Out-of-plane Characterization of Silicon-on-insulator Multiuser MEMS Processes-based Tri-axis Accelerometer

In this paper, we discuss the analysis of out-of-plane characterization of a capacitive tri-axis accelerometer fabricated using SOI MUMPS (Silicon-on Insulator Multi user MEMS Processes) process flow and the results are compared with simulated results. The device is designed with wide operational 3 dB bandwidth suitable for measuring vibrations in industrial applications. The wide operating range is obtained by optimizing serpentine flexures at the four corners of the proof mass. The accelerometer structure was simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics and the displacement sensitivity was observed as 1.2978 nm/g along z-axis. The simulated resonant frequency of the device was found to be 13 kHz along z axis. The dynamic characterization of the fabricated tri-axis accelerometer produces the out-of-plane vibration mode frequency as 13 kHz which is same as the simulated result obtained in z-axis

A Perspective Around Cephalopods and Their Parasites, and Suggestions on How to Increase Knowledge in the Field

Although interest in several areas of cephalopod research has emerged over the last decades (e.g., neurobiology, aquaculture, genetics, and welfare), especially following their 2010 inclusion in the EU Directive on the use of animals for experimental purposes, knowledge regarding the parasites of cephalopods is lacking. Cephalopods can be intermediate, paratenic, or definitive hosts to a range of parasites with a wide variety of life cycle strategies. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge in cephalopod parasitological research, summarizing the main parasite groups that affect these animals. We also emphasize some topics that, in our view, should be addressed in future research, including: (i) better understanding of life cycles and transmission pathways of common cephalopod parasites; (ii) improve knowledge of all phases of the life cycle (i.e., paralarvae, juveniles, adults and senescent animals) and on species from polar deep sea regions; (iii) exploration of the potential of using cephalopod-parasite specificity to assess population boundaries of both, hosts and parasites; (iv) risk evaluation of the potential of standard aquacultural practices to result in parasite outbreaks; (v) evaluation and description of the physiological and behavioral effects of parasites on their cephalopod hosts; (vi) standardization of the methods for accurate parasite sampling and identification; (vii) implementation of the latest molecular methods to facilitate and enable research in above mentioned areas; (viii) sharing of information and samples among researchers and aquaculturists. In our view, addressing these topics would allow us to better understand complex host-parasite interactions, yield insights into cephalopod life history, and help improve the rearing and welfare of these animals in captivity

Evolution and Phylogeny of Mesozoa

This thesis focuses on the phylogenetic position of Mesozoa (Orthonectida and Dicyemida) based on phylogenomics, and on dicyemid life-history traits revealed by molecular methods used in population genetics. The thesis is introduced by the review of biology of both groups, complemented by up to now development of views on their phylogenetic position and notes concerning the study of the population structure of marine invertebrates. The introduction is followed by a study focusing on the phylogenetic position of Mesozoa, a comparison of population structure between the cephalopod host and its dicyemid parasite, and a case study of dicyemid parasite infrapopulation. The thesis wraps up with a review on cephalopod parasites and a summary

A Perspective Around Cephalopods and Their Parasites, and Suggestions on How to Increase Knowledge in the Field.

Although interest in several areas of cephalopod research has emerged over the last decades (e.g., neurobiology, aquaculture, genetics, and welfare), especially following their 2010 inclusion in the EU Directive on the use of animals for experimental purposes, knowledge regarding the parasites of cephalopods is lacking. Cephalopods can be intermediate, paratenic, or definitive hosts to a range of parasites with a wide variety of life cycle strategies. Here, we briefly review the current knowledge in cephalopod parasitological research, summarizing the main parasite groups that affect these animals. We also emphasize some topics that, in our view, should be addressed in future research, including: (i) better understanding of life cycles and transmission pathways of common cephalopod parasites; (ii) improve knowledge of all phases of the life cycle (i.e., paralarvae, juveniles, adults and senescent animals) and on species from polar deep sea regions; (iii) exploration of the potential of using cephalopod-parasite specificity to assess population boundaries of both, hosts and parasites; (iv) risk evaluation of the potential of standard aquacultural practices to result in parasite outbreaks; (v) evaluation and description of the physiological and behavioral effects of parasites on their cephalopod hosts; (vi) standardization of the methods for accurate parasite sampling and identification; (vii) implementation of the latest molecular methods to facilitate and enable research in above mentioned areas; (viii) sharing of information and samples among researchers and aquaculturists. In our view, addressing these topics would allow us to better understand complex host-parasite interactions, yield insights into cephalopod life history, and help improve the rearing and welfare of these animals in captivity

Population co-divergence in common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) and its dicyemid parasite in the Mediterranean Sea.

Population structure and biogeography of marine organisms are formed by different drivers than in terrestrial organisms. Yet, very little information is available even for common marine organisms and even less for their associated parasites. Here we report the first analysis of population structure of both a cephalopod host (Sepia officinalis) and its dicyemid parasite, based on a homologous molecular marker (cytochrome oxidase I). We show that the population of common cuttlefish in the Mediterranean area is fragmented into subpopulations, with some areas featuring restricted level of gene flow. Amongst the studied areas, Sardinia was genetically the most diverse and Cyprus the most isolated. At a larger scale, across the Mediterranean, the population structure of the parasite shows co-diversification pattern with its host, but a slower rate of diversification. Differences between the two counterparts are more obvious at a finer scale, where parasite populations show increased level of fragmentation and lower local diversities. This discrepancy can be caused by local extinctions and replacements taking place more frequently in the dicyemid populations, due to their parasitic lifestyle

Electronic supplementary material from Highly resolved genome assembly and comparative transcriptome profiling reveal genes related to developmental stages of tapeworm <i>Ligula intestinalis</i>

File containing details on tapeworm sampling and culturing, high molecular weight DNA extraction and sequencing and supplementary tables and figures