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Spider dragline fibers exhibit incredible mechanical properties, outperforming many synthetic polymers in toughness assays, and possess desirable properties for medical and other human applications. These qualities make dragline fibers popular subjects for biomimetics research. The enormous diversity of spiders presents both an opportunity for the development of new bioinspired materials and a challenge for the identification of fundamental design principles, as the mechanical properties of dragline fibers show both intraspecific and interspecific variations. In this regard, the stress–strain curves of draglines from different species have been shown to be effectively compared by the α* parameter, a value derived from maximum-supercontracted silk fibers. To identify potential molecular mechanisms impacting α* values, here we analyze spider fibroin (spidroin) sequences of the Western black widow (Latrodectus hesperus) and the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia). This study serves as a primer for investigating the molecular properties of spidroins that underlie species-specific α* values. Initial findings are that while overall motif composition was similar between species, certain motifs and higher level periodicities of glycine-rich region lengths showed variation, notably greater distances between poly-A motifs in A. aurantia sequences. In addition to increased period lengths, A. aurantia spidroins tended to have an increased prevalence of charged and hydrophobic residues. These increases may impact the number and strength of hydrogen bond networks within fibers, which have been implicated in conformational changes and formation of nanocrystals, contributing to the greater extensibility of A. aurantia draglines compared to those of L. hesperus.

Arthropod silk is vital to the evolutionary success of hundreds of thousands of species. The primary proteins in silks are often encoded by long, repetitive gene sequences. Until recently, sequencing and assembling these complex gene sequences has proven intractable given their repetitive structure. Here, using high-quality long-read sequencing, we show that there is extensive variation—both in terms of length and repeat motif order—between alleles of silk genes within individual arthropods. Further, this variation exists across two deep, independent origins of silk which diverged more than 500 Mya: the insect clade containing caddisflies and butterflies and spiders. This remarkable convergence in previously overlooked patterns of allelic variation across multiple origins of silk suggests common mechanisms for the generation and maintenance of structural protein-coding genes. Future genomic efforts to connect genotypes to phenotypes should account for such allelic variation.

Morphological structures and extended phenotypes are made possible by materials that are encoded by the genome. Nearly all biomaterials are viscoelastic, which means that to understand performance, one must understand the strain rate-dependent properties of these materials in relevant ecological interactions, as the behavior of a material can vary dramatically and rapidly. Spider silks are an example of materials whose properties vary substantially intra- and inter-specifically. Here, we focus on aggregate silk, which functions as a biological adhesive. As a case study to understand how a material manifests from genome through organism to ecology, we highlight moth-specialist spiders, the Cyrtarachninae, and their glues as an ideal experimental system to investigate the relationship between genomics and ecologically variable performance of a biological material. There is a clear eco-evolutionary innovation that Cyrtarachne akirai and related species have evolved, a unique trait not found in other spiders, a glue which overcomes the scales of moths. By examining traditional orb-weavers, C. akirai and other subfamily members using biomechanical testing and genomic analysis, we argue that we can track the evolution of this novel bioadhesive and comment on the selection pressures influencing prey specialization. The importance of the ecological context of materials testing is exemplified by the poor performance of C. akirai glue on glass and the exceptional spreading ability and adhesive strength on moths. The genetic basis for these performance properties is experimentally tractable because spider silk genes are minimally pleiotropic and advances in genomic technologies now make possible the discovery of complete silk gene sequences.

The evolutionary diversification of orb-web weaving spiders is closely tied to the mechanical performance of dragline silk. This proteinaceous fiber provides the primary structural framework of orb web architecture, and its extraordinary toughness allows these structures to absorb the high energy of aerial prey impact. The dominant model of dragline silk molecular structure involves the combined function of two highly repetitive, spider-specific, silk genes (spidroins)—MaSp1 and MaSp2. Recent genomic studies, however, have suggested this framework is overly simplistic, and our understanding of how MaSp genes evolve is limited. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of MaSp structural and evolutionary diversity across species of Argiope (garden spiders). This genomic analysis reveals the largest catalog of MaSp genes found in any spider, driven largely by an expansion of MaSp2 genes. The rapid diversification of Argiope MaSp genes, located primarily in a single genomic cluster, is associated with profound changes in silk gene structure. MaSp2 genes, in particular, have evolved complex hierarchically organized repeat units (ensemble repeats) delineated by novel introns that exhibit remarkable evolutionary dynamics. These repetitive introns have arisen independently within the genus, are highly homogenized within a gene, but diverge rapidly between genes. In some cases, these iterated introns are organized in an alternating structure in which every other intron is nearly identical in sequence. We hypothesize that this intron structure has evolved to facilitate homogenization of the coding sequence. We also find evidence of intergenic gene conversion and identify a more diverse array of stereotypical amino acid repeats than previously recognized. Overall, the extreme diversification found among MaSp genes requires changes in the structure-function model of dragline silk performance that focuses on the differential use and interaction among various MaSp paralogs as well as the impact of ensemble repeat structure and different amino acid motifs on mechanical behavior.

Background Spiders have evolved two types of sticky capture threads: one with wet adhesive spun by ecribellate orb-weavers and another with dry adhesive spun by cribellate spiders. The evolutionary history of cribellate capture threads is especially poorly understood. Here, we use genomic approaches to catalog the spider-specific silk gene family (spidroins) for the cribellate orb-weaver Uloborus diversus. Results We show that the cribellar spidroin, which forms the puffy fibrils of cribellate threads, has three distinct repeat units, one of which is conserved across cribellate taxa separated by ~ 250 Mya. We also propose candidates for a new silk type, paracribellar spidroins, which connect the puffy fibrils to pseudoflagelliform support lines. Moreover, we describe the complete repeat architecture for the pseudoflagelliform spidroin (Pflag), which contributes to extensibility of pseudoflagelliform axial fibers. Conclusions Our finding that Pflag is closely related to Flag, supports homology of the support lines of cribellate and ecribellate capture threads. It further suggests an evolutionary phase following gene duplication, in which both Flag and Pflag were incorporated into the axial lines, with subsequent loss of Flag in uloborids, and increase in expression of Flag in ecribellate orb-weavers, explaining the distinct mechanical properties of the axial lines of these two groups.

Some stalk-eyed flies in the genus Teleopsis carry selfish genetic elements that induce sex ratio meiotic drive (SR) and impact the fitness of male and female carriers. Here, we produced a chromosome-level genome assembly of the stalk-eyed fly, T. dalmanni, to elucidate patterns of genomic divergence associated with the presence of drive elements. We find evidence for multiple nested inversions along the sex ratio haplotype and widespread differentiation and divergence between XSR and XSR along the entire chromosome. These include a striking XSR-specific expansion of an array of partial copies of JASPer, a gene necessary for maintenance of euchromatin and regulation of transposable element expression (TEs). In addition, the genome contains tens of thousands of TE insertions and hundreds of transcriptionally and insertionally active TE families. Moreover, we find that several TE families are differentially expressed and/or present at a different copy number in SR male testes, suggesting an association between these two categories of selfish genetic elements in this species. We identify T. dalmanni orthologs of genes involved in genome defense via the piRNA pathway, including core members maelstrom, piwi and Argonaute3, that have diverged in sequence, expression or copy number between the SR and standard (ST) X chromosomes, consistent with altered TE regulation in flies carrying a sex ratio X chromosome. Overall, the evidence suggests that this ancient XSR polymorphism has had a variety of impacts on repetitive DNA and its regulation in this species.

Predictions of optimal foraging theory were tested for Peromyscus polionotus in the laboratory and in two field experiments in which seed item-size was manipulated. In the laboratory, handling times for millet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts were determined. Additionally, energy/handling (E/h) time values were calculated and seed preference experiments were conducted. Mice showed a clear preference for the seeds more profitable in terms of E/h. Seed preference experiments were also conducted in the field to determine the relative influence of optimal foraging and predation risk in diet choice. In the first of the two field experiments, behavioral strategies to reduce predation vulnerability could not influence differential seed selection. As predicted, the mice again showed a preference for the more profitable seed type. In the second experiment, animals were presented with conflicting demands because foraging on a more abundant, but less preferred, seed type afforded the animal an increased ability to avoid predators. Presented with this opportunity to reduce the risk of predation, the animals shifted their preference to the safer, but less profitable food. This shift in seed preference was accompanied by predation-risk-reducing changes in spatial foraging patterns.

Project Final Report for "100kW Energy Transfer Multiplexer Power Converter Prototype Development Project" prepared under DOE grant number DE-FG36-03GO13138. This project relates to the further development and prototype construction/evaluation for the Energy Transfer Multiplexer (ETM) power converter topology concept. The ETM uses a series resonant link to transfer energy from any phase of a multiphase input to any phase of a multiphase output, converting any input voltage and frequency to any output voltage and frequency. The basic form of the ETM converter consists of an eight (8)-switch matrix (six phase power switches and two ground power switches) and a series L-C resonant circuit. Electronic control of the switches allows energy to be transferred in the proper amount from any phase to any other phase. Depending upon the final circuit application, the switches may be either SCRs or IGBTs. The inherent characteristics of the ETM converter include the following: Power processing in either direction (bidirectional); Large voltage gain without the need of low frequency magnetics; High efficiency independent of output load and frequency; Wide bandwidth with fast transient response and; Operation as a current source. The ETM is able to synthesize true sinusoidal waveforms with low harmonic distortions. For a low power PM wind generation system, the ETM has the following characteristics and advantages: It provides voltage gain without the need of low frequency magnetics (DC inductors) and; It has constant high efficiency independent of the load. The ETM converter can be implemented into a PM wind power system with smaller size, reduced weight and lower cost. As a result of our analyses, the ETM offers wind power generation technology for the reduction of the cost and size as well as the increase in performance of low power, low wind speed power generation. This project is the further theoretical/analytical exploration of the ETM converter concept in relationship to PM wind power generator applications in the 100kW and under power range. The theoretical/analytical and bench scale work focuses on simplifying the basic ETM converter topology (in terms of parts count and complexity) for the specific application of the low power PM system. The project goals and objectives were for Spellman HV will develop a 100kW prototype ETM power converter based on paralleled lower ratings converters. The proposed configuration of this prototype is a 100kW rated converter comprised of four (4) 34kW rated modules connected in parallel (the fourth converter is included to demonstrate N+1 fault tolerance). This approach is more viable as there is lower technological risk involved in developing a 34kW-rated converter than a single 100kW unit. The modular system approach should have a lower deployment and service cost over a single unit system, because of the economics of scale (smaller units at a higher volume means lower manufacturing cost) and because of improved serviceability (a non-redundant power system with one failed module will still operate at a lower power level). There is also the added benefit that greater commercial application and acceptance should be achieved by having a modular system available in which fault tolerance (N+1 or 2N) is a feature. This modular approach would allow the output power to be increased by adding more paralleled converters. Thus, the maximum output power of the overall power system is a function of the interconnection medium (the hot swap connection subsystem), rather than the ratings of a single module. The project was implemented with Spellman HV acting as the program management and production assembly and test facility; The Baker Company acting as a technical consultant and resource when required; and dtm Associates acting as the design/development resource for the hardware development of the 100kW ETM converter prototype.

A nonimmune American acquired an infection of Plasmodium vivax Type 1 malaria in Brazil in 1994. After returning to the U.S.A., he had a primary attack followed by 3 relapses. The primary attack and first 2 relapses were treated with a standard regimen of chloroquine, followed by 14 days of primaquine (15 mg/day). Following the third relapse, the primaquine treatment was extended to 28 days. No further relapses occurred. The lack of response to primaquine by this strain may recommend it as a suitable candidate for chemotherapeutic study if it can be adapted to an animal model. Anopheles quadrimaculatus mosquitoes infected by feeding on the patient during the first relapse were used to establish the strain in Aotus and Saimiri monkeys. Monkeys supported well the development of long-lasting parasitemia. Anopheles freeborni, Anopheles stephensi, and Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes were readily infected by feeding on the monkeys and by membrane feeding on diluted blood. Monkey-to-monkey transmission was obtained via the bites of infected mosquitoes and the intravenous injection of sporozoites dissected from salivary glands. This parasite is designated as the Brazil I/CDC strain of P. vivax.

Four wild type laboratory strains from Japan appear to have the sex allele M on the third chromosome while all but 1 strain from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Taiwan have the sex allele on chromosome 1. The one exceptional Pakistan strain with sex on chromosome 3 may be the result of an earlier laboratory contamination from Japanese strains.

Genetic and cytogenetic investigations of two unstable Y-linked translocations in Anopheles culicifacies indicate that crossing over can occur between the X and Y chromosomes in this species. Moreover, these observations suggest that the long arms of the X and Y chromosomes are homologous and that the sex determining mechanism(s) is located in the short arms.

A standard salivary chromosome map is presented for Anopheles vestitipennis, based upon a population collected in the state of Vera Cruz, Mexico. It is proposed that this serves as the “standard” map for this species. Certain similarities of banding pattern, particularly at the ends of the autosomes, are evident between vestitipennis and the Holarctic Maculipennis species.

The salivary gland chromosome map of Anopheles hectoris is described and figured. It is proposed that this map be considered the standard for this species. The hectoris chromosomes show a close relationship to those of Anopheles pseudopunctipennis pseudopunctipennis.

A new method of electromagnetic sounding in resistive electrical environments has been developed for use in lunar exploration. It is applicable to the study of terrestrial glaciers and ice sheets. A horizontal electric dipole antenna on the ground is used to transmit power at frequencies of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 32 MHz. A set of orthogonal receiving coils is mounted on a vehicle which traverses away from the transmitter. Field strength is recorded as a function of distance. Waves which travel above the surface interfere with waves from the subsurface, generating interference patterns which can be used to determine the dielectric constant, the loss tangent, and depth to reflecting horizons.The technique was tested on the Athabasca Glacier in western Canada. At 1, 2 and 4 MHz the ice was found to have a dielectric constant of about 3.3, a loss tangent (tan δ) which is roughly inversely proportional to frequency giving values of f tan δ in the range 0.25 to 0.35 (where f is in MHz). These values correspond well with the known properties of ice near 0° C, which is a temperature typical of temperate glaciers. It has been possible to determine the depth of the ice but results are not always consistent with previous seismic and gravity surveys and with drilling. At frequencies of 16 and 32 MHz, scattering is the dominant feature of the results. At 8 MHz there is a transition from clear-cut interference patterns to the scattering patterns. From these findings, we suggest that the Athabasca Glacier has a large number of dielectric scatterers with dimensions less than about 35 m, probably due in large part to crevasses.

DURING the course of an experiment to assess the efficiency of a breeding system to detect visible and lethal mutants on chromosome 3, a dominant, temperature-sensitive lethal (DTS) was discovered in the mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles, an important arbovirus vector. This DTS lethal, designated L(3)1DTS but here referrred to as DTS-1, survives at 26 °C but dies at 32 °C during the larval stages. It was recovered after treatment with 0.005 M ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS). The isolation of a sex-linked DTS in a vector species of medical or agricultural importance may be valuable as a sexing device in a release programme involving either males sterilised directly by radiation or chemosterilants or males carrying genetic aberrations that give high semisterility.

Linkage groups of a culicine mosquito, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, have been assigned to their respective chromosomes by genetic and cytologic observations of radiation-induced aberrations. Linkage group I is assigned to the smallest chromosome, linkage group II to the submetacentric chromosome, and linkage group III to the metacentric chromosome.

A natural population of Culex tritaeniorhynchus was sampled to test the efficacy of a proposed method to detect and measure concealed variability. Thirty-nine lethals and ten recessive visible mutations were uncovered out of a total of 125 chromosomes tested.

BURGESS1 showed by crossing Anopheles punctipennis with A. freeborni that these two species were more closely related to each other than was generally thought. In crossing experiments between these two species when A. punctipennis was the female, 8.3–15.2 per cent of the eggs hatched, from which only one adult emerged, although it died because it could not free its tarsi from the pupal case. In the reciprocal cross with A. freeborni females, 2.2–25.1 per cent of the eggs hatched, but showed high mortality in the first and second instars and only one larva reached fourth instar.