Procedures for the axenic isolation of conchocelis and monospores from the red seaweed Porphyra yezoensis

In order to maintain axenic seedstock cultures axenically of thecommercially important red seaweed, Porphyra yezoensis, aprocedure was developed for axenic isolation and culture of conchocelis andmonospores. For axenic isolation of the conchocelis, contaminated microalgaewere most effectively removed by filtering contaminated samples through a100-m mesh after sonication. Removal of bacteria and otheralgaewas accomplished using a mixture of 5 agents (0.02% chitosan, 100 gml^–1 GeO₂, 10 gml^–1 ampicillin, 40 gml^–1 kanamycin and 200 gml^–1 streptomycin). Axenic single colonies wereisolatedfrom a semi-solid medium prepared from 1% transfer gel. After collectingmonospores from the 40–50% density layer on a percoll-gradient, removalofbacteria and fungi from the monospores was accomplished using a mixture of 5antibiotics (3.5 g ml^–1 nystatin, 2 mgml^–1 ampicillin, 400 gml^–1 kanamycin, 50 gml^–1 neomycin and 800 gml^–1 streptomycin). Axenic single juvenile blades wereisolated from a semi-solid medium prepared from 0.5% transfer gel.     

In vitro comparison of ceftazidime,aztreonam, cefpirome,gentamicin, imipenem,enoxacin, and ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid against 108 strains ofPseudomonas maltophilia

Pseudomonas maltophilia is an uncommon cause of hospital-acquired infection and is resistant to most of the antimicrobial agents used in the treatment of gram-negative infections. Susceptibility of 108 isolates ofP. maltophilia to ceftazidime, aztreonam, defpirome, gentamicin, imipenem, enoxacin, and ticarcillin plus clavulanic acid was determined by an agar dilution method. The isolates were in general resistant to the antibiotics. Imipenem and cefpirome were not active at clinically achievable levels. Of the isolates, 20% were susceptible to 16 g/ml ceftazidime, 53% were susceptible to 4 g/ml enoxacin, 10% were susceptible to 4 g/ml gentamicin, and 25% were susceptible to 64 g/ml ticarcillin plus 2 g/ml clavulanic acid.     

Somatic embryogenesis in callus cultures of Rosa hybrida L. cv. Landora

Callus was initiated from immature leaf and stem segments of rose (Rosa hybrida cv. Landora) and subcultured every four weeks on a basal medium of half-strength Murashige & Skoog (1962) salts plus 30 g l^-1 sucrose (1/2 MS) and supplemented with 2.2 M BA, 5.4 M NAA and 2.2–9.0 M 2,4-D. Embryogenic callus and subsequently somatic embryos were obtained from 8-week-old callus culture on 1/2 MS+2.2 M BA+0.05 M NAA+0.3 M GA₃+200–800 mg l^-1 L-proline. Long-term cultures were established and maintained for up to 16 months by repeated subculture of embryogenic callus on L-proline deficient medium. About 12% of cotyledonary stage embryos taken from cultures cold-stored at 8±1°C for 4 days germinated on 1/2 MS+2.2 M BA+0.3 M GA₃+24.7 M adenine sulphate.Abbreviations BA benzyladenine - NAA -naphthaleneacetic acid - 2,4-D 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid - GA₃ gibberellic acid     

Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration of Amphotericin B and Miconazole for 21 strains of Aspergillus

The susceptibility of 21 strains ofAspergillus (11 ofA. fumigatus, 8 ofA. niger, and 2 ofA. flavus) isolated from human pathologic specimens to Amphotericin B and Miconazole has been comparatively studied. Determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration of both drugs in a liquid medium showed a noticeably variability for the different strains. The values obtained for Amphotericin B varied between 0.25g/ml (2 strains) and 1.25g/ml (5 strains) after 48 hours, and between 1.25g/ml (1 strain) and 50g/ml (1 strain) after 10 days. For Miconazole the results varied between 0.1g/ml (1 strain) and 25g/ml (1 strain) after 48 hours of incubation, and between 0.5g/ml (5 strains) and > 100g/ml after 10 days. The variability of these results indicates the usefulness of carrying ourin vitro sensitivity studies whenever it is possible.     

Problems in estimating growth rates of marine phytoplankton from short-term14C assays

Growth rate estimates () of phytoplankton populations that were sampled from nitrogen-limited continuous cultures and then incubated for short durations in batch culture with added¹⁴C-HCO₃ ^– were significantly different than steady-state growth rates () for 3 of 5 marine phytoplankton species. Two diatoms,Thalassiosira weissflogii andChaetoceros simplex, displayed virtually identical growth rates (=) over a wide range of, whereas for a third diatom,Phaeodactylum tricornutum, was overestimated by an average of 40% compared to. In contrast, was underestimated by the¹⁴C technique for the two remaining species: up to 40% at a steady-state of 1.0 day^–1 for the chlorophyteDunaliella tertiolecta and up to 100% at of 1.4 day^–1 for the haptophytePavlova lutheri. For the latter two species the divergence between and appeared to increase with increasing steady-state. A simple model of labeled and total carbon flow between the aqueous phase and cellular biomass was constructed to demonstrate that respiration was negligible when=, but was significant when>. In the cases in which<, a rapid physiological alteration presumably took place once the steady state was disturbed and cells were placed in the incubation chambers, which perhaps was related to the nutritional state of the cultures at the time of sampling. Questions thus are raised regarding our ability to measure accurately primary productivity from shipboard experiments with confined samples of phytoplankton from nutrient-impoverished waters that probably are less hardy than the laboratory cultures used in these studies.     

Comparison of two anti-T-2 toxin immunoglobulins by direct ELISA

Summary Monoclonal anti-T-2 IgGs produced from 12C12 and 15H6 hybridomas were compared by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Binding activity was linear from 0.005 to 0.25 g protein/ml with 12C12 and from 0.005 to 0.09 g protein/ml with 15H6. The quantity of T-2 toxin (g protein/ml) required for one-half maximum binding activity of 15H6 (0.0875 g protein/ml) was approximately 68% that of 12C12 (g protein/ml).     

Characterization of dihydropyrimidinase from Pseudomonas stutzeri

Dihydropyrimidinase from Pseudomonas stutzeri ATCC 17588 was purified 100-fold and characterized. It was found that dihydrouracil, dihydrothymine and hydantoin could serve as substrates for the partially purified enzyme. The K _m values for dihydrouracil, dihydrothymine and hydantoin were determined to be 19.6 M, 21.3 M and 36.4 M, respectively, while their respective V _max values were 0.836 mol/min, 0.666 mol/min and 2.21 mol/min. Between pH 7.5 and 9.0, enzyme activity was shown to be maximal. The optimum temperature for enzyme activity was 45 °C. Using gel filtration, the molecular weight of the enzyme was calculated to be approximately 115000 Da. Metal ions were found to influence the level of enzyme activity. Dihydropyrimidinase activity was stimulated by magnesium ions and inhibited by either zinc or copper ions.     

Seasonal changes in inorganic and organic phosphorus in the soil of a riparian forest

This study addresses the temporal distribution of forms of phosphorus in the soil of a temporarily flooded riparian forest of the valley of the river Garonne (Southwest of France). A sequential extraction for forms of phosphorus of increasing chemical stability was used. During the study period (13 months), the forest was flooded a few days during March and May. In winter, resin-Pi concentration was high (26 g g^–1) in comparison to spring values (<9 g g^–1). NaHCO₃-Po, NaHCO₃-Pi or NaOH-Pi concentrations increased during winter (up to 74, 124 and 78 g g^–1 respectively) and decreased significantly during spring (32, 44 and 32 g g^–1 respectively). This pattern was attributed to simultaneous mineralization and plant uptake during the growing season and to the flood events (erosional processes and P-release). During summer and fall, resin-Pi concentration increased significantly (up to 26 g g^–1 in October). NaHCO₃-Po concentrations remained low during spring and summer (<33 g g^–1), and increased significantly in fall (>45 g g^–1 NaHCO₃-Pi or NaOH-Pi increased in late spring or summer (90 g g^–1 and 68 g g^–1 respectively). Increasing concentrations of the labile forms during late spring or summer were ascribed to the warm temperature and soil dryness that limited plant growth. HCl-Pi increased regularly after the floods (174 g g^–1 before the flood events to 254 g g^–1 after the floods). Residual P presented a similar pattern i.e. 214 g g^–1 and 279 g g^–1 respectively before and after the flood events. This pattern was attributed to a progressive incorporation of flood deposits to the soil.     

Characteristics of the ATP-ase activity of isolated neurons of rabbit

Summary Isolated and homogenised Deiters' neurons from the lateral vestibular nucleus of rabbit in a Krebs-Ringer solution containing no added Mg⁺⁺, 1.3 moles/ ml and 5 moles/ml Mg⁺⁺, broke down ATP at the maximal rate of 0.29+-0.20, 2.40+–0.20, and 5.95+–0.63 moles/cell/hr. In 1.3 mM Mg⁺⁺ solution the single cell homogenates took up phosphate at the mean rate of 2.6+–0.2 moles/cell/hr. If the rabbits were injected 1 hour before with 20 mg/kg body weight of 2-amino-1-propene-1,1,3, tricarbonitrile (triap), the breakdown of ATP in these latter media was 0.82+–0.44, 2,5+–0.60, and 6.7+– 1.1 moles/cell/hr, respectively, and the quantity of inorganic liberated did not decrease.     

Optimization of in vivo tumor targeting in SCID mice with divalent forms of 741F8 anti-c-erbB-2 single-chain Fv: effects of dose escalation and repeated i.v. administration

Single-chain Fv molecules in monovalent (sFv) and divalent [(sFv')₂] forms exhibit highly specific tumor targeting in mice as a result of their small size and rapid systemic clearance. As a consequence, there is a rapid reversal of the sFv blood/tumor gradient, resulting in diminished retention of sFv species in tumors. In this report we investigate two distinct strategies, dose escalation and repetitive intravenous (i.v.) dosing, aiming to increase the absolute selective retention of radiolabeled anti-c-erbB-2¹²⁵I-741F8 (sFv')₂ in c-erbB-2-overexpressing SK-OV-3 tumors in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID). A doseescalation strategy was applied to single i.v. injections of¹²⁵I-741F8 (sFv')₂. Doses from 50 g to 1000 g were administered without a significant decrease in tumor targeting or specificity. High doses resulted in large increases in the absolute retention of¹²⁵I-741F8 (sFv')₂. For example, raising the administered dose from 50 g to 1000 g increased the tumor retention 24 h after injection from 0.46 g/g to 9.5 g/g, and resulted in a net increase of greater than 9 /g. Over the same dose range, the liver retention rose from 0.06 g/g to 1 g/g, and resulted in a net increase of less than 1 g/g. The retention of 9.5 g/g in tumor 24 h fllowing the 1000-g dose of (sFv')₂ was comparable to that seen 24 h after a 50-g dose of¹²⁵I-741F8 IgG, indicating that the use of large doses of (sFv')₂ may partially offset their rapid clearance. When two doses were administered by i.v. injection 24 h apart, the specificity of delivery to tumor observed after the first dose was maintained following the second injection. Tumor retention of¹²⁵I-741F8 (sFv')₂ was 0.32 g/g at 24 h and 0.22 g/g at 48 h following a single injection of 20 g/g, while 0.04 g/ml and 0.03 g/ml were retained in blood at the same assay times. After a second 20-g injection at the 24-h assay time, tumor retention increased to 0.49 g/g, and blood retention was 0.06 g/ml, at the 48-h point. These results suggest that multiple high-dose administrations of radiolabeled 741F8 (sFv')₂ may lead to the selective tumor localization of therapeutic radiation doses.Supported by National Cancer Institute (NCI) National Cooperative Drug Discovery Group grant U01 CA51880, CA06927, an appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Bernard A. and Rebecca S. Bernard Foundation     

Somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration in wild cotton (Gossypium klotzschianum)

A simple and efficient method for high frequency somatic embryogenesis and plant regeneration from hypocotyl-derived cultures and suspension cultures of Gossypium klotzschianum Anderss, a wild, diploid species of cotton is described here. Embryogenic cultures were induced from hypocotyl sections on MSB medium with 0.9 M 2,4-D and 2.32 M kinetin. MSB medium containing 0.045 M 2,4-D, 0.93 M kinetin, 2.46 M IBA promoted embryogenic culture proliferation and embryo development. Suspension cultures with 0.23 M 2,4-D and 0.93 M kinetin also produced many embryos. Somatic embryos cultured on MSB medium with PGRs produced secondary embryos, and embryos developed into normal plantlets on PGR-free MSB medium. Regenerated plantlets were transferred onto the quarter-strength MSB medium with 0.5% active charcoal to avoid recallusing. Hypocotyls were better than cotyledons for culture induction and plant regeneration. 2,4-D and kinetin were essential for culture induction and maintenance.     

Evidence suggesting energy-dependent formaldehyde transport in an RuMP-type methylotroph (T15)

Formaldehyde accumulation ratios ([¹⁴CH₂O]_i/[¹⁴CH₂O]_o) as high as 12-fold were measured in anaerobic, CH₃OH-energized, whole cell suspensions of the ribulose monophosphate (RuMP)-type methylotrophic strain T15. Uptake kinetics were extremely rapid, enabling the attainment of equilibrium in only 10–30 s. Transport appears to be energy-dependent and associated with the protonmotive force (pmf). Anaerobic incubation with 5 M carbonyl p-(trifluoromethoxy)-phenylhydrazone (FCCP) led to 70%–90% reduction of the accumulation ratio. Though not as pronounced, diminished uptake was also observed in the presence of 140 M nigericin, 161 M valinomycin and 90 mM KSCN, commensurate with their effects on pmf. Accumulation of CH₂O as a function of external pH followed a trend more similar to that of pmf than either pH or . Preventing energization by incubation with 100 M N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCCD) led to nearly 80% inhibition of CH₂O transport. Over short time periods it was possible to chase accumulated ¹⁴CH₂O from previously loaded cells by collapsing pmf; however, this technique also indicated that significant ¹⁴CH₂O incorporation began to occur within 3 min.Abbreviations FCCP Carbonyl cyanide p-(trifluoromethyoxy)-phenylhydrazone - DCCD N,N-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide - RuMP ribulose monophosphate - TPP⁺ tetra[U-¹⁴C]phenylphosphonium - pmf protonmotive force     

Coccidia of Brazilian edentates: Eimeria cyclopei n.sp. from the silky anteater,Cyclopes didactylus (Linn.) and Eimeria choloepi n.sp. from the two-toed sloth,Choloepus didactylus (Linn.)

Summary Eimeria cyclopei n.sp. is described from the silky anteater, Cyclopes didactylus, from Pará State, north Brazil. Undifferentiated oocysts, passed in the faeces, complete sporulation in seven days at 26 to 28°C. Oocysts are ellipsoidal to sub-spherical, with a mean size of 28.1 × 23.6 m: the wall is 1.5 to 2.0 m thick, apparently with an outer thin, colourless membrane and two inner, thicker, striated and yellowish layers. There is no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar body. The mean measurements of sporocysts are 19.0 × 9.0 m, and they are slightly asymmetrical, elongate pear-shape, with a plug-shaped Steida body projecting beyond the end of the sporocyst. Sporozoites are as long as or longer than the sporocysts: The sporocyst residuum is scattered between sporozoites in younger specimens and becomes condensed into rounded mass in older ones. The endogenous stages occur in the epithelial cells of the ileum, on the lumenal side of the host-cell nucleus. Uninucleate meront, microgamont and macrogamont precursors are recognizable morphologically. Mature meronts are 20.0 × 15.7 m some produce 12 to 20 merozoites which are 8.7 × 2.0 m, and others 10 to 26 merozoites which are 11.4 × 2.0 to 15.0 × 3.0 m. Mature microgamonts which are 27.5 × 24.1 m, produce from 150 to 170 microgametes of 7.1 × 1.0 m: microgametes have two flagella of unequal length. Mature macrogamonts are 28.4 × 24.5 m Eimeria choloepi n.sp. is recorded from the two-toed sloth, Choloepus didactylus, from the same area of Brazil. Undifferentiated oocysts, passed in the faeces, complete sporulation in 23 days at 26 to 28°C. Oocysts with a mean size of 23.0 × 20.3 m, have a wall 2.0 to 2.5 m thick which is composed of two thick, yellowish and striated outer layers and a delicate, colourless inner one. There is no micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule. Mature sporocysts with a mean size of 11.3 × 7.1 m, are ellipsoidal to egg-shaped and have a poorly developed Steida body. The sporocyst residuum is composed of a small number of large globules: The sporozoites are longer than the sporocyst and strongly recurved. The endogenous stages occur in epithelial cells of the ileum, on the lumenal side of the host-cell nucleus. Dimorphic meronts produce 8 to 18 merozoites which are either 13.0 × 2.0 m or 13.0 × 3.0 m. Microgamonts produce 50 to 80 microgametes of 8.0 × 1.0 m. Mature macrogamonts are 18.3 × 17.9 m. ac]19820212     

Ecotoxicity of lead to the zebra musselDreissena Polymorpha,Pallas

The effect of lead on the filtration rate of the zebra musselDreissena polymorpha was investigated, together with the accumulation of Pb in the soft tissues of the mussels. The NOEC-filtration was 116 g.l^–1 (0,56 mol.l^–1) and the EC₅₀-filtration was 370 g.l^–1 (1.79 mol.l^–1). The NOEC-accumulation was the concentration found in the control water (1.4g.l^–1). These experiments show that the EC₅₀-filtration for Pb is similar to that for Cd, higher than that for Cu and lower than that for Zn. The water quality criteria for lead allow 25 g Pb.l^–1 in surface water. This will not cause short-term effects. Long-term effects may, however, occur, since an accumulation of Pb as low as 16 g.l^–1 was recorded in this study.     

Effects of GABA antagonists,SR 95531 and bicuculline,on GABAA receptor-regulated chloride flux in rat cortical synaptoneurosomes

Synaptoneurosomes isolated from cerebral cortices of male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for studying GABA_A receptor-regulated chloride influx. The in vitro effects of GABA antagonists, SR 95531 (a pyridazinyl GABA derivative) and bicuculline, on pentobarbital-stimulated, muscimol-stimulated or flunitrazepam-enhanced, muscimol-stimulated chloride uptake were studied. The chloride uptake was determined at 30°C, for 5 sec. Pentobarbital and muscimol produced a maximal stimulation of chloride uptake in cortical synaptoneurosomes at 500 M and 50M, respectively. SR 95531 as well as bicuculline had no effect on the basal uptake of chloride. Whereas, SR 95531 (0.3–30 M) and bicuculline (0.1–100 M), when added 5 min before muscimol (50 M), produced a significant concentration-dependent inhibition of muscimol (50 M)-stimulated chloride uptake (IC₅₀ s of 0.89±0.11 M and 13.45±2.10M, respectively). In studies of the inhibitory effects of SR 95531 and bicuculline on pentobarbital (500 M)-stimulated chloride uptake, the IC₅₀ s were 0.81±0.12 M and 3.86±1.14 M, respectively. SR 95531 exhibited a more potent inhibitory effect than bicuculline on flunitrazepam-enhanced, muscimol-stimulated chloride uptake. The results revealed that SR 95531 has a more potent antagonistic effect than bicuculline on GABA_A-regulated chloride flux.     

Modulation of brain mitochondrial membrane permeability and synaptosomal Ca2+ transport by dopamine oxidation

Effects of dopamine on the membrane permeability transition, thioredoxin reductase activity, production of free radicals and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in brain mitochondria and the Ca²⁺ uptake by Na⁺-Ca²⁺ exchange and sulfhydryl oxidation in brain synaptosomes were examined. The brain mitochondrial swelling and the fall of transmembrane potential were altered by pretreatment of dopamine in a dose dependent manner. Depressive effect of dopamine on mitochondrial swelling was reversed by 10 g/ml catalase, and 10 mM DMSO. The activities of thioredoxin reductase in intact or disrupted mitochondria were decreased by dopamine (1-100 M), 25 M Zn²⁺ and 50 M Mn²⁺. Dopamine-inhibited enzyme activity was reversed by 10 g/ml SOD and 10 g/ml catalase. Pretreatment of dopamine decreased Ca²⁺ transport in synaptosomes, which was restored by 10 g/ml SOD and 10 mM DMSO. Dopamine (1-100 M) in the medium containing mitochondria produced superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide, while its effect on nitrite production was very weak. The oxidation of sulfhydryl groups in mitochondria and synaptosomes were enhanced by dopamine with increasing incubation times. Results suggest that dopamine could modulate membrane permeability in mitochondria and calcium transport at nerve terminals, which may be ascribed to the action of free radicals and the loss of reduced sulfhydryl groups.     

Development of an L6 myoblast in vitro model of moniliformin toxicosis

L6 myoblasts were used as an in vitro model to investigate the role of moniliformin and its interaction with monensin in turkey knockdown syndrome and sudden death syndromes in poultry. Cell viability and microscopic and ultrastructural alterations noted in L6 myoblasts cultured in the presence of moniliformin (0.0–0.3 g/l) were compared to those observed in parallel cultures also containing one of the following compounds: selenium (0–0.004 ng/l), thiamine (0–0.3 g/l), or pyruvate (0–0.46 g/l). Marked dilation of the RER, membranous whorls, glycogen deposition, membrane-bound cytoplasmic inclusions and necrosis were observed in myoblasts exposed to 0.03/2-0.30 g moniliformin/l medium. Supplementation of medium with thiamine and pyruvate, or selenium, provided significant protection to cells exposed to 0.0–0.3 g/l or 0.0–0.15 g moniliformin/l, respectively. Dose-dependent differences in protein and ATP production were not detected. Myoblasts grown in medium containing 0–0.15 g moniliformin/l and 7.5–50.0 M A23187, beauvericin or monensin had degrees of cytotoxicity similar to parallel cultures receiving only an ionophore. L6 myoblasts were a useful model of moniliformin toxicosis. The findings of this study suggest cytotoxicity due to moniliformin in L6 myoblasts may be due in part to oxidative damage and altered pyruvate metabolism, and that moniliformin does not predispose myoblasts to ionophore toxicosis. This study supports the results of in vivo investigations in poultry that moniliformin and monensin do not act synergistically to induce knockdown or monensin toxicosis.     

Aflatoxin influences on seed germination and root elongation by two cultivars of Glycine max and uptake of 65 Zn-ZnCl2 by the cultivars

Maximum inhibition of Glycine max, cv. Essex seed germination occurred at 10 g/ml following 72 hr imbibition in constant light. Seeds imbided 108 hr in constant darkness at this concentration showed a 20% rise in germination over that of the control. Imbibition of G. max, cv. Williams seeds in either light or dark for 96 hr did not suppress germination. Imbibition of Essex seeds in either light or dark at 2.5 through 10 g/ml stimulated root elongation except for 10 g/ml at 96 hr (light). Maximum inhibition of Williams root elongation under constant light was at 48 and 72 hr with 10 g/ml. Statistically significant differences in cotyledon, leaf and stem lengths between non-treated (NT) and treated (T) seedlings were not found except for Williams stem length at 2.5 / ml. Root elongation was stimulated 1.2- and 1.1-folds, respectively, at 5.0 (Essex) and 2.5 (Williams) g/ml. Toxin at 2.5 through 10.0 g/ml did not markedly alter either cotyledon or leaf widths with the exception of Williams leaf width at 2.5 g/ml. Medium supplementation with 2.5 through 10.0 g/ml resulted in cotyledon, leaf and root weight enhancements for Essex seedlings. Stem weight was not markedly affected. An 18% rise in Williams cotyledon weight above that of the control was seen at 2.5 g/ml. Williams leaf weights were increased 1.75- and 1.25-folds, respectively, at 2.5 and 10.0 g/ml. Aflatoxin B₁, at 2.5 g/ml promoted Williams stem and root elongation 1.20- and 1.09-folds, respectively. Most of the radioactivity from ⁶⁵Zn-ZnCl₂ recovered within organs was found within Essex roots for both T and NT seedlings. A higher amount of radioactivity was recovered within roots at each toxin concentration than was without toxin. However, this was not statistically significant. Significant differences in the distribution of radioactivity within roots between NT and T Williams seedlings were not observed. Generally, AFB₁ failed to affect significantly these two varieties of soybeans based on the tests relating to germination, growth and radiolabel uptake.     

The contribution of size-fractionated plankton to biomass and primary production of phytoplankton in saline–alkaline ponds

Primary productivity, biomass and chlorophyll-a of size fractionated phytoplankton (<0.22 m, <3 m, <8 m, <10 m, <40 m, <64 m, <112 m and <200 m) were estimated in 6 ponds and 5 experimental enclosures. The results showed that the planktonic algae less than 10 m are important in the biomass and production of phytoplankton in saline–alkaline ponds. The production of size fractionated phytoplankton corresponding to <112 m, <10 m and <3 m in saline–alkaline ponds were 10.5 ± 6.6 , 8.6 ± 5.4 and 0.33 ± 0.1 mgC l^–1 d^–1, respectively. Mean community respiration rate was 1.80 ± 0.73, 1.69 ± 0.90 and 1.38 ± 1.12 mgC l^–1 d^–1, respectively. The average production of phytoplankton corresponding to micro- (10–112 m), nano- (3–10 m) and pico- (<3 m) were 1.61, 8.30 and 0.33 mgC l^–1 d^–1, respectively. The ratio of those to the total phytoplankton production was 15%, 79% and 3%, respectively. The mean respiration rate of the different size groups was 0.11, 0.31 and 1.38 mgC l^–1 d^–1; the ratio of those to total respiration of phytoplankton was 6%, 17% and 77%, respectively. The production of size-fractionated phytoplankton corresponding to <200 m, <10 m and <3 m in enclosures was 2.19 ± 1.63, 2.08 ± 1.75 and 0.22 ± 0.08 mgC l^–1 d^-1, respectively. Mean community respiration rates were 1.25 ± 1.55, 1.17 ± 1.42 and 0.47 ± 0.32 mgC l^–1 d^–1, respectively. The average production of phytoplankton corresponding to micro- (10–200 m), nano- (3–10 m) and pico- (<3 m) plankton was 0.11, 1.86 and 0.22 mgC l^–1 d^–1, respectively. The ratio of those to the total production of phytoplankton was 5%, 85% and 10%, respectively. The mean respiration rate of different size groups were 0.08, 0.72 and 0.46 mgC l^–1 d^–1, the ratio of those to total respiration of phytoplankton was 6%, 57% and 37%, respectively. The concentrations of chlorophyll-a of the phytoplankton in the corresponding size of micro- (10–112 m), nano- (3–10 m) and pico- (<3 m) plankton in the experimental ponds were 19.3, 98.2 and 11. 9 g l^–1, respectively. The ratio of those to the total chlorophyll-a was 15%, 76% and 9%, respectively. The concentrations of chlorophyll-a of phytoplankton micro- (10–200 m), nano- (3–10 m) and pico- (<3 m) plankton in enclosures were 1.7, 34.3 and 3.0 g l^–1, respectively. The ratio of those to the total chlorophyll-a was 4%, 88% and 8%, respectively.     

A general equation for the evaluation of the error that affects the value of the maximum specific growth rate

A general equation is proposed to evaluate the absolute error that affects the maximum specific growth rate calculated from batch or continuous experiments. This error depends on the relative errors of the cell concentration measurements and on the duration of the test.Nomenclature X ₁ Cell concentration at the beginning of the exponential growth phase or of the washing-out period - X ₁ Lowest value of X ₁ due to experimental errors - X ₁ Highest value of X ₁ due to experimental errors - X ₂ Cell concentration at the end of the exponential growth phse or of the washing-out period - X ₂ Lowest value of X ₂ due to experimental errors - X ₂ Highest value of X ₂ due to experiment errors - Relative error that affects X ₁ - Relative error that affects X ₂ - t Exponential growth stage or washing-out duration - Asolute error that affects - Maximum specific growth rate - ₁ Lowest value of due to experimental errors - ₂ Highest value of due to experimental errors The author is with the Instituto Mauá de Technologia, Estrada das Lágrimas 2035, 09580-900, São Caetano do Sul, SP, Brazil