Viral-derived DNA invasion and individual variation in an Indonesian population of large flying fox Pteropus vampyrus

Here, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on six large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) collected in Indonesia. Seventy-five virus species in the liver tissue of each specimen were listed. Viral homologous sequences in the bat genome were identified from the listed viruses. This finding provides collateral evidence of viral endogenization into the host genome. We found that two of the six specimens bore partial sequences that were homologous to the plant pathogens Geminiviridae and Luteoviridae. These sequences were absent in the P. vampyrus chromosomal sequences. Hence, plant viral homologous sequences were localized to the hepatocytes as extrachromosomal DNA fragments. Therefore, this suggests that the bat is a potential carrier or vector of plant viruses. The present investigation on wild animals offered novel perspectives on viral invasion, variation, and host interaction.     

Fertility of bitches in which estrus was prevented with implantations of chlormadinone acetate for four years

The recurrence of estrus and fertility after removal of a subcutaneous chlormadinone acetate implant (CMA-I) administered to prevent estrus for 4 years, was investigated in 8 female dogs and the results compared with those for 4 untreated female dogs (control group). The sex hormones present during the estrous cycle were also investigated. There were no significant differences in the estrous cycle after removal of the implant between the CMA-I-treated group and the control group. However, although conception was achieved after mating and no uterine diseases developed in the control group, only 5 (4 dogs, 41.7%) of the 12 cases (6 dogs) in which mating took place at the second to fourth estrus after the removal of CMA-I resulted in pregnancy in the CMA-I-treated group. Furthermore, 6 (75.0%) of the 8 dogs in the CMA-I-treated group developed uterine diseases including pyometra or hydrometra. There were no significant differences in plasma progesterone, LH and prolactin levels between the non-pregnant and pregnant dogs in the CMA-I-treated group or control group. These results suggest that long-term implantation of CMA-I affects fertility after the implant is removed.     

Effects of high temperature kiln drying on the practical performances of Japanese cedar wood (Cryptomeria japonica) II: Changes in mechanical properties due to heating

Japanese cedar wood specimens were steamed at 80°, 100°, and 120°C over 14 days, and their equilibrium moisture content (M) at 20°C and 60% relative humidity, longitudinal dynamic Young’s modulus (E), bending strength (σ _max), and breaking strain (ε _max) were compared with those of unheated specimens. Steaming for a longer duration at a higher temperature resulted in a greater reduction in M, σ _max, and ε _max. The E of wood was slightly enhanced by steaming at 100°C for 1–4 days and 120°C for 1–2 days, and thereafter it decreased. The slight increase in the E of sapwood was attributable to the reduction in hygroscopicity, while sufficient explanation was not given for a greater increase in the heartwood stiffness. Irrespective of the steaming temperature, the correlations between M and the mechanical properties of steamed wood were expressed in terms of simple curves. M values above 8% indicated a slight reduction in E and s max, whereas M values below 8% indicated a marked decrease in the mechanical performances. In addition, the e max decreased almost linearly with a decrease in the value of M. These results suggest that hygroscopicity measurement enables the evaluation of degradation in the mechanical performances of wood caused by steaming at high temperatures.