separating facts from folklore, but there is, as with lichens, a distinct reliance on the doctrine of signatures. Although lichens were widely used in a range of medicinal concoctions, some of which worked to a limited degree, their economic value has been greater in connection with textiles and cosmetics. They have also been an essential ingredient in the economy of the peoples in Arctic regions, as a fodder for reindeer.     

Notes on British boleti VI

Summary

A key to members of the genera Chroogomphus, Gomphidius, Paxillus and Phylloporus based on habitat, microscopic and macroscopic characters is proposed. One extra-limital species of the first genus, C. ochraceus, and one of the penultimate genus, P. vernails, are included because they may be recorded in the future. The taxon, G. gracilis, often taken as a variety of a far commoner species, is keyed out so that future records will allow its status in the British flora to be ascertained.     

Notes on British Boleti: IV

Summary

A key to the British species of the genus Suillus based on habitat, microscopic and macroscopic characters is discussed. Some species as yet unrecorded for the British Isles are included for completeness. Also included in the key are the only W. European member of Fuscoboletinus, the single British species of Bolentis, and two Xerocomus spp., X. badius and X. rubinus, both of which are superficially similar (in some characters) to members of the genus Suillus. The genera Chalciporus and Fuscoboletinus are reviewed and the taxonomic status of Boletus grevillei is discussed in detail.