Innovative Projects Realized

Enabling next generation cardiac therapeutics with genetic engineering and novel in vivo models for cardiomyocyte transplantation

The development of cellular therapeutics is acutely dependent on the ability to evaluate the functional characteristics of the cells in predictive animal models. This forms the basis of key pre-clinical data packages that are key for regulatory submissions preceding human clinical trials. The development of appropriate model systems, the execution of the surgical techniques to deliver cells to the target tissue, and the techniques to functionally analyze these cells in situ are technically challenging. Michael Laflamme’s laboratory is focussed on the development of protocols for making and testing human stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in animal models and is the world leader in this field. BlueRock Therapeutics (BRT) is actively developing a clinical and commercial pipeline of cell therapies for cardiac indications. This proposal bridges development work being done in the Laflamme lab and at BRT. The data that will be generated in the project will be instrumental in shaping BRT’s development pipeline. Further, the project will provide Wahiba, the proposed trainee, with an opportunity to work with BRT staff to propose a business case and implementation plan for the internalization of this highly specialized skill set within the company.

Modeling and control of CPP’s proprietary Mighty Dredge & Bypass Pump Technologies

Canada Pump & Power (CPP) is an Alberta specialized industrial marine company. CPP has a novel proprietary dredge propulsion method based on a set of winch-driven cables: the patented Autonomous Mighty Dredge. Control strategies to date have delivered adequate performance in some operating conditions; the goal is to have the dredge capable of performing to a slurry rate specification under automatic control in a wide range of operating conditions (variable deposits, density, obstacles). CPP is also developing a new, proprietary Autonomous Submersible Bypass Pump, which automates submersible operations, is managed by a computer program and interface, and can work with the dredge or on its own. CPP is looking for university-based research to examine the controllability problem, identify candidate control schemes, including model-based control and control methods based on machine learning using data from current dredging and pumping operations. Issues of Observability and Controllability will be addressed through a laboratory-based program of developing a scaled-down dredge system with controllable dredging conditions for data collection and control verification studies, with the intent to test the likely control techniques to an industrial prototype automated dredge at CPP’s Ardrossan facility.

MIM Plasmonic Bowtie Structures for Infrared Spectroscopy

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is a diverse, powerful and nondestructive sensing technique amenable to a wide variety of applications. The sensitivity of IR measurements can be greatly improved by local electromagnetic field enhancements provided by nanoscale metallic structures. We propose a novel platform for enhanced IR spectroscopy, consisting of a bowtie structure composed of a nanoscale metal-dielectric grating. This device will achieve unprecedented levels of field enhancement due to the combined effects of the bowtie structure and MIM grating, allowing for highly sensitive measurements to be performed. In addition, the completed bowtie devices will be incorporated into a microfluidic channel. This channel will allow solutions of interest to flow directly over the region of maximum field enhancement, facilitating the easy execution of various measurements. Using this device, we intend to demonstrate the detection of ultra-low concentrations of various molecules, with potential applications in many fields.

Biocontrol potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) against selected key insect pests of canola, cereal and high value crops in Alberta.

Crop losses and the economic impact caused by canola insect pests is substantial, depending on outbreak conditions. With the predicted de-registration of two key insecticides, canola producers are potential subject to greater economic losses. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs), also known as predatory nematodes, are commercially available biocontrol agents for the management of insect pests. Although below-ground insect stages are more susceptible to EPNs, recent advancement in application technology has improved their biocontrol efficiency against the foliar insect pests. In this project we propose to explore EPN use against foliar insect pests including flea beetles, diamond back moth, lygus, and below ground pest wireworms. Laboratory experiments will evaluate five different commercially available EPN species, at different rates required to kill the insect pests. Positive findings will direct future investigations under field trials with the long term goal of providing a sustainable insect pest management approach for Western Canadian growers.

Processus de retro-ingénierie par manipulation de nuages de points

Ce projet s’inscrivant dans le domaine de l‘ingénierie de visualisation 3D a pour principale objectif de permettre la manipulation de différents types de formats de CAD (Computer Aided Design). Actuellement, les manipulations de formats tel que les nuages de points ou les éléments maillés se font de manière séparée, empêchant le plein potentiel d’un modèle hybride. Un processus permettant l’utilisation non-trivial des données issues d’un nuage de points (grande précision géométrique) et d’éléments surfaciques (rendu visuel fidèle à la réalité et de haute qualité) permettrait la mise en place d’opération de retro-ingénierie (extraction d’information géométrique précise) directement dans un modèle de visualisation 3D. De ce fait, le fossé entre les logiciels de modélisation et simulation 3D et les logiciels de visualisation 3D est supprimé. TO BE CONT’D

Characterization of guided wave propagation in aircraft structures

Structural health monitoring (SHM) is a major area of interest for the aerospace community,

especially considering aging aircraft where the growing maintenance costs, estimated to

$10,4 billion worldwide annually, can reduce their economic life. The long-term goal of the

industry is to deploy SHM systems which will 1) meet the in-service inspection requirements

with sensors permanently installed on the structure and 2) provide operational and economic

benefits compared to the baseline inspection methods. Strategies using guided wave

propagation have been proposed for embedded monitoring of airframe structures. However,

wave propagation and interaction with defects in complex structures is addressed in the

literature only for specific and limited number of components and types of defects. For

example, interaction with cracks in metallic joints and debonding in composite joints has been

investigated to some extent. The objective of this knowledge-gap based research is to

provide the industry with an extended knowledge base for a variety of basic aircraft

structures, standards, from which the guided…….

Developing a regional approach to urban forest monitoring and reporting

Urban forests do not conform to municipal or watershed boundaries and many of the threats they face like climate change impacts and invasive species need to be addressed at a regional or larger scale. Taking a regional approach to urban forest monitoring could be of benefit to achieving the sustainability objectives of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and its municipal partners. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is developing a framework to understand and incorporate the multiple dimensions of urban forest monitoring across the region and to address gaps in current monitoring programs.

Uploading of intercellular tension induces the directional translocation of PKC?

Endothelial cells( ECs) form the inner surface of blood vessels. If they break down, they may lead to vascular disease, heart failure,and high blood pressure. Endothelial cells(ECs) functions are regulated by permanent mechanical stresses such as shear stress and pressure from blood stream. When some cells are damaged, the adjacent cells are induced by them, and they react to this change. Protein Kinas C? (PKC?), which is widely expressed in mammalian tissues, plays a crucial role in regulation of cells, when the cells are damaged. PKC? has a critical role in disease treatment such as cardiovascular dysfunctions, arterial thrombosis, cancer, and would healing. During wound healing process, this protein (PKC?) translocates to the membrane through Ca+2 waves. Ca2+ waves propagate within a single cell are called intracellular Ca2+ waves, and coordinate multicellular responses.
In this original project, we will perform mechanical wounding on a single cell in oder to disrupt intercellular adhesion and observe the activity of PKC? in the adjacent cell. This wounding will be done by puncturing the cell with a micropipette.

Confronting Colonialism at the Tropenmuseum: Understanding the Afterlives of Slavery

The research for this project will culminate in a final paper examining the Tropenmuseum’s new temporary collection Afterlives of Slavery, as a case study to consider efforts to transform the purpose and relevancy of museums. The exhibition, which recently opened in 2017, explores the Netherlands’ ties to slavery and colonialism, revealing how these histories continue to influence contemporary life. The inquiry of this paper will be divided into three sections. First, I will survey the Tropenmuseums’ traditions of representing former colonies, drawing on archives and existing scholarship that analyzes select curatorial displays. Second, I will investigate how the Afterlives of Slavery exhibition uncovers histories repressed by ‘social forgetting,’ revealing the relationship between past and present. I am particularly interested in unpacking the significance the collection’s shifted focus from objects to personal narratives, and its incorporation of objects from the original collection. This section will employ a multimodal critical discourse analysis to holistically examine the curation of the permanent collection’s visual, textual, and spatial elements. Lastly, I will consider the limits of enacting transformation from within institutions, and the capacity for previously colonial museums to facilitate conversations of national reflection. To be cont’d

Unravelling the sleepy brain: a neuroimaging study in central hypersomnolence disorders

Roughly 4-6% of the general population suffers from excessive daytime sleepiness. Central hypersomnolence disorders are characterized by incurable constant occurrence of this daytime sleepiness in combination with a disturbed sleep-wake cycle, resulting in severely impaired daytime functioning. Central hypersomnolence disorders are normally diagnostically divided in two types of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. While narcolepsy type 1 originates from a selective loss of wake-promoting neurons in the brain, the pathophysiology underlying narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia remains to be fully elucidated. This lack of disease understanding is further emphasized by substantial diagnosis crossover (up to 50%) after repeating diagnostic testing.

The aim of this multicenter project is to identify biomarkers and mechanisms characterizing different central hypersomnolence disorders to reveal transdiagnostic disease dimensions and help to improve classification and potentially treatment options.

The project will simultaneously integrate powerful neuroimaging techniques (MRI and EEG) to investigate structural brain composition and activity across different consciousness states (sleep, resting, sustained attention) in comparison with other central hypersomnolence disorders and healthy controls. This Amsterdam UMC-Concordia University collaborative effort will run for roughly two years and if granted, this award would allow for a 3-month work visit to harmonize data analyses across both sites.

Chemical Genetics Approach: Function and Inhibitory Effect on Kinesins

This program is to analyze the regulation of cell cycle progression and the mechanism of chromosome segregation with regard to Kinesin5 and Kinesin8 families. Defects in these processes can result in the formation of aneuploid cells, a hallmark of many solid cancers. Thus, insights into the function and regulation of Eg5 and Kif18A (one protein of Kinesin8 families)will not only contribute to a better understanding of the mitotic and meiotic cell division but also how malfunctions in these pathways promote tumor formation in men. We will apply Chemical Biology approach (i.e. use small molecules to modulate functions proteins in living cells) to alter the functionality of kinesins in cells in a fast and often reversible manner. The model systems are human cancer cell lines and Xenopus laevis oocytes and embryos. We hope to find cellular binding partners of the immobilized compounds which rescue the monastrol-treated (an anti-tumor drug) Hela cells, and optimizing the chemical properties of BTB-1, a small molecule that inhibits the ATPase activity of Kif18A (which inhibit mitosis, then the cell cycle will cease).

Experimenting with the value of the sense of touch in historical exhibitions

Professors Erica Lehrer (Concordia University, Canada) and Roma Sendyka (Jagiellonian University, Krakow) have been engaged in ongoing research exploring how exhibition curating can serve as a mode of social and cultural research, and a form of applied cultural studies pedagogy. Lehrer and Sendyka are currently experimenting with exhibit approaches for recently discovered Polish folk art objects from the 1960s and 70s that depict the Nazi Occupation of Poland and the Holocaust. Jagiellonian University doctoral student Maciej Topolski, working under Dr. Sendyka, is researching “tactile studies” in the context of the “sensual turn” in the humanities – an area not present in the Polish academy. He proposes to work with Dr. Lehrer and her student research assistants to experiment with re-curating objects from Lehrer and Sendyka’s current exhibition at the Kraków Ethnographic Museum, “Terribly Close: Polish Vernacular Artists Face the Holocaust,” in Dr. Lehrer’s Curating and Public Scholarship Lab (CaPSL) at Concordia University. Maciej will explore whether interaction with these objects via actual or imagined touch raises new questions for visitors about the historical events depicted or inspires deeper empathy with its victims and bystanders. To be cont’d.