Expression of small heat shock proteins and heat tolerance in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

We have examined the correlation between heat tolerance and small heat shock protein (sHSP) expression under heat stress conditions in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The relative heat tolerance of nine potato cultivars grown under greenhouse conditions was determined using the electrolyte leakage assay (ELA), a standard quantitative assay for heat tolerance. Three cultivars differing in heat tolerance were selected and designated as heat-tolerant (‘Laura’), moderately sensitive (‘Liseta’) and heat-sensitive (‘Agria’) genotypes. The expression of cytosolic HSP18 and chloroplast HSP21 was analyzed at the protein level in the leaves of selected cultivars, both ex vitro- and in vitro-grown, after heat stress or control treatment. Immunoblot analysis revealed heat-induced HSP18 and HSP21 expression in all examined genotypes. A similar pattern of examined sHSP expression was observed ex vitro and in vitro: heat-tolerant ‘Laura’ accumulated higher levels of both HSP18 and HSP21 compared to heat-sensitive ‘Liseta’ and ‘Agria’. Our results indicate that ELA combined with immunoblot analysis of sHSP accumulation under HS conditions, might be considered as a reliable procedure in screening potato genotypes for heat tolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first study where sHSP expression between ex vitro- and in vitro-grown potato plants was compared

Determination of inorganic compounds in drinking water on the basis of house water heater scale, part 1: Determination of heavy metals and uranium

The analysis of scale originated from drinking water on the house water heater, showed that scale is basically calcium carbonate that crystallizes hexagonally in the form of calcite. Scale taken as a sample from different spots in Belgrade – upper town of Zemun (sample 1) and Pančevo (sample 2) showed different configuration although it came from the same waterworks. That indicates either that the water flowing through waterworks pipes in different parts of the city is not the same or the waterworks net is not the same (age, maintaining, etc). All the elements which are dominant in drinking water (Ca, Mg, K, and Na), and which could be found in water by natural processes, are by their content far below the values regulated by law. The analysis also showed the presence of many metals: Ti, Pb, Zn, Cu Li, Sr, Cd, and Cr in the first sample, which are not found in the scale taken near Pančevo. The results obtained by calculating the mass concentration in drinking water on the basis of scale content, showed that both waters belonged to the category of low mineral waters. Contents of inorganic substances in these waters (117.85 mg/dm3 for sample 1 or 80.83 mg/dm3 for sample 2) are twice lower than the values predicted by the legislation. Gammaspectrometric analysis indicates the presence of radioactive elements – uranium and strontium which can influence human health

Transfer of Cs-134 and Cs-137 from soils to plants in cultivated and uncultivated soils in different regions of Yugoslavia

10th international congress of the International Radiation Protection Association; May 14-19, 2000; Hiroshima, Japa

Expression of small heat shock proteins and heat tolerance in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

We have examined the correlation between heat tolerance and small heat shock protein (sHSP) expression under heat stress conditions in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.). The relative heat tolerance of nine potato cultivars grown under greenhouse conditions was determined using the electrolyte leakage assay (ELA), a standard quantitative assay for heat tolerance. Three cultivars differing in heat tolerance were selected and designated as heat-tolerant (‘Laura’), moderately sensitive (‘Liseta’) and heat-sensitive (‘Agria’) genotypes. The expression of cytosolic HSP18 and chloroplast HSP21 was analyzed at the protein level in the leaves of selected cultivars, both ex vitro- and in vitro-grown, after heat stress or control treatment. Immunoblot analysis revealed heat-induced HSP18 and HSP21 expression in all examined genotypes. A similar pattern of examined sHSP expression was observed ex vitro and in vitro: heat-tolerant ‘Laura’ accumulated higher levels of both HSP18 and HSP21 compared to heat-sensitive ‘Liseta’ and ‘Agria’. Our results indicate that ELA combined with immunoblot analysis of sHSP accumulation under HS conditions, might be considered as a reliable procedure in screening potato genotypes for heat tolerance. To our knowledge, this is the first study where sHSP expression between ex vitro- and in vitro-grown potato plants was compared.Projekat ministarstva br. TR3104

Interlaboratory comparison material homogeneity testing

The homogeneity of fertilizer samples for interlaboratory gamma-ray spectrometry comparison was tested by determination of the total. count rate and the count rates for two U-238. lines, one K-40 line and one common U-235 and Ra-226 line. Homogeneity testing was accomplished by determination of the minimum, maximum, mean and standard deviation for each parameter and comparison of their standard deviations with predefined tolerances, by Cochrans test, and by a one-way ANOVA. The standard deviations were all less than these tolerances. All samples passed Cochrans test and the one-way ANOVA test for homogeneity

Heritability and genetic correlation of production and reproduction traits of Simmental cows

Improvement of production capacity of cattle in terms of increasing the production of milk, milk fat and number of calves, greatly depends on phenotype and genotype variability, heritability and correlation between desirable traits, as well as on the production level of the cattle population. Heritability, as a value expressing and measuring average additive gene effect, is one of the major characteristic of quantitative traits from the point of view of creating genetically high-value cattle populations. Knowledge of the heritability is necessary in the estimation of the beeeding value of cattle and has significant impact on the selection of breeding method. Genetic correlations are very important in indirect selection where changes in one trait are induced through selection of other traits between which a genetic correlation exists. Genetic correlations can be determined in all cases where heritability coefficient can be calculated. This research included 3.461 first calving Simmental cows under control, with lactation concluded within one year. All first-calvers were reared on individual farms in the territory of Republic of Serbia. In this study, heritability and genetic correlations between the the following milk and fertility traits were investigated: duration of lactation (days)- DL, milk yield in standard lactation (kg)- MY, milk fat content in standard lactation (%)- MFC, milk fat yield in standard lactation (kg)- MFY, yield of 4% FCM in standard lactation (kg)- 4%FCM, age at first calving (days)- AC and duration of service period (days)- DSP.Key words: Heritability, genetic correlations, milk yield, fertility, Simmental breed

Uticaj odgajivačkog područja i godine na osobine mlečnosti bikovskih majki simentalske rase

Cows which represent top of the genetic value of the population in regard to their traits are chosen for bull dams. Selection is based on origin, production performance (quantity of milk, milk fat and protein content), milking/dairy traits, reproductive indicators, exterior and linear type scores. This study included 292 cows of Simmental breed selected for bull dams on the territory of Republic of Serbia during one year. Selection of cows for herd of bull dams was done after finalized first and subsequent lactation. In this study, the effect of region and year of calving on milk traits is presented. Applying the method of least squares average value of milk production was obtained - 5.754,49 kg, milk fat content - 3,98% and quantity of milk fat - 230,24 kg. Regions had statistically highly significant effect (P (lt) 0,01) on all investigated milk traits. Year of calving showed no statistically significant effect on milk yield, yield of milk fat and content of milk fat (P>0,05).Za bikovske majke se odabiraju krave koje prema osobinama predstavljaju vrh genetske vrednosti populacije. Izbor se vrši na osnovu porekla, proizvodnih osobina (količina mleka, sadržaj mlečne masti i proteina), muznih osobina, reproduktivnih pokazatelja, eksterijera i linearnih ocena tipa. Ovim istraživanjem je obuhvaćeno 292 krave simentalske rase odabrane za bikovske majke na području Republike Srbije u toku godine. Odabiranje krava u zapat bikovskih majki izvršeno je posle završene prve, odnosno na osnovu sledećih laktacija. U radu je ispitan uticaj odgajivačkog područja i godine telenja na osobine mlečnosti. Koristeći metod najmanjih kvadrata dobijene su prosečne vrednosti proizvodnje mleka 5.754,49 kg, sadržaja mlečne masti 3,98% i količine mlečne masti 230,24 kg. Regioni su imali statistički visoko značajan uticaj (P (lt) 0,01) na sve ispitivane osobine mlečnosti. Na osobine prinosa mleka, mlečne masti i sadržaja mlečne masti, godina telenja nije ispoljila statistički značajan uticaj (P>0,05)

Calibration of HPGe Detectors for Environmental Samples Using GEANT4 Simulation

Determination of full energy peak efficiency is one of the most important tasks that have to be performed before gamma spectrometry. Calibration of the measurement system for measuring environmental samples poses a special challenge to the laboratory. Many different approaches to this task have been developed and examined. One of the most detailed is GEANT4, a Monte Carlo simulation toolkit developed for wide variety of applications. The aim of this paper is to apply GEANT4 simulation for calibration of three HPGe detectors, for measurement of aerosol, plant and coal-like environmental samples. The detectors were modeled using the certificate provided by the manufacturer. The samples chosen for the simulation were secondary reference materials produced in the Laboratory for the purpose of experimental calibration. The efficiencies obtained using a simulation were compared with experimental results, in order to evaluate the trueness of the results. Measurement uncertainties for both simulation and experimental values were estimated in order to see whether the results of the realistic measurement fall within acceptable limits.3rd International Conference on Radiation and Applications in Various Fields of Research (RAD), Jun 08-12, 2015, Budva, Montenegr

Calibration of HPGe Detectors for Environmental Samples Using GEANT4 Simulation

Determination of full energy peak efficiency is one of the most important tasks that have to be performed before gamma spectrometry. Calibration of the measurement system for measuring environmental samples poses a special challenge to the laboratory. Many different approaches to this task have been developed and examined. One of the most detailed is GEANT4, a Monte Carlo simulation toolkit developed for wide variety of applications. The aim of this paper is to apply GEANT4 simulation for calibration of three HPGe detectors, for measurement of aerosol, plant and coal-like environmental samples. The detectors were modeled using the certificate provided by the manufacturer. The samples chosen for the simulation were secondary reference materials produced in the Laboratory for the purpose of experimental calibration. The efficiencies obtained using a simulation were compared with experimental results, in order to evaluate the trueness of the results. Measurement uncertainties for both simulation and experimental values were estimated in order to see whether the results of the realistic measurement fall within acceptable limits.3rd International Conference on Radiation and Applications in Various Fields of Research (RAD), Jun 08-12, 2015, Budva, Montenegr

Ispitivanje naslednosti fenotipova plodnosti i mlečnosti simentalske rase goveda u Srbiji

Results of the effect of direct and indirect selection of quantitative traits of fertility and milk performance of first calving cows of Simmental breed in Serbia are presented. Investigation of genetic parameters of heritability (additive genetic variance in total phenotypic variability of quantitative traits) and analysis of milk traits was done in four breeding regions and several tenths of farms where 3980 daughters of 32 sires were housed and reared. Results of analysis were obtained by application of mathematical-statistical data analysis, using mixed models (Harvey, 1990). Mathematical-statistical analysis of data was done using linear methods, i.e. method of least squares (LS method). Based on obtained results it was established that bulls-sires and several paragenetic factors caused no significant variation of fertility traits in relation to general average (P (lt) 0.01). Quantitative milk traits of first calving cows, under the influence of breeding region, had significantly higher deviation from the general average (**P (lt) 0.01). Significant deviations (*P (lt) 0.05) were caused by year of calving on milk yield and yield of milk fat (4765.0 kg and milk fat 3.86%). Established heritability coefficients for reproductive traits were following: .102, .051 and .088, and milk traits .297, .207 and .197).Najbrojnija populacija goveda u Republici Srbiji pripada Simentalskoj rasi (oko 500.000 plotkinja ili više od 80%). Ako se imaju u vidu tekuće promene u genetskom poboljšanju goveda i veoma velikom napretku u tehnologijama reprodukcije, očigledno da će se sadašnji programi morati menjati i poboljšavati. S obzirom na to, da je ekonomski značaj reproduktivnih i osobina mlečnosti visok neophodno je poznavanje pojedinih faktora koji utiču na plodnost i mlečnost krava, a oni se dele na genetske i paragenetske. Uspeh u poboljšanju plodnosti genetskim putem je dosta ograničen niskim vrednostima heritabiliteta, što ne znači da geni ne deluju na ovu osobinu, već da je vrednost aditivne genetske varijacije mala. Naslednost, odnosno proučavanje aditivne genetske varijanse u ukupnoj fenotipskoj varijabilnosti kvantitativnih osobina, predstavlja deo najvažjnijih istraživanja sa gledišta stvaranja populacije goveda visokih genetskih potencijala i odabiranja roditeljskih parova budućih generacija. Vrednosti koeficijenata naslednosti za osobine plodnosti su pod uticajem različitih faktora, kao što su: genotip životinje, uzrast, intenzitet selekcije, metod odgajivanja, ambijentalni uslovi i dr. Cilj ovih istraživanja je bio da se ispitaju važniji genetski parametri plodnosti i mlečnosti, odnosno naslednosti ovih kvantitativnih osobina radi izbora pravca i daljeg oplemenjivanja ove populacije. Prikupljeni podaci za analizu potiču iz četiri regiona - odgajivačka područja u Srbiji. Istraživanja su uključila 3980 krava - prvotelki simentalske rase, kćeri 32 bika - oca, koje su oteljene u periodu od šest godina (2002-2007). Sva ispitivana grla (krave - prvotelke) su držana vezano i slobodno u posedu privatnih farmera (od 8 do 65 grla po farmi) i bila su standardno hranjena, a razlike su bile u količini, odnosu i kvalitetu kabaste i koncentrovane hrane (područje gajenja). Matematičko-statistička analiza podataka obavljena je primenom mešovitog modela najmanjih kvadrata (LS-Least Squares) primenom programa najmanjih kvadrata (LSMLMW), Harvey, (1990). Različiti broj individua u pojedinim klasama kao i postojanje više uticaja (područje, godina telenja, sezona telenja, bikovi očevi) koji su delovali na ispoljavanje ispitivanih osobina, uslovio je analizu u kojoj je korišćen metod najmanjih kvadrata. Bikovi-očevi i niz paragenetskih uticaja nisu prouzrokovali značajno variranje osobina plodnosti u odnosu na opšti prosek (P (lt) 0.01). Kvantitativne osobine mlečnosti krava prvotelki su pod uticajem odgajivačkog područja imale visoko značajno odstupanje od opšteg proseka (**P (lt) 0.01). Značajna odstupanja (P (lt) 0.05) je izazvala godina telenja na prinos mleka i mlečne masti. Godišnje doba početka laktacije krava obuhvaćenih našim istraživanjem pokazuje značajna odstupanja prinosa mleka i mlečne masti u odnosu na opšti prosek (P (lt) 0.01). Tako su junice oteljene u februaru , martu i aprilu imale značajno i visoko značajno više mleka i mlečne masti u odnosu na one koje su se otelile u drugim mesecima u godini. Ustanovljeni koeficijenti heritabiliteta reproduktivnih svojstava koji su dobijeni našim istraživanjem su imali niske vrednosti i bili su nižeg nivoa u odnosu na one koje su dobili Petrović et al. (1998, 2001, 2006). Rezultati naslednosti osobina mlečnosti dobijeni našim istraživanjima su bili viši u odnosu na koeficijente za iste osobine koje su objavili Panić and Vidović (2006), niži u odnosu na rezultate istraživanja Petrović et al. (1999) and Kapš and Špehar (2004) a u saglasnosti sa koeficijentima heritabiliteta koje su u turskoj populaciji simentalskih goveda ustanovili Ulek and Tekun (2006)