Worm Behavior Research Articles

Automated, predictive, and interpretable inference of Caenorhabditis elegans escape dynamics

The roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans exhibits robust escape behavior in response to rapidly rising temperature. The behavior lasts for a few seconds, shows history dependence, involves both sensory and motor systems, and is too complicated to model mechanistically using currently available knowledge. Instead we model the process phenomenologically, and we use the Sir Isaac dynamical inference platform to infer the model in a fully automated fashion directly from experimental data. The inferred model requires incorporation of an unobserved dynamical variable and is biologically interpretable. The model makes accurate predictions about the dynamics of the worm behavior, and it can be used to characterize the functional logic of the dynamical system underlying the escape response. This work illustrates the power of modern artificial intelligence to aid in discovery of accurate and interpretable models of complex natural systems.

Hif-1 plays a role in hypoxia-induced gustatory plasticity of Caenorhabditis elegans

Background: Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) is a key transcription factor in the detection of low oxygen levels, inducing expression of genes involved in mediating the response to hypoxia to maintain cellular oxygen homeostasis. Caenorhabditis elegans is a soil nematode that has evolved specialized chemosensory neurons that detect changes in oxygen levels and guide its behaviour and responses to food. The role of the hif-1 gene in modifying chemosensory behaviour in response to chemical hypoxia however remains unclear. Furthermore, the role of epigenetic modifiers in mediating this behavioural response to hypoxia is unclear.Aims: Our study addresses two questions (a) Do hypoxia-mimetics modify worm behaviour and (b) Are these behaviours modulated by HIF-dependent expression of epigenetic regulators?Material and methods: This study used established behavioural paradigms in hif-1 mutant strains of C. elegans, to study responses to chemical hypoxia.Results: We show that exposure to the hypoxia-mimetic, sodium sulphite, changes the gustatory responses, chemotaxis, gustatory plasticity and associative conditioning behaviour. Longer-term exposure to hypoxia changes the behavioural response of wild type C. elegans, mediated by the HIF pathway. Epigenetic modifiers, lithium chloride and valproic acid, further modulate these behavioural responses.

The novel phytocomponent asiaticoside-D isolated from Centella asiatica exhibits monoamine oxidase-B inhibiting potential in the rotenone degenerated cerebral ganglions of Lumbricus terrestris

Background: Centella asiatica (CA) is one of the most valuable herbal medicines widely being used for the treatment of various neurological ailments that are challenging for health-care providers and also is deemed to be safe and effective.Purpose: Monoamines (MAs) are neurotransmitters and neuromodulators that play a significant role in the neural communication, regulation of motor and cognitive functions in the brain. Neurodegeneration is associated with elevated levels of MAO-B that can lead to damaging reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the brain. The current study, evaluated the effects of asiaticoside-D (AD) from neuroprotective CA, on the levels and activities of monoamine oxidase A and B (MAO-A and B), in addition to the behavioral analysis.Methods: Qualitative and quantitative analyses of various solvent extracts of CA were performed. The extracts were screened for antioxidant potential using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydroxyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiozoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical, nitric oxide (NO) radical inhibition, lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The purification of AD was done by column, thin layer and high-performance liquid chromatographies followed by structural elucidation using IR, HR–MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectra. Docking studies were performed to assess the impact of AD on MAO-A and B.In vivo, Lumbricus terrestris were exposed to 0.4 ppm rotenone (ROT) of medium for 7 days and were subjected to co-treatment along with 15 ppm of AD from CA. At the end of experiment period, the neuronal behavior of worms was assessed. Cerebral ganglions (CGs) were removed and the m-RNA levels of MAO-A and B were analyzed by Semi Q-PCR and their activities were also analyzed.Results: The ethanolic extracts exhibited higher antiradical activity against DPPH, ABTS, H2O2, LPO, FRAP, NO and vitamin C with EC50 value of 20.2, 20.9, 20.4, 22.0, 24.9, 28.1, 25.5 and 22.0 µg/ml respectively. Structural analysis by IR, HR-MS, 1H and 13C NMR spectrum have shown the structure of the isolated compound as (2α, 3β)-2,3–dihydroxyurs-12-en-28-oicacid-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→4)-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (1→6)-β–copyranosyl ester and was represented as AD. In silico interaction of AD with MAO-A and B residues Lys312 at distances of 1.84 Å and 2.44 Å respectively was found to exhibit high binding energy of -9.4 and 7.4 kcal. The neuronal behavior using L. terrestris showed significant improvement against (p < 0.001) ROT impaired behavior (group II) on AD supplementation (p < 0.05). Further, the m-RNA levels and activities of MAO-A and B which were significantly altered (p < 0.001) by ROT could be effectively maintained on AD supplementation.Conclusion: AD was found to exert its negative impact on the levels and activities of MAO-A and B in CGs of rotenone- induced changes in L. terrestris, the property which is considered to be crucial against ROT induced neurodegenerative pathology like -Parkinsonism.

A propagation model with defensive measures for PLC-PC worms in industrial networks

• A novel mathematical model for worms spreading in a two-layered PLC-PC coupled network is proposed. • The disease-free and endemic equilibriums of the model are acquired. • The numerical and simulation experiments of the model are performed. • The effectiveness of different defensive measures on the security of PLC-PC coupled networks is discussed. • The effectiveness of extending the connection surface on the security of PLC-PC coupled networks is discussed. Programmable logic controllers (PLCs) are important components of industrial control systems (ICSs), which are digital electronic devices with microprocessors and lack network security considerations. With the explosion of cyber-attacks on the ICS network, the concept of the worm known as PLC-PC worm that can spread between the Internet and ICS network has attracted a great deal of attention. In this paper, for the first time, we propose a propagation model to explore the spread behavior of PLC-PC worms across the PLC-PC coupled network. Theoretical analysis of the model shows the disease-free and endemic equilibriums of the network with defensive measures. And the stability of the model is examined by an epidemic threshold value. Several numerical and simulation experiments are presented to illustrate the analysis. Based on the results, some ideas for restraining the spread of PLC-PC worms or reducing the security threats of the ICS network are suggested.

Investigating the Roles of RNA Binding Protein Combinations in Neuronal Function and Organismal Behavior

The Norris lab recently identified two RNA binding proteins required for proper neuron-specific splicing. The lab conducted touch- response behavioral assays to assess the function of these proteins in touch-sensing neurons. After isolating C. elegans worms with specific phenotypes, the lab used automated computer tracking and video analysis to record the worms’ behavior. The behavior of mutant worms differed from that of wild-type worms. The Norris lab also discovered two possible RNA binding protein sites in SAD-1, a neuronal gene implicated in the neuronal development of C. elegans1. These two binding sites may control the splicing of SAD-1. The lab transferred mutated DNA into the genome of wild-type worms by injecting a mutated plasmid. The newly transformed worms fluoresced green, indicating that the two binding sites control SAD-1 splicing.

Profile analysis of C. elegans rheotaxis behavior using a microfluidic device.

The directed motility of organisms in response to fluid velocity, which is called rheotaxis, is important in the life cycle of C. elegans, enabling them to navigate their environment and maintain their positions in the presence of adverse flow. Thus, to study the mechanism underlying rheotaxis behavior and reveal information on parasitic diseases, the profile analysis of the rheotaxis response in worm populations with high resolution in well-defined fluid environments is highly desirable. In this work, we presented a rapid and robust microfluidic approach to quantitatively analyze the rheotaxis behavior of worms in response to velocity. The flow-based microfluidic chip contained six helical spline microchannels for generating six flow streams with different flow velocities. Since the worms loaded in the chip would swim upstream into channels, the distribution of the worms in response to the different flow velocities was successfully monitored for the quantitative analysis of their rheotaxis behavior using this microfluidic chip. The results indicated that the rate range of around 50 μm s-1 was the most favorable flow velocity for the wild-type worms. Further, we analyzed ASH neuron-blocked worms and found that the functionally defective ASH neurons inhibited their sensitivity to flow rate. In addition, the rheotaxis analysis of the mutant worms indicated that TRP mechanosensory channels and serotonin signals also play a regulatory role in the rheotaxis response of these worms. Thus, our microfluidic method provides a useful platform to study the rheotaxis behaviors in C. elegans and can be further applied for anti-parasitic drug tests.

Oxidative stress response, epigenetic and behavioral alterations in Caenorhabditis elegans exposed to organophosphorus pesticide quinalphos

Abstract Quinalphos (QP), an organophosphate pesticide is used worldwide in agricultural practices. Extensive use of pesticides creates toxicological and environmental nuisances on non-target organisms, where it severely affects cholinergic neurons in higher animals and also induces Parkinson, Alzheimer's disease and male sterility in humans. This study evaluated the sublethal effects of QP using Caenorhabditis elegans on the endpoints of body bend frequency, head thrash frequency, feeding activity for the assay as toxicity parameters. To assess the molecular-level effect, expression pattern of genes associated with locomotion (unc-47, unc-13), pharyngeal pumping (egl-30), epigenetic modulation (utx-1), and oxidative stress (daf-2, daf-16, age-1 and glod-4) was investigated by semi-quantitative PCR. The LC50 value of QP was 0.0323 mM for 1 h of exposure, and L4-stage worms were exposed to sublethal concentrations of 0.00344 mM. After QP exposure, body bend frequency, head thrash frequency and feeding behavior of worms was significantly decreased. Expression analysis results indicate that QP exposure leads to the up-regulation in expression of some stress genes (daf-16 and glod-4) and pharyngeal pumping (egl-30), while other genes responsible for stress like daf-2 and age-1, locomotion (unc-13 and unc-47) and epigenetic modulation (utx-1) are down-regulated. Subsequently, transgenic worms expressing daf-16::GFP were exposed to QP, where induced expression of DAF-16 was evident. Overall, it appears to recruit daf-2/insulin receptor and daf-16/FOXO-dependent pathways to rescue the animals from QP-mediated oxidative stress. Alterations in the expression of many genes by QP are unveiled for the first time in this study, which could serve as biomarkers for monitoring QP exposure.

Anthelmintic drug actions in resistant and susceptible C. elegans revealed by electrophysiological recordings in a multichannel microfluidic device

Many anthelmintic drugs used to treat parasitic nematode infections target proteins that regulate electrical activity of neurons and muscles: ion channels (ICs) and neurotransmitter receptors (NTRs). Perturbation of IC/NTR function disrupts worm behavior and can lead to paralysis, starvation, immune attack and expulsion. Limitations of current anthelmintics include a limited spectrum of activity across species and the threat of drug resistance, highlighting the need for new drugs for human and veterinary medicine. Although ICs/NTRs are valuable anthelmintic targets, electrophysiological recordings are not commonly included in drug development pipelines. We designed a medium-throughput platform for recording electropharyngeograms (EPGs)—the electrical signals emitted by muscles and neurons of the pharynx during pharyngeal pumping (feeding)—in Caenorhabditis elegans and parasitic nematodes. The current study in C. elegans expands previous work in several ways. Detecting anthelmintic bioactivity in drugs, compounds or natural products requires robust, sustained pharyngeal pumping under baseline conditions. We generated concentration-response curves for stimulating pumping by perfusing 8-channel microfluidic devices (chips) with the neuromodulator serotonin, or with E. coli bacteria (C. elegans’ food in the laboratory). Worm orientation in the chip (head-first vs. tail-first) affected the response to E. coli but not to serotonin. Using a panel of anthelmintics—ivermectin, levamisole and piperazine—targeting different ICs/NTRs, we determined the effects of concentration and treatment duration on EPG activity, and successfully distinguished control (N2) and drug-resistant worms (avr-14; avr-15; glc-1, unc-38 and unc-49). EPG recordings detected anthelmintic activity of drugs that target ICs/NTRs located in the pharynx as well as at extra-pharyngeal sites. A bus-8 mutant with enhanced permeability was more sensitive than controls to drug treatment. These results provide a useful framework for investigators who would like to more easily incorporate electrophysiology as a routine component of their anthelmintic research workflow.

CHCA-1 is a copper-regulated CTR1 homolog required for normal development, copper accumulation, and copper-sensing behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans

Copper plays key roles in catalytic and regulatory biochemical reactions essential for normal growth, development, and health. Dietary copper deficiencies or mutations in copper homeostasis genes can lead to abnormal musculoskeletal development, cognitive disorders, and poor growth. In yeast and mammals, copper is acquired through the activities of the CTR1 family of high-affinity copper transporters. However, the mechanisms of systemic responses to dietary or tissue-specific copper deficiency remain unclear. Here, taking advantage of the animal model Caenorhabditis elegans for studying whole-body copper homeostasis, we investigated the role of a C. elegans CTR1 homolog, CHCA-1, in copper acquisition and in worm growth, development, and behavior. Using sequence homology searches, we identified 10 potential orthologs to mammalian CTR1 Among these genes, we found that chca-1, which is transcriptionally up-regulated in the intestine and hypodermis of C. elegans during copper deficiency, is required for normal growth, reproduction, and maintenance of systemic copper balance under copper deprivation. The intestinal copper transporter CUA-1 normally traffics to endosomes to sequester excess copper, and we found here that loss of chca-1 caused CUA-1 to mislocalize to the basolateral membrane under copper overload conditions. Moreover, animals lacking chca-1 exhibited significantly reduced copper avoidance behavior in response to toxic copper conditions compared with WT worms. These results establish that CHCA-1-mediated copper acquisition in C. elegans is crucial for normal growth, development, and copper-sensing behavior.

Quinolinic acid and glutamatergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans

Quinolinic acid (QUIN) is an endogenous neurotoxin that acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) agonist generating a toxic cascade, which can lead to neurodegeneration. The action of QUIN in Caenorhabditis elegans and the neurotoxins that allow the study of glutamatergic system disorders have not been carefully addressed. The effects of QUIN on toxicological and behavioral parameters in VM487 and VC2623 transgenic, as well as wild-type (WT) animals were performed to evaluate whether QUIN could be used as a neurotoxin in C. elegans. QUIN reduced survival of WT worms in a dose-dependent manner. A sublethal dose of QUIN (20 mM) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an nmr-1/NMDAR-dependent manner, activated the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor, and increased expression of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase-3, glutathione S-transferase-4, and heat shock protein-16.2. QUIN did not change motor behavioral parameters, but altered the sensory behavior in N2 and VM487 worms. Notably, the effect of QUIN on the sensory behavioral parameters might occur, at least in part, secondary to increased ROS. However, the touch response behavior indicates a mechanism of action that is independent of ROS generation. In addition, non-lethal doses of QUIN triggered neurodegeneration in glutamatergic neurons. Our findings indicate that C. elegans might be useful as a model for studies of QUIN as a glutamatergic neurotoxin in rodent models.

Phospholipase D functional ablation has a protective effect in an Alzheimer\u2019s disease Caenorhabditis elegans model

Phospholipase D (PLD) is a key player in the modulation of multiple aspects of cell physiology and has been proposed as a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Here, we characterize a PLD mutant, pld-1, using the Caenorhabditis elegans animal model. We show that pld-1 animals present decreased phosphatidic acid levels, that PLD is the only source of total PLD activity and that pld-1 animals are more sensitive to the acute effects of ethanol. We further show that PLD is not essential for survival or for the normal performance in a battery of behavioral tests. Interestingly, pld-1 animals present both increased size and lipid stores levels. While ablation of PLD has no important effect in worm behavior, its ablation in an AD-like model that overexpresses amyloid-beta (Aβ), markedly improves various phenotypes such as motor tasks, prevents susceptibility to a proconvulsivant drug, has a protective effect upon serotonin treatment and reverts the biometric changes in the Aβ animals, leading to the normalization of the worm body size. Overall, this work proposes the C. elegans model as a relevant tool to study the functions of PLD and further supports the notion that PLD has a significant role in neurodegeneration.

Can percolation theory explain the gelation behavior of diblock copolymer worms?

It is well known that polymerization-induced self-assembly (PISA) offers an efficient synthetic route for the production of highly anisotropic diblock copolymer worms. When prepared in aqueous media, such worms form thermoresponsive free-standing hydrogels that are (i) readily sterilizable, (ii) can act as a 3D matrix for the culture of normal mammalian cells and (iii) can induce stasis in human stem cell colonies. Herein we critically examine the gelation behavior of two types of diblock copolymer worms in terms of recent advances in percolation theory for rigid rods, which explicitly account for the effect of rod length polydispersity. More specifically, we use small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to determine the weight-average worm contour length, L w, and the mean worm cross-sectional radius, R. This approach enables a direct comparison to be made between the theoretical critical worm volume fraction, φ c, required for gelation and the experimental values indicated by rheological measurements and tube inversion experiments. Given that these diblock copolymer worms are relatively flexible rather than truly rod-like, reasonably good agreement between these two parameters is observed, particularly for shorter, relatively stiff worms. For longer, more flexible worms a proportionality constant of approximately two is required to reconcile theory with experimental values for φ c. These findings are expected to have important implications for the aqueous gelation behavior exhibited by various other anisotropic nanoparticles, such as cellulose nanocrystals and semicrystalline block copolymer rods, and also fibril-forming small molecule (e.g. dipeptide) gelators.

Effect of interactions among individuals on the chemotaxis behaviours of Caenorhabditis elegans.

In many species, individual social animals interact with others in their group and change their collective behaviours. For the solitary nematode Caenorhabditis elegans strain N2, previous research suggests that individuals can change the behaviour of other worms via pheromones and mechanosensory interactions. In particular, pheromones affect foraging behaviour, so that the chemotactic behaviours of individuals in a group (population) can be modulated by interactions with other individuals in the population. To investigate this, we directly compared the chemotactic behaviours of isolated (single) worms with those of individual animals within a population. We found that worms approached an odour source in a distinct manner depending on whether they were alone or in a population. Analysis of behaviours of the N2 worm and a pheromone production-defective mutant revealed that the 'pirouette' strategy was modulated by interaction of the worms via pheromones. Thus, pheromones play an important role in the characteristic collective behaviours seen in the population condition.

Behavior of Caenorhabditis elegans in a nicotine gradient modulated by food

Nicotine decreases food intake, and smokers often report that they smoke to control their weight. To see whether similar phenomena could be observed in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, we challenged drug-naïve nematodes with a chronic low (0.01 mM) and high (1 mM) nicotine concentration for 55 h (from hatching to adulthood). After that, we recorded changes in their behavior in a nicotine gradient, where they could choose a desired nicotine concentration. By using a combination of behavioral and morphometric methods, we found that both nicotine and food modulate worm behavior. In the presence of food (E. coli OP50) the nematodes adapted to the low nicotine concentration, when placed in the gradient, chose a similar nicotine concentration like C. elegans adapted to the high nicotine concentration. However, in the absence of food, the nematodes adapted to the low nicotine concentration, when placed in the gradient of this alkaloid, chose a similar nicotine concentration like naïve worms. The nematodes growing up in the presence of high concentrations of nicotine had a statistically smaller body size, compared to the control condition, and the presence of food did not cause any enhanced slowing movement. These results provide a platform for more detailed molecular and cellular studies of nicotine addiction and food intake in this model organism.

Optimal synaptic signaling connectome for locomotory behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans: Design minimizing energy cost.

The detailed knowledge of C. elegans connectome for 3 decades has not contributed dramatically to our understanding of worm’s behavior. One of main reasons for this situation has been the lack of data on the type of synaptic signaling between particular neurons in the worm’s connectome. The aim of this study was to determine synaptic polarities for each connection in a small pre-motor circuit controlling locomotion. Even in this compact network of just 7 neurons the space of all possible patterns of connection types (excitation vs. inhibition) is huge. To deal effectively with this combinatorial problem we devised a novel and relatively fast technique based on genetic algorithms and large-scale parallel computations, which we combined with detailed neurophysiological modeling of interneuron dynamics and compared the theory to the available behavioral data. As a result of these massive computations, we found that the optimal connectivity pattern that matches the best locomotory data is the one in which all interneuron connections are inhibitory, even those terminating on motor neurons. This finding is consistent with recent experimental data on cholinergic signaling in C. elegans, and it suggests that the system controlling locomotion is designed to save metabolic energy. Moreover, this result provides a solid basis for a more realistic modeling of neural control in these worms, and our novel powerful computational technique can in principle be applied (possibly with some modifications) to other small-scale functional circuits in C. elegans.

Modeling and Analysis of Worm Propagation in Wireless Sensor Networks

The wireless sensor networks (WSNs) have imminent constrains that makes security a crucial issue. Weak defense capability makes WSN a soft target against worm attacks. A single compromised node can spread the worm via communication in the entire network. In this paper, we propose a mathematical model that studies the epidemic behavior of such digital worms. Furthermore, we study the effect of these worms with various communication radius and node distributed density. We investigate the proposed model using the stability theory of differential equations. Basic reproduction number is found that helps us to find the threshold values for communication radius and node density distribution. The proposed model is checked and validated through extensive simulation results. Finally, we compare our scheme with the existing schemes. Comparison analysis shows that the proposed model is efficient as it has the low rate of the infectious node for different communication radius.

SADI: A Novel Model to Study the Propagation of Social Worms in Hierarchical Networks

As more and more people rely on social networks for business and life, social worms constitute one of the major security threats to our society. Modern social worms exhibit two new features, message notification and the temporal characteristic of human mobility . Message notification indicates a user will get a reminder once a new message comes to a social account. The temporal characteristic of human mobility indicates a user can operate corresponding computer in different locations with different resting time. Previous scholars have proposed some analytical models for the propagation dynamics of social worms. However, they did not consider the above two features and there is one critical problem unrealized, which is structural imperfection of network topology . Previous models have not taken into account the hierarchical topology structure, which results from a many-to-many relationship between users and hosts. To address these problems, we model propagation dynamics of social worms oriented hierarchical networks in this paper, and the proposed model accurately describes the propagation behavior of social worms. We conduct both a theoretical analyses and extensive simulations to show our model can overcome inaccuracy in the number of infected nodes and provide a stronger approximation for the worm propagation. The results show that our model presented in this paper achieves a greater accuracy in characterizing the propagation of modern social worms.

Synthesis of linear, V-shaped and star-shaped asymmetrical perylene diimides bearing triphenylamine moiety for resistive memory application

This study aims to explore the unidentified slants of the nature in respect of strengthening and facilitating the usage of memory storage devices to overcome the deficiencies in the existing data storage mechanism. We report three novel asymmetrical perylene diimides (AsPDIs) of linear, V-shaped and star-shaped structures for memory application. These AsPDIs were synthesized from the condensation of 4-aminotriphenylamine (ATPA), 4,4ʹ-diaminotriphenylamine (DATPA), 4,4ʹ,4ʹʹ-triaminotriphenylamine (TATPA), as the electron donor, and N-(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,9,10-perylenetetracarboxylic acid-3,4-anhydride-9,10-imide (AsPDA), as the electron acceptor. The results of current-voltage (I-V) curves show that PDI-ATPA, PDI-DATPA and PDI-TATPA based memory devices exhibit in respective nonvolatile WORM, nonvolatile Flash and volatile SRAM memory behavior. The ON/OFF current ratios are up to 105 and the switching voltages are about 1.4 V, 1.3 V and 2.7 V, respectively. Influence of electron donor/acceptor ratio on the memory behavior was explored and the charge transfer mechanism responsible for the electrical bistability was demonstrated based on the optical, electrochemical results and the molecular simulation results. This study provides suitable candidates and feasible guidance for the advanced memory technology.

Extrusion of Contracaecum osculatum nematode larvae from the liver of cod (Gadus morhua).

Baltic cod livers have during recent years been found increasingly and heavily infected with third-stage larvae of Contracaecum osculatum. The infections are associated with an increasing population of grey seals which are final hosts for the parasite. Heavy worm burdens challenge utilization and safety of the fish liver products, and technological solutions for removal of worms are highly needed. We investigated the attachment of the worm larvae in liver tissue by use of histochemical techniques and found that the cod host encapsulates the worm larvae in layers of host cells (macrophages, fibroblasts) supported by enclosures of collagen and calcium. A series of incubation techniques, applying compounds targeting molecules in the capsule, were then tested for their effect to induce worm escape/release reactions. Full digestion solutions comprising pepsin, NaCl, HCl and water induced a fast escape of more than 60% of the worm larvae within 20min and gave full release within 65min but the liver tissue became highly dispersed. HCl alone, in concentrations of 48 and 72mM, triggered a corresponding release of worm larvae with minor effect on liver integrity. A lower HCl concentration of 24mM resulted in 80% release within 35min. Water and physiological saline had no effect on worm release, and 1% pepsin in water elicited merely a weak escape reaction. In addition to the direct effect of acid on worm behaviour it is hypothesised that the acid effect on calcium carbonate in the encapsulation, with subsequent release of reaction products, may contribute to activation of C. osculatum larvae and induce escape reactions. Short-term pretreatment of infected cod liver and possibly other infected fish products, using low acid concentrations is suggested as part of a technological solution for worm clearance as low acid concentrations had limited macroscopic effect on liver integrity within 35min.

Bifurcation analysis of an e-epidemic model in wireless sensor network

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we have formulated an e-epidemic energy efficient susceptible-infected–terminally infected-recovered (SITR) model to analyse the attacking behaviour of worms in wireless sensor network (WSN) using cyrtoid type functional response. In this model, once a sensor node has been attacked by the worms, the terminally infected node spreads the worms to its neighbouring nodes using normal communications, which further spread it to their neighbouring nodes and the process continues. To tackle this issue, we proposed an SITR model by considering the sleep mode concept of WSN in which the operational capabilities and power consumption of the motes decreases. Boundedness, existence of equilibrium points, stability and bifurcation analysis are analysed for the proposed model system. Stability and direction of Hopf-bifurcation are also obtained for endemic equilibrium point using center manifold theorem. Finally, numerical simulations are carried out that supports the analytical findings. The impact of the control parameters like transmission rate (β), inter-nodes interference coefficient () and intrinsic growth rate () on the dynamics of the model system are investigated.