Members of the genus Baylisascaris utilize omnivores or carnivores as their definitive hosts. The best known member of this genus is Baylisascaris procyonis, which is an intestinal parasite of raccoons. The closest relative of B. procyonis is B. columnaris, which utilizes the common skunk as its definitive host. Although B. procyonis has been extensively studied, relatively little is known of B. columnaris. For example, the mitochondrial genome of B. procyonis has been sequenced in its entirety. Conversely, the mitochondrial genome of B. columnaris remains largely unexplored. Likewise, the prevalence of this parasite in its wild host has not been documented. In this study, we collected parasites from a wild population of skunks in the state of Utah, United States. The cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and 2 genes, NADH dehydrogenase 2 and several tRNA genes were sequenced from the mitochondrial genome of these parasites. We also determined the prevalence of B. columnaris in a wild population of skunks. In this work we identify several novel polymorphic genetic loci between B. procyonis and B. columnaris. These findings provide additional molecular targets for the differentiation of Baylisascaris species through clarification of genetic differences between B. columnaris and B. procyonis.

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Based on dynamometer test cycles or plain motorway operation, heavy truck hybridisation must be considered as uneconomic if only the kinetic vehicle energy can be recuperated. In mountainous regions, micro hybridization by a 48V-belt generator or mild parallel hybridisation by a large high voltage electric drive can result in considerable fuel consumption savings as well as additional benefits for heavy load utility vehicles. Additional electric power and battery size are still critical design parameters as well as critical cost factors considering the limited space and depreciation time as well as the need for maximum payload. Based on vehicle model simulations, this contribution quantifies fuel consumption savings, recuperation energy harvesting and battery requirements for different truck sizes with test cycles based on realistic route topography. The main route topography parameter for the recuperation benefit is the effective incline that integrates all downhill sections that overcompensates the vehicle resistance by tire friction and air resistance. The simulation parameter studies lead to an analytical benefit estimation, based on load cycle parameters like effective velocity, effective incline as well as the vehicle parameters mass, drag coefficient and cross sectional area. Thus, the return on investment can be assessed by an analytic rule of thumb, based on tracked cycles of existing vehicles.