A systematic investigation of the stability of green fluorescent protein fusion proteins

X-ray crystallography provides important insights into structure-function relationship in biomolecules. However, protein crystals are usually hard to obtain which hinders our understanding of multiple important processes. Crystallization requires large amount of protein sample, whereas recombinant proteins are often unstable or insoluble. Green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion is one of the approaches to increase protein synthesis, solubility and stability, facilitating crystallization. In this study we analyze the influence of the linker length, composition and the position of GFP relative to the fusion partner on the fusion protein production and stability. To this end, multiple constructs of enzymatically impaired variant of PemKSa toxin from Staphylococcus aureus CH91 fused to GFP were generated. Fusion protein production in Escherichia coli was evaluated. The proteins were purified and their stability tested. PemKSa-α14aa-GFP fusion provided best production and stability. Obtained results demonstrate the importance of optimization of fusion protein construct, including linker selection and the order of fusion partners, in obtaining high quantities of stable protein for crystallization

Hornbeam pollen in the air of Poland in 2018

The study compares the hornbeam pollen seasons in Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Drawsko Pomorskie, Zielona Gora, Opole, Sosnowiec, Cracow, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Warsaw, Lublin, Olsztyn and Szczecin in 2018. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method (Hirst type pollen sampler). Seasonal Pollen Index was estimated as the sum of daily average pollen concentrations in the given season. Pollen season was defined as the period in which 98% of the annual total catch occurred. The pollen season of hornbeam started first in Bialystok, on the April 3rd. At the latest, a pollen season ended in Lublin and Sosnowiec at the beginning of May. However, in most other cities the season lasted till the end of April. The differences of pollen seasons duration were considerable, from 16 to 36 days. The highest airborne concentration of 168 pollen grains/m3 was noted in Lublin on the April 14th. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count occurred between April 12th and 16th. The highest hornbeam pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2018 in Lublin, Warsaw and Piotrkow Trybunalski

The oak pollen concentration in the air of selected cities in Poland in 2018

This paper contains an analysis of oak pollen seasons in selected cities of Poland in 2018. Sampling sites were located in the following cities: Bialystok, Bydgoszcz, Cracow, Drawsko Pomorskie, Lublin, Olsztyn, Opole, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Sosnowiec, Szczecin, Warsaw, Wroclaw and Zielona Gora. The volumetric method was applied using the Burkard or Lanzoni trap. The pollen season was determined by the 98% method. The season started earliest in Sosnowiec (April 14th). The mean duration of the pollen season was 33 days. The highest pollen concentration (713 P/m3) was observed in Wroclaw (April 19th). The peak values were recorded between April 19th and May 1st in the different cities

Analysis of Fraxinus pollen seasons in selected cities of Poland in 2018

The study compares the ash pollen seasons in Szczecin, Drawsko Pomorskie, Bydgoszcz, Zielona Gora, Wroclaw, Opole, Sosnowiec, Cracow, Piotrkow Trybunalski, Warsaw, Lublin, Olsztyn and Bialystok in 2018. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method. The ash pollen season began between April 7th and April 10th. Maximum daily pollen concentrations were noted earliest on April 10th and latest on April 17th. The greatest risk of allergies caused by the presence of airborne ash pollen was observed in Lublin

Methods Used by Polish Forensical and Archaeological Specialists During Graves Excavation – Differences and Similarities

There seem to be a lot of differences between archaeology and forensic science but, when we take a closer look, we may find out that some methods and goals may be similar, especially on the ground of exhumation of graves. Since the early 90s, in Poland, archaeologists more often started to take part in investigations covering mass murders and crimes against humanity committed during the Second World War. It occurred that their methodology is providing best results in this kind of work. At first, archeologists started only as consultants but then they were given a possibility to lead their own field of excavations in that area of interest. Moreover, it led to creating a new subdiscipline called forensic archaeology. It is hard to tell the difference between archaeological and forensical field methods of exhuming graves. Archaeological literature is way more precise in describing that topic, whereas police experts are thought to provide general procedures of securing a crime scene. The most obvious differences between the two fields in question are visible in the methods of documentation. However, there is no doubt that the specialists in each of the disciplines have learned a lot from each other since they decided to cooperate in some specific cases

To what extent are Russian ‘anti-access’ and ‘area-denial’ systems defensive or offensive in character?

In recent years, A2/AD capabilities are one of the top subjects of press and media discussions aimed to examine contemporary European security order as well as the ability of the NATO to conduct collective defence. In this context, Russian A2/AD capabilities are considered as one of the biggest threats for NATO member states in the case of a potential conflict. Trying to answer whether Russian A2/AD systems are defensive or offensive in character, a given answer can be that the systems are both. A reason is that combat systems are not only defensive or offensive in character nowadays. The above mentioned phenomenon of modern, complex combat systems allowed Russia to build up A2/AD capabilities which are recognized as very efficient during defensive operations. On the other hand, the systems provide the ability to carry out offensive operations in accordance with the old rule – attack effectively first and A2/AD bubbles could facilitate it within their range. Moreover, the capabilities are a key element of efforts to reconstruct Russia’s superpower position