Variability in blue whale acoustic behavior off southern California

To evaluate the acoustic behavior of blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus) located inshore and offshore of southern California, singular A and B calls, D calls, and AB phrases were analyzed from 12 mo of passive acoustic data collected at four locations within the Southern California Bight. The relative proportions of singular calls and phrases were used to evaluate spatial and temporal patterns in sound and song type usage, and singular call and phrase production rates were calculated to investigate spatial and temporal variability in call abundance. Blue whale sounds were recorded from spring through early winter, with the majority of all detections occurring between September and December. The proportions and production rates of singular calls and phrases varied between the inshore and offshore sites. In addition, the percentage of A units within repetitive song phrases was greater inshore than offshore, resulting from a higher proportion of AB song type inshore, in which A and B phrase units were alternating. The ABB song type, in which a single A unit was followed by multiple B units, was more common offshore. The observed differences in calling and singing behaviors may identify distinct and variable acoustic behavioral settings for blue whales off southern California.     

HLA class II haplotype and sequence analysis support a role for DQ in narcolepsy

 A systematic haplotype and sequencing analysis of the HLA-DR and -DQ region in patients with narcolepsy was performed. Five new (CA)_n microsatellite markers were generated and positioned on the physical map across the HLA-DQB1-DQA1-DRB1 interval. Haplotypes for these new markers and the three HLA loci were established using somatic cell hybrids generated from patients. A four-marker haplotype surrounding the DQB1 ^* 0602 gene was found in all narcolepsy patients, and was identical to haplotypes observed on random chromosomes harboring the DQB1 ^* 0602 allele. Eighty-six kilobases of contiguous genomic sequence across the region did not reveal new genes, and analysis of this sequence for single nucleotide polymorphisms did not reveal sequence variation among DQB1 ^* 0602 chromosomes. These results are consistent with other studies, suggesting that the HLA-DQ genes themselves are among the predisposing factors in narcolepsy. Received: 18 March 1997 / Revised: 23 April 1997     

L-Arginine inhibits vasopressin-stimulated mesangial cell Ca2+

L-Arginine (L-Arg) affects variousparameters that modulate the progression of renal disease. These samefactors [e.g., glomerular filtration rate, changes in mesangialcell (MC) tension, and production of NO] are all controlled atleast in part by changes in MC intracellular Ca²⁺concentration([Ca²⁺]_i). Wetherefore evaluated the effect of L-Arg on MC[Ca²⁺]_i. We found thatL-Arg inhibits the vasopressin-stimulated rise in MC[Ca²⁺]_i both in rat andmurine cell cultures. This effect does not appear to be due tometabolism of L-Arg to either NO or L-ornithine (L-Orn). Blocking the metabolism of L-Arg withN-monomethyl-L-arginine, an NOsynthase inhibitor, or with 20 mM L-valine(L-Val), an inhibitor of Orn formation,does not reverse the inhibition. However, other cationic amino acids,as well guanidine, the functional group ofL-Arg, all inhibit thevasopressin-stimulated rise in[Ca²⁺]_i,consistent with a structural basis for this effect. We conclude that1)L-Arg inhibitsvasopressin-stimulated murine and rat MC [Ca²⁺]_irise, 2) this inhibition is notmediated by metabolism of L-Arg to either NO or L-Orn, and3) the effect ofL-Arg is due to its cationicfunctional group, guanidine.

     

Evolutionary responses of aquatic macroinvertebrates to two contrasting flow regimes

Hydrobiologia - Natural disturbances are agents of natural selection that drive multiple biological adaptations along evolutionary time. Frequent, high magnitude disturbances are expected to select...     

Charging up Battery Recycling Policies: Extended Producer Responsibility for Single‐Use Batteries in the European Union,Canada, and the United States

Extended producer responsibility (EPR) policies have proven effective at raising consumer awareness, expanding waste collection infrastructure, and shifting costs of end‐of‐life (EOL) management from municipalities to stewardship organizations. Yet, such policies have been less successful in advancing waste management programs that ensure a net environmental benefit. This article analyzes how EPR policies for single‐use batteries in the European Union (EU), Canada, and the United States address the environmental costs and benefits of EOL management. Considering these EPR policies is instructive, because single‐use batteries have high collection costs and are of relatively low economic value for waste processors. Without deliberate planning, the environmental burdens of collecting and recycling such batteries may exceed the benefits. This article considers how EPR policies for single‐use batteries integrate performance requirements such as collection rates, recycling efficiencies, and best available techniques. It argues that for such policies to be effective, they need to be extended to address waste collection practices, the life cycle consequences of EOL management, and the quality of recovered materials. Such strategies are relevant to EPR policies for other products with marginal secondary value, including some textiles, plastics, and other types of electronic waste.     

The methodology and results of using life cycle assessment to measure and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions footprint of “Major Events” at the University of Arizona

Purpose

In 2012 and 2013, the University of Arizona’s Office of Sustainability conducted environmental life cycle assessments of two Homecoming events that drew 60,000 attendees each. Based on reviews of published literature, this is the first time that a process-based life cycle assessment has been conducted for an event of this size. This study contributes to the small but growing field of research using life cycle assessment to track the environmental impacts of events.

Methods

The assessments at The University of Arizona considered the environmental impact of food, materials, waste, travel, and lodging. The effects of these components of Homecoming weekend were evaluated in terms of nine different categories. However, this paper focuses on greenhouse gas emissions. The data collection process for these assessments was completed by student observers and supplemented with information provided by university departments, event organizers, and survey responses from attendees. Data were analyzed using SimaPro Life Cycle Assessment software and using data from the EcoInvent database. Based on the results of the 2012 study, initiatives were put into place for 2013 that were designed to reduce the environmental impact of the subsequent Homecoming event.

Results and discussion

The results show that the total impact of Homecoming 2012 was an estimated 2400 metric tons of CO₂-eq, whereas the impact of Homecoming 2013 was an estimated 1900 metric tons of CO₂-eq, a 19 % decrease year over year. Data were analyzed in terms of carbon dioxide emissions in both years. Travel made up the majority of the environmental impact (82.04 % in 2012 and 77.77 % in 2013), followed by accommodations (17.5 % in 2012 and 19.31 % in 2013), with energy, materials, and food having almost negligible impacts (0.46 % in 2012 and 2.92 % in 2013). While there had been noticeable changes in the measured impact of food and energy between 2012 and 2013, the significant impact of travel overshadowed all other impact categories in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, making these changes less noticeable. Analysis of each of these categories of impact helped to establish best practices for mitigating the impact of events on a category-by-category basis.

Conclusions

This study introduces a framework for assessing impacts of a large university event while also highlighting ways to reduce impacts. The initiatives implemented in 2013 to reduce impacts of large-scale events can be informative to others working to reduce emissions at large events. Additional recommendations to reduce impacts of large events are provided.