Projets novateurs réalisés

Characterization of the diversity, genetics and genomics of common scab causing Streptomyces spp. in eastern Canada

Common scab is a world-wide potato disease that is responsible for important economic losses. The control of the disease is difficult and soil fumigation is often the only approach available. In Atlantic Canada, crop losses associated with common scab are economically important and the disease has been progressing in severity. Therefore, Dr. Filion, in association with Cavendish Farms, is working on the characterization of the diversity, genetics and genomics of Streptomyces spp. causing common scab of potato. This characterization is essential to identify the most prevalent strains of Streptomyces spp. displaying high virulence, to characterize the genetic determinants responsible for it and to develop reliable diagnostics tools allowing the detection and quantification of these strains under field conditions. Atlantic Canada has the potential to become a worldwide leader in this field of research.

Development of protein powder suspensions in biocompatible non-aqueous liquids

There is no memorandum project overview associated with this application.

Multi-objective Topology Optimization of an Automotive Cradle

A cradle is a separate structure from automotive chassis, which is used to support the powertrain and

suspension system. With the application of cradle structure, the noise and vibration transmitted to

passengers will be reduced and the stiffness of attachments will be increased. In other words, the riding

comfort and the product reliability are improved. The research project is to design and optimize an

automotive cradle considering five dominant performance requirements: local static stiffness,

crashworthiness, NVH, durability and weight. Multi-objective optimization method will be used to

find the optimum designs and their trade-offs. Topology optimization will be introduced into the early

design phase to determine the material distribution, which could depend less on experience and give an

objective and effective preliminary structure. Size optimization will then be implemented to determine

the thickness of the cradle sections in a detailed design phase. By using this advanced optimization, the

design period would be shortened, experience-dependency would be decreased, and the cost …

Development of miniature fluorescence microscope with optogenetically synchronized patterned illumination – Year two

We propose development of miniature fluorescent microscope with flexible spatiotemporal photostimulation patterns of ensembles of neurons in freely behaving animals.For precision and targeted photostimulation of light-activated proteins (opsins), the light beam from high power incoherent light source will be shaped by user-controlled digital micromirror device (DMD). The light patterns formed by DMD will be sent via fiber bundle to miniature imaging system that can be implanted on the head of the animal. This will allow studying in real time the cellular and physiological mechanisms and the functional implication of different systems of the brain without restricting the free movements of animal.
By further deepening its expertise in miniature microscopy, optogenetic tools and high power light sources, Doric Lenses will strengthen its positions as one of the leading developers and suppliers of microscopy solutions for life sciences. TO BE CONT’D

Development of miniature fluorescence microscope with optogenetically synchronized patterned illumination

Myriad of complex interactions from molecular to system level underlie the functioning of the brain, and their thorough understanding is crucial for ultimate experimental goals of neuroscience. Recent breakthroughs in optogenetics allow controling the activity of small groups and even single neurons while recording their responses with minimal effect on natural biological processes. Currently though, the optogenetically synchronized fluorescence microscopes are either bulky and thus limitedly applicable for in vivo studies or lack selective cell targeting. We propose development of miniature fluorescent microscope with flexible spatiotemporal photostimulation patterns of ensembles of neurons in freely behaving animals. The two main components of the proposed system are a fiber-coupled patterned illumination system with fluorescence excitation and miniature head-mountable imaging system. For precision and targeted photostimulation of light-activated proteins (opsins), the light beam from high power incoherent light source will be shaped by user-controlled digital micromirror device (DMD). TO BE CONT’D

Multi-species sustainable fisheries management using scientific and traditional ecological methods – Year two

I am conducting a multi-species fish population monitoring project in Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini), to facilitate community-based fisheries management with the Cree Nation of Mistissini. Mistassini is home to recreational fisheries for walleye, lake trout, brook trout and pike. With a 31% increase in the regional human population since 2001 and increasing fishing pressure, effective monitoring of Mistassini’s harvested fish populations is essential. Life history and genomics attributes will be used to assess changes over time in length and weight, population structure, effective population size and whether or not there are any signatures of selection at the genetic level for walleye and brook trout, what the management units should be for pike, and whether or not fine-resolution genetic techniques can better resolve the stock structure of lake trout. Temporal genomic surveys will be complemented with surveys of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) of local Cree fishers. TO BE CONT’D

Multi-species sustainable fisheries management using scientific and traditional ecological methods

I propose a multi-species fish population monitoring project in Quebec’s largest lake (Mistassini), to facilitate community-based fisheries management. Mistassini is home to recreational fisheries for walleye, lake trout, brook trout and pike. With a 31% increase in the regional human population since 2001 and increasing fishing pressure, effective monitoring of Mistassini’s harvested fish populations is essential. Life history and genomics attributes will be compared to assess changes in length and weight, population structure, effective population size and outlier loci, for all four species. Historical life history information and tissue samples for DNA surveys are available for three of four species. Contemporary samples are already available for brook trout, and will be collected for lake trout and pike. Analysis is already in progress for walleye, and thus contemporary walleye sampling is solely for phenotypic measurements (length and weight) for population monitoring. TO BE CONT’D

Efficacy of a novel anti-IL-1B receptor modulator in reducing preterm birth impact on neurovascular health – Year two

Preterm neonates ill-adapted to the extra uterine environment are prone to increased inflammation in multiple organs and the proinflammatory interleukine IL-1b has been closely implicated in brain injury associated with preterm birth (PTB). Notably, PTB survivors have a greater propensity to develop ischemic brain lesions long after birth. Here, we hypothesize that the neural vasculature of premature infants becomes irresponsive to hypoxic-ischemic stress. Our project will study the molecular mechanisms underlying brain revascularisation potential in a mouse model of PTB combining in utero inflammation and neonatal metabolic stress. We will evaluate the efficacy of newly discovered selective anti-IL-1 receptor modulator (Rytvela, Rytvel Biotech) in preserving brain vascular function. By targeting IL-1b signalling, the inhibition of neonatal inflammation could thus protect children from enhanced vulnerability to brain damage and its devastating consequences on health.

Rapid Quantification of Bovine Colostrum Immunoglobulin G and Macronutrients(Fat, Proteins and Lactose) Using FTIR Spectroscopy

Colostrum is the initial secretion from the mammary gland after parturition and it is a crucial source of immunity and nutrition for
newborn calves. Because of the placental barrier to immunoglobulin transfer in ruminants, colostrum provides the neonate with
immunoglobulins (mainly IgG) essential for passive immunity that plays a key role in the prevention of respiratory and digestive
infections in newborn calves. Colostrum macronutrients (lipids, proteins and carbohydrates) are vital metabolic fuels for newborn
calves in the first days of life. Although, rapid and accurate quantification of colostral IgG and macronutrients levels is required for
dairy producers and companies manufacturing colostrum products, the current available methods are generally time and labor
intensive, non-specific, and frequently inaccurate. It is therefore desirable to develop rapid, cost-effective and accurate tests for
measuring colostrum IgG and macronutrients (fat, protein and lactose) concentrations. The novel Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) based assay described in this application addresses the shortcomings of the other currently available methods.
Development of infrared-based assay for quantification of colostral IgG and macronutrients will position the applicant as an expert in
the field of colostrum management, and Timeless Veterinary Systems as a leader in the development of innovative medical
technologies.

Efficacy of a novel anti-IL-1B receptor modulator in reducing preterm birth impact on neurovascular health

Preterm neonates ill-adapted to the extra uterine environment are prone to increased inflammation in multiple organs and the proinflammatory interleukine IL-1b has been closely implicated in brain injury associated with preterm birth (PTB). One major adverse neuronal outcome for PTB survivors is the greater propensity to develop ischemic brain lesions long after birth. Here, we hypothesize that the neural vasculature of premature infants becomes maladapted to appropriately respond to hypoxic-ischemic stress. Our project will study the molecular mechanisms underlying brain revascularisation potential in a mouse model of PTB combining in utero inflammation and neonatal metabolic stress. Our experimental design will evaluate the efficacy of newly discovered selective anti-IL-1 receptor modulator (Rytvela, Rytvel Biotech) in preserving brain vascular function; in contrast to commercially available antagonists of IL-1, Rytvela exhibits pharmacologic selectivity by inhibiting the coupled Rho kinase-MAPK pathways while desirably preserving the NF-kB pathway necessary for immunovigilance and cytoprotection. Inhibition of neonatal inflammation by targeting IL-1b signalling could thus protect children from enhanced vulnerability to brain damage and its devastating consequences on health.

Development of a model for computational sea ice monitoring

The proposed research project focuses on the development of a novel model for the computation of sea ice parameters in near real- time relying on satellite data. The interdisciplinary team will investigate solutions for high performance computing to monitor sea ice and calculate ice parameters with the high spatial resolution. This project includes R&D activities in sea ice modeling, calculating parameters of ocean interaction with sea ice and designing algorithms for satellite data processing and analysis. Mathematical methods would be used to distribute the geographic region of interest to various processors and thus minimize the computational time. By linking remote observations and modeling efforts, the outcomes of this research will represent a step change in capabilities for operational sea ice forecasting and monitoring. The proposed project fulfills C-CORE research goals as the world leading organization in sea ice and remote sensing solutions to provide timely and highly accurate ice information to the off-shore industry. The project will greatly contribute to the existing practices of sea ice monitoring because it addresses needs in various industrial and scientific applications.

Analyse de solutions logistiques innovantes pour l’approvisionnement en biomasse forestière d’une bioraffinerie implantée sur le territoire de la ville de La Tuque – Year two

BioÉnergie La Tuque, qui est une OBNL partenaire, cherche à mettre en place les conditions nécessaires à l’implantation d’une bioraffinerie sur le territoire de la ville de La Tuque permettant de convertir 1 200 000 TM de biomasse forestière résiduelle verte en 200 millions de litres de biodiesel, ou diesel renouvelable et ce, à un rythme annuel. Ce projet fait partie de cette initiative et vise à examiner des solutions logistiques innovantes pour l’approvisionnement de cette bioraffinerie en biomasse. Des scénarios de collaboration entre des membres potentiels du réseau de la chaine d’approvisionnement seront définis et évalués. Ces membres peuvent intervenir au niveau de la récolte ou la collecte, du transport, du stockage, du prétraitement et/ou de la conversion de la biomasse. Le projet apportera des éclairages sur les bonnes pratiques en matière de collaboration et évaluera les réductions de coûts possibles pour l’ensemble du réseau.