NSERC grants at Laurentian University Subventions du CRSNG `a l ...

For any questions, please contactPour toute question, veuillez communiquer avecPatrice Sawyer,sawyer@cs.laurentian.ca(705) 675-1151 ext./poste 2167

ContentsTable des matièresA message from the President 7Un message de la rectriceForeword 11PréfaceIntroduction 13Grants lexicon 17Lexique des subventionsResearch, Development and Creativity Office 21Bureau de la recherche, du développement et de lacréativitéLiette Vasseur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Department of Biology 23Département de biologieYves Alarie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Madhur Anand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Garry Ferroni with/avec Léo Leduc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Mery Martinez Garcia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27John Gunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28John Gunn with/avec William Keller, Norman Yan& Charles Ramcharan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Jacqueline Litzgus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31Jacqueline Litzgus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Kabwe Nkongolo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331

2Kabwe Nkongolo with/avec Peter Beckett . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Charles Ramcharan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Charles Ramcharan with/avec John Gunn . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Peter Ryser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde with/avec Yves Alarie,Madhur Anand & Jacqueline Litzgus . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Joseph Shorthouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry 43Département de chimie et biochimieGustavo Arteca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Nelson Belzile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45François Caron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Éric Gauthier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Éric Gauthier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51Joy Gray-Munro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Helen Joly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Hoyun Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Louis Mercier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Louis Mercier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Sabine Montaut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Sabine Montaut with/avec Nelson Belzile & Yuwei Chen . . . . . 61Stefan Siemann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Stefan Siemann with/avec Éric Gauthier & Abdel Omri . . . . . . 65Graeme Spiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66Kenneth Westaway . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Department of Earth Sciences 71Département des sciences de la terrePaul Copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Harold Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Harold Gibson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Bruno Lafrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76C. Michael Lesher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77C. Michael Lesher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

A message from the PresidentUn message de la rectriceDr. Judith WoodsworthPresident of Laurentian UniversityRectrice de l’Université LaurentienneFor the second year in a row, Dr. Patrice Sawyerhas taken the initiative of preparing a compilation ofNSERC funded research at Laurentian University. Thisbooklet is one of the many ways we have of profilingand celebrating the work of our faculty – more specificallythose who have received funding from the NaturalSciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.This year, NSERC research funding has increasedby over 30% compared to last year. We have clearlybenefited from the presence of our first-ever Associate Vice-President, Research,Dr. Liette Vasseur, and from the increased research activities of ourseasoned faculty, as well as the highly competent junior faculty who haverecently joined our ranks.Laurentian University has remained true to its mission as a northern university,with research and teaching grounded in the North. At the same time,while meeting some of the immediate needs of the community – in areas suchas mineral exploration, environmental restoration and northern and ruralhealth, for example – research at the University has grown and flourished tomatch that conducted at any mature institution of higher learning, and isnow attracting national and international attention.The impact of the projects described here is profound. The dollars attractedto the University are spent on goods and services here in the city,contributing to the local economy. Wages are paid to students and, in particular,these students are given an invaluable opportunity to work alongsidefaculty. In many cases, even undergraduate students get a chance to do this7

8kind of work, which is not the case at most larger universities. This givesthem a taste for research and provides them with the experience required togo on to graduate studies.The results of some research projects will be immediate and concrete.Others have an impact that will be felt in the longer term. All are valuablein themselves as contributions to knowledge. Finally, and perhaps most important,researchers bring their insights from the laboratory to the classroomand thereby enrich the educational experience of all students.I would like to express my appreciation, once again, to Dr. Patrice Sawyerfor his work in producing the 2005 edition of the NSERC Discovery Bookletand to congratulate all the researchers whose work is highlighted here.***Pour la deuxième année consécutive, M. Patrice Sawyer a pris l’initiativede compiler les recherches menées à l’Université Laurentienne et financées parle CRSNG. Celles-ci ont été rassemblées dans une brochure qui fait partie desnombreux moyens dont nous disposons pour exposer et souligner les travauxdes membres de notre corps professoral, surtout les personnes ayant reçu desfonds du Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie.Cette année, le financement provenant du CRSNG a augmenté de plusde 30 % par rapport à l’an dernier. Nous avons grandement bénéficié de laprésence de notre première vice-rectrice associée à la recherche, Mme LietteVasseur, et de l’augmentation des activités de recherche de nos professeurschevronnés mais aussi de nos jeunes professeurs fort compétents qui sontentrés récemment dans nos rangs.L’Université Laurentienne est demeurée fidèle à sa mission d’université duNord dont l’enseignement et la recherche sont ancrés dans le Nord. En mêmetemps, tout en répondant à certains besoins immédiats de la collectivité (parexemple, dans des domaines comme l’exploration minière, la restauration environnementaleet la santé dans le nord et les régions rurales), la recherchea pris de l’expansion et prospéré au point de se trouver sur un pied d’égalitéavec celle de n’importe quel établissement d’enseignement supérieur pleinementdéveloppé, et elle est devenue aujourd’hui susceptible d’attirer l’attentiondes centres de recherche sur les scènes nationale et internationale.Les projets présentés ici ont de profondes retombées. Les fonds que l’Universitéreçoit servent à acquérir des biens et services à Sudbury et contribuent

à alimenter l’économie locale. Des salaires sont versés à des membres de la populationétudiante qui ont ainsi une occasion inespérée de travailler aux côtésde certains membres du corps professoral. Bien souvent, même des étudiantsdu premier cycle ont la chance d’accomplir ce genre de travail, ce qui n’estpas le cas dans la plupart des grandes universités. Ils ont ainsi l’occasion des’initier à la recherche et d’acquérir l’expérience requise pour effectuer desétudes supérieures.Certaines recherches produisent des résultats immédiats et concrets. D’autresont des retombées qui se manifesteront à plus long terme. Elles sonttoutes précieuses, car elles contribuent au savoir. Finalement et c’est peutêtrece qui importe le plus, les chercheurs apportent dans la salle de classele fruit de leurs réflexions en laboratoire et enrichissent ainsi l’expérience desmembres de la population étudiante.Je tiens à remercier de nouveau M. Patrice Sawyer d’avoir produit l’édition2005 de cette brochure sur les subventions à la découverte du CRSNG etféliciter tous les chercheurs dont le travail y est mis en valeur.9

ForewordPréfaceDr. Liette VasseurAssociate Vice-President, ResearchVice-rectrice associée à la rechercheLaurentian University/Université LaurentienneThese are exciting times at Laurentian University.There is a sense of renewal and greater commitment toresearch and researchers feel this new wind. The hiringof new faculty and the increase in research activities isbeing felt in the community. According to the ResearchInformation, Laurentian University is maintaining itscommitment and even encouraging greater fundamentaland applied research, alone or in collaboration.With the creation of the Research, Development and Creativity Office,Laurentian University can now support researchers in a more efficient wayand also will be able to better promote research success in the community.Through the excellent work of our faculty, Laurentian has been able tocontribute in the development of new discoveries. Outstanding work is beingconducted at the University in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry,Commerce, Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Physics andAstronomy, Earth Sciences, and Human Kinetics.With the hiring of faculty at the new Northern Ontario School of Medicine,a new era of medical research is also being initiated. The addition of fourPh.D. programs in Sciences (Biomolecular, Precambrian Geology, NaturalResource Engineering and Boreal Ecology) will also help promote the trainingof highly qualified personnel.The various NSERC grants awarded to researchers and students at LaurentianUniversity have and will continue to play a major role in the socio-11

12economic activity of the region and in fact in all of Canada. The Universitywould like to acknowledge the support of NSERC for the opportunities providedfor research, training, and infrastructure – they will have a lastingimpact on the region and its economy.***L’Université Laurentienne vit une période passionnante. Les chercheursanimés par un vent de renouveau dans la recherche s’y engagent corps etâme. Le recrutement de nouveaux membres du corps professoral et l’intensificationdes activités de recherche se ressentent dans la collectivité. Selonles renseignements sur la recherche, l’Université Laurentienne maintient sonengagement et favorise même la recherche fondamentale et appliquée, en soloou en collaboration.Avec la création du Bureau de la recherche, du développement et de lacréativité, l’Université Laurentienne épaule les chercheurs de manière plusefficace et entend mieux faire connaître les succès scientifiques dans la collectivité.Grâce à l’excellent travail de son corps professoral, l’Université Laurentiennecontribue à de nouvelles découvertes. Des travaux remarquables sedéroulent actuellement à l’Université dans les domaines suivants : Biologie,Chimie, Biochimie, Commerce, Génie, Informatique, Mathématiques, Physique,Sciences de la terre et Sciences de l’activité physique.Le recrutement de membres du corps professoral à la nouvelle École demédecine du Nord-Ontario marque en outre le début d’une nouvelle ère derecherche médicale. L’ajout de quatre programmes de doctorat ès sciences(Biomoléculaires, Géologie précambrienne, Génie des ressources naturelles,Écologie boréale) aidera aussi à former du personnel hautement qualifié.Les diverses subventions du CRSNG attribuées à des chercheurs et membresdu corps étudiant de l’Université Laurentienne ont joué et continueront àjouer un rôle majeur dans l’activité socio-économique de la région et du Canada.L’Université tient à souligner le soutien du CRSNG, car l’immensebienfait et les nombreuses possibilités qu’apportent la formation, l’acquisitiond’infrastructure et de matériel et les activités de recherche auront desretombées durables sur l’économie locale et la région.

IntroductionNSERC (pronounced n’serc) stands for “Natural Sciences and EngineeringResearch Council of Canada”. NSERC is a federal agency whose mandate isto encourage research and discovery in the natural sciences and engineeringin Canada. In its own words:NSERC’s role is to make investments in people, discovery and innovationfor the benefit of all Canadians. We invest in people bysupporting more than 20,000 university students and postdoctoralfellows in their advanced studies. We promote discovery by fundingmore than 10,000 university professors every year. And we help makeinnovation happen by encouraging more than 500 Canadian companiesto invest in university research.In 2004-2005, NSERC will invest $850 million in university-basedresearch and training in all the natural sciences and engineering.This booklet provides the summaries of all the research endeavours bycurrent holders of NSERC grants at Laurentian University. These summarieswere written by each researcher as part of their application to NSERC.Laurentian University’s President, Dr. Woodsworth, and the AssociateVice-President of Research, Dr. Vasseur, have already mentioned the impactof NSERC’s funding on the university and on the region. From the viewpointof a researcher who has benefited from NSERC’s funding for a number ofyears, I cannot emphasize enough what this support has meant to me. Ithas allowed me to meet with researchers across the world to learn of theirwork and to let them know about mine as well. My grant allows me to hirestudents. In addition to earning a salary, this gives them an introduction toresearch, so it works to their benefit as well as mine.I believe that you will find much in these pages to interest you and hopethat you will share my pride in the achievements of my fellow researchersfrom Laurentian University.13

14I am thankful for the help I had from many sources in putting this booklettogether and want to acknowledge the help of the staff from NSERC and ourresearch officer, Ms. Gaby Miller, who provided the summaries you will findin this booklet.In particular, I want to mention Ms. Mary-Catherine Taylor and Mr. BrentWohlberg, who provided me with many of the photos you will find here. Thecover was designed by Ms. Mélanie Laquerre.Special thanks go to Mr. Daniel Archambault, Ms. Chantal Chivot, Ms.Leda Culliford, Ms. Jane Pitblado and Ms. Louise Rancourt who assisted mein preparing and proofreading the booklet.***CRSNG (que certains prononcent « seringue »!) est l’acronyme du « Conseilde recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada ».Le CRSNG est l’agence fédérale dont le mandat est de promouvoir larecherche et la découverte dans les sciences naturelles et dans le génie. Sonrôle se définit en ces termes :Le rôle du CRSNG est d’investir dans les gens, la découverte etl’innovation pour en faire bénéficier tous les Canadiens. Nous investissonsdans les gens en accordant un appui à plus de 20 000étudiants universitaires et stagiaires postdoctoraux. Nous faisons lapromotion de la découverte en offrant un appui financier à plus de10 000 professeurs d’université chaque année. Et nous favorisons l’innovationen incitant plus de 500 entreprises canadiennes à investirdans la recherche universitaire.En 2004–2005, le CRSNG investira 850 millions de dollars dans larecherche et la formation universitaire dans toutes les disciplines dessciences naturelles et du génie.Ce recueil contient les résumés de tous les projets de recherche des professeursde l’Université Laurentienne qui détiennent une subvention du CRSNG.Ces résumés ont été composés par les chercheurs lors de leur demande de subventionsau CRSNG.La rectrice de l’Université Laurentienne, Mme Woodsworth, et la vicerectriceassociée à la recherche, Mme Vasseur, ont déjà expliqué l’impactqu’ont les fonds octroyés par le CRSNG sur l’université et sur la région. Du

point de vue d’un chercheur qui a bénéficié du support du CRSNG depuisun bon nombre d’années, je ne peux pas assez insister sur l’importance qu’aeu ce support pour moi. Il m’a permis de rencontrer des chercheurs partoutà l’échelle internationale pour apprendre ce qu’ils font et, aussi, pour leurfaire connaître mes propres états de recherche. Ma subvention me permetd’employer des étudiants qui, en plus de gagner un salaire, ont la chance dese familiariser avec la recherche pour notre bénéfice mutuel.Je crois donc que ce recueil vous intéressera et j’espère que vous partagerezma fierté devans les accomplissements de mes collègues chercheurs del’Université Laurentienne.Je suis reconnaissant envers toutes les personnes qui m’ont permis d’élaborerce recueil. Je veux souligner ici l’aide du personnel du CRSNG et de notreofficier de recherche, Mme Gaby Miller, qui m’ont fait parvenir les résumésque vous trouverez ici.Je veux mentionner en particulier Mme Mary-Catherine Taylor et M.Brent Wohlberg qui m’ont fourni plusieurs photos que vous trouverez ici.Mme Mélanie Laquerre a créé le design de la page couverture.Des remerciements particuliers vont à M. Daniel Archambault, Mme ChantalChivot, Mme Leda Culliford, Mme Jane Pitblado et Mme Louise Rancourtqui m’ont aidé à corriger les épreuves de ce recueil.15Dr. Patrice SawyerNSERC’s representative at Laurentian UniversityReprésentant du CRSNG à l’Université Laurentienne

Grants lexiconLexique des subventionsDiscovery GrantsDiscovery Grants support ongoing programs of research. These grants recognizethe creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all advancesin research, whether made individually or in groups. Researchers are freeto work in the mode most appropriate for the research area. The grantsgenerally cover for five years.Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) GrantsRTI Grants assist in buying or developing research equipment that costsmore than $ 7,000.Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) GrantsCRD grants support well-defined projects undertaken by university researchersand their private-sector partners. CRD awards cover up to half of thetotal eligible direct project costs, with the industrial partner(s) providing thebalance in cash and in kind.Major Facilities Access GrantsMajor Facilities Access Grants support researchers’ access to major regionalor national research facilities by helping these facilities to remain in astate of readiness for researchers to use.Idea to Innovation (I2I) ProgramThe I2I program provides funding to university researchers for research anddevelopment activities leading to technology transfer to a new or establishedCanadian company. Two distinct funding phases are proposed; these phases17

18are limited in time and the direct costs of research in the first phase will beentirely supported by NSERC while those of the second phase will be sharedwith a private partner.Research Network GrantsThe Research Network Grants program funds large-scale, complex researchproposals that involve multi-sectorial collaborations on a common researchtheme and that demonstrate the added advantages of a networking approach.***Subventions à la découverteLes subventions à la découverte soutiennent des programmes continusde recherche. Elles reconnaissent que la créativité et l’innovation sont aucœur des percées en recherche, qu’elles soient réalisées individuellement ouen groupe. Les chercheurs sont libres de choisir le mode le plus approprié àleur domaine de recherche. Ces subventions sont généralement d’une duréede cinq ans.Subventions d’outils et d’instruments de recherche (OIR)Les subventions d’OIR soutiennent l’achat ou la mise au point d’appareilsde recherche dont le coût dépasse 7 000 $.Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative (RDC)Les subventions de RDC soutiennent des projets de recherche bien définismenés conjointement par des chercheurs universitaires et leurs partenaires dusecteur privé. Les subventions de RDC couvrent jusqu’à la moitié des coûtstotaux admissibles du projet, le ou les partenaires industriels accordant lereste en espèces et en nature.Subventions d’accès aux installations majeuresLes subventions d’accès aux installations majeures permettent aux chercheursd’avoir accès à de grandes installations de recherche régionales etnationales afin d’en assurer l’état de préparation aux fins d’utilisation par leschercheurs.

19Programme De l’idée à l’innovation (INNOV)Le programme De l’idée à l’innovation (INNOV) offre des fonds à deschercheurs universitaires aux fins d’activités de recherche et développementmenant à un transfert de technologie vers une entreprise canadienne établieou nouvelle. Deux phases de financement distinctes d’une durée déterminéesont offertes. À la première phase, les coûts directs de la recherche sonttotalement assumés par le CRSNG alors qu’à la seconde, ils sont partagésavec un partenaire du secteur privé.Subventions de réseaux de rechercheLe programme de subventions de réseaux de recherche soutient des propositionscomplexes et de grande envergure qui comprennent des collaborationsmultisectorielles sur un thème de recherche commun et démontrent les avantagessupplémentaires d’une approche en réseau.

Research, Development and CreativityOfficeBureau de la recherche, du développementet de la créativitéLiette Vasseur 1Research Capacity Development – Renforcement de lacapacité de rechercheA grant of $1,500,000 for five years.Une subvention de 1 500 000 $ pour cinq ans.Research Capacity Development in Small Universities PilotProgram – Programme pilote de renforcement de la capacitéde recherche dans les petites universitésLaurentian University has received $1.5 million from the Natural Sciencesand Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for 2004–2009. Thisfunding comes from NSERC’s Research Capacity Development in Small UniversitiesPilot Program. Laurentian is one of seven universities in Canadaselected to participate in this program. There were 34 applicants for theawards.This federal investment seeks to help small universities increase their researchcapacity. It will create new opportunities for professors and students,as well as help spread a culture of research and innovation across the country.The RCD Pilot Program is one of the new initiatives NSERC has launchedto fill some significant gaps in Canada’s innovation system. These initiativesare designed to help Canada become a nation of discoverers and innovators.***1 The Associate Vice-President, Research administers the grant on behalf of Laurentian University./La vice-rectriceassociée à la recherche administre la subvention au nom de l’université.21

22L’Université Laurentienne a reçu une contribution de 1,5 millions de dollarspour 2004–2009 du Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en géniedu Canada (CRSNG). Ces fonds sont offerts grâce au Programme pilote derenforcement de la capacité de recherche dans les petites universités (RCR)du CRSNG. La Laurentienne figure parmi les sept établissements retenuspour ce programme alors que 34 établissements avaient présenté une demandede subvention.Le but de ce programme fédéral est d’aider les petites universités à renforcerleur capacité de recherche. Cet investissement créera de nouvelles possibilitéspour les professeurs et les étudiants, et aidera à développer une culturede recherche et d’innovation dans l’ensemble du pays.Le Programme pilote de RCR fait partie des nouvelles initiatives que leCRSNG a lancées pour combler des lacunes importantes de notre systèmed’innovation et pour aider le Canada à devenir un pays de découvreurs etd’innovateurs.

Department of BiologyDépartement de biologieYves AlarieSystematics, evolution and larval morphology of worldhydradephaga (Coleoptera)A grant of $22,000 per year.Une subvention de 22 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteColeoptera is the largest order of the Kingdom Animalia,comprising a quarter of all known animal species.Approximately 350,000 beetle species have beendescribed and estimates for the total number of speciesrange into the millions. The order is represented in almostevery non-marine habitat on earth. It includesmany of the most beneficial and destructive insectsknown, yet an enormous amount of basic taxonomyand biological study is necessary to raise our understandingof Coleoptera to the level attained in most insect orders. The currentstate of coleopteran taxonomy is uneven in several ways, with many largegeographical, developmental and taxonomic gaps.Two main areas of my research focus on such blind spots. One subject ofmy work is the systematics of a neglected taxon, the families included in theaquatic Adephaga ( = Hydradephaga); another is the taxonomy of a poorlystudied developmental stage, the larva. With regard to systematic studies,data about larval stages, particularly in holometabolous insects, are likelyto improve adult classifications. Because larvae of Holometabola share littlein common with the adults anatomically, they offer a rich, parallel source23

24of information about phylogenetic relationships. A more rigorous and stableclassification will result from combining characters from both adults andlarvae.My studies were innovative in devising a system of nomenclature of larvalchaetotaxy and porotaxy for the Dytiscidae. The value of my coding systemis enhanced because the primary setae and pores can be separated from thesecondary ones that are added in later instars. There is an overall patternwhich is widespread among taxa, though it is modified in a variety of taxa.This generalized pattern is consistent enough to be used for phylogenetic analysisand yet sufficiently variable to allow for taxonomic distinction. Use ofsuch a character set has led to a reconsideration of the phylogenetic relationshipsamong several genera of the family Dytiscidae. I propose to continuewith an extensive evaluation of the larval morphology of those beetles andto expand the analysis for other members of the Hydradephaga.

25Madhur AnandDisturbance dynamics and ecological complexity: empirical,theoretical and modeling approachesA grant of $15,000 per year.Une subvention de 15 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe current pace of global change and the reductionin biodiversity demand conceptual and methodologicaltools to measure the effects of disturbanceon ecological complexity and integrity.My research program integrates complex systemsmodeling with statistical ecology, restoration andconservation ecology, and global change researchwith a long-term goal of formulating a general theory of disturbance andits role in the dynamics of ecological complexity. Contrary to popular belief,complex ecological systems do not always behave unpredictably. Theyare actually integrated structures displaying robust patterns suggestive ofuniversal principles of organization. My research aims to find these universalprinciples, but unlike previous studies, mine will examine the effect ofdisturbances on these structures, because I believe that ecological responseto disturbance is not continuous, but can undergo abrupt regime change.I will study natural (e.g., gap formation, fire) and man-made disturbances(pollution, logging) both in the field in Canada, the United States, Finlandand Brazil, and through theoretical and modeling approaches. In doing so, Iwill produce better conceptual and predictive models of complex forest dynamics.This will lead to a better understanding of natural and man-madeecosystems and our ability to prevent and/or mitigate ecological disasters.

26Garry Ferroni with/avec Léo Leduc 1Activities of A. ferrooxidans and other acidophiles in acidmine drainage and bioleachingA grant of $33,000 per year.Une subvention de 33 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAcid mine drainage (AMD), the microbially mediatedgeneration of acid from sulfidic mine wastes, is animmense environmental problem. We have been studyingthe ecology, physiology, and molecular biology ofAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and related bacteria tobetter understand AMD. Bioleaching, the bacteriallymediated extraction of valuable metals from sulfidic ores, has been studiedprimarily with the bacterium A. ferrooxidans. We have been investigatingthe efficiencies of different strains of this bacterium in this process.Our proposal objectives are:1. to describe the microbial populations that make up an AMD environment;2. to further study the genetic diversity of strains of the key bacterium A.ferrooxidans;3. to examine the effectiveness of mixed cultures in bioleaching studies employinglow-grade ores and tailings.The scientific approach will involve the use of standard microbiologicalmethods for the isolation of the various representatives of the microbial populations,the use of molecular techniques such as DNA fingerprinting andfluorescent probes to study strain diversity and community structure, andthe measurement by atomic absorption spectroscopy of metals leached bybacterial isolates paired with A. ferrooxidans.The expected significance of the research is increased knowledge of themicrobial ecology of AMD, an evaluation of the extent of genetic dissimilarityin the key species, and improved metal bioleaching rates from sulfidic oresand waste materials.1 shown in the reverse order in the photo/dans la photo, ils apparaissent dans l’ordre inverse

27Mery Martinez GarciaPhysiological bases of hypoxia tolerance in fish: The role ofphenotypic plasticity in patterns of intraspecific andinterdemic variationA grant of $23,304 per year.Une subvention de 23 304 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découvertePeriods of low dissolved oxygen, or hypoxia, are found in a great variety ofaquatic environments. Due to human activities, hypoxic episodes have increasedin recent years in area, duration and frequency in coastal regions, lakesand wetlands. Fish develop different strategies and mechanisms to survivehypoxia, including adjustment in behaviour, physiology and biochemistry.It is currently difficult to make generalisations on physiological responsesto hypoxia because of the widely different environments that are consideredand the plasticity of the response. My research program aims to develop predictivemodels regarding fish adaptive mechanisms to low dissolved oxygen.More specifically, I propose to conduct a cross-species field and laboratorystudy from fish in Northern Ontario to determine whether different fish speciesliving in a single environment subject to periodic hypoxia share commonmetabolic adaptations and what is the plasticity of this response. Second,using an African species as a model, I will determine experimentally whetherdifferences in metabolic responses of fish exist between populations fromnormoxic versus hypoxic habitats, and to what degree any difference is aconsequence of phenotypic plasticity versus genetic differentiation. Finally, Ipropose to conduct an experiment on the effects of hypoxia at egg and larvalstages of a single fish species from Northern Ontario in order to establish thedegree of phenotypic plasticity of fish during early development.This entire research will increase our understanding of hypoxia toleranceon a global level as well as the underlying physiological mechanisms. In thelong term, it will also increase our understanding of the detrimental effectsof hypoxia in all aquatic habitats. As a result, this research will be invaluableto aquatic biologists and environmental scientists. Once we understand theindividual responses to hypoxia, and the plasticity of these responses, we willbe in a better position to assess negative impacts of hypoxia and potentiallycontrol the biological impacts of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems.

28John GunnEffects of Invasive Fish Species on Lakes Recovering fromAcidificationA grant of $15,000 per year.Une subvention de 15 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe effect of invasive species on the biodiversity of freshwater ecosystemsis one of the major environmental concerns of our time. The movement ofboth native and exotic fish species has resulted in extinction of many localfish populations as well as extensive “homogenization” of fish communitiesacross regions such as the Boreal Shield region of Canada. Two other majorstressors, acidification and climate change, appear to combine to makeBoreal Shield lakes even more vulnerable to the impact of invaders. Coldwater species such as lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and brook trout (S.fontinalis) may be directly affected by the warming conditions, but the moreextensive damage is likely to occur because of indirect effects, such as increasedcompetition for food with the arrival of warm water invaders (e.g.centrarchids). The acid-damaged lakes in the Sudbury Ontario area, whereI have been conducting long-term studies of recovery dynamics of salmonidand percid-dominated communities, now appear to be at the front line ofa northern movement of warm water invasive species. These acid-damagedlakes, with their simplified fish communities, represent important model systemsto predict the effect of invasive species in lakes of the far north wherespecies diversity is also low, or unique morphometry exists (e.g. very shallowlake trout lakes). My research program will assess the effects of warm-waterinvasive species on population structure, behaviour, habitat use, swimmingactivity and trophic relationships among prey and predator species in lakesrecovering from acidification. The findings will increase our understanding ofthe effects of multiple stressors and will have both important theoretical andpractical applications.

29John Gunn with/avec William Keller, Norman Yan& Charles RamcharanIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Falconbridge Ltd& International Nickel Company LtdBarriers to biological recovery in historically disturbedSudbury Lakes: Lingering toxicity or ecological bottlenecks?A grant of $378,867 for four years.Une subvention de 378 867 $ pour quatre ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeIn recent decades, billions of dollars have been spent to prevent and reversethe damages caused by acid deposition in thousands of lakes and riversaround the world. This massive environmental problem reached its peak inthe late 1970s and 1980s, and since then there has been widespread evidenceof water quality improvements following regulated emission reductions. However,biological recovery in damaged systems has lagged far behind the chemicalimprovements and there are many competing hypotheses to accountfor the delays. The study of the factors (physical, geochemical, or biotic)that control the recovery or resilience of disturbed ecosystems is thereforeof great interest to both applied and theoretical ecologists, especially at thebroad landscape levels at which the acidification impacts occurred. The areaaround the metal smelters in Sudbury, Ontario, represents an especially importantstudy site in this regard because of the scale and duration of thedamage (> 100M tons of S0 2 emitted, an estimated 7000 damaged lakes)and the wealth of existing synoptic and long-term monitoring data for thisarea. Our study addresses two hypotheses. The first, which applies particularlyto the many mining regions of the world, is that atmospheric or liquideffluent inputs of persistent and non-degradable contaminants, such as metals(Cu, Ni, etc.) prevent the recolonization of sensitive organisms and alsoaffect the functional processes (such as productivity or nutrient cycling) ofacid/metal damaged systems in ways that acidifying compounds (H+, S0 4 ,NOx) alone do not. The second hypothesis, critical to the field of disturbanceecology, is that food web-alterations create significant “biological resistance”

30that prevents recolonization or restructuring of typical communities. We usea combination of statistical analyses of regional survey and monitoring data,mesocosm experiments, laboratory toxicity testing, and food-web modelingto address these hypotheses. The results will be critically important for miningcompanies to design effective amelioration techniques and to respondto new environmental regulations.

31Jacqueline LitzgusGeographic variation in life history and physiology ofreptiles: Adaptation at the extremesA grant of $19,500 per year.Une subvention de 19 500 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMy research program examines natural phenotypicvariations in the wild at three levels: within individualsover time; among individuals within a population; andamong populations of the same species, particularlythose that are widely distributed. Studies of animalsat the extremes of their range limits (e.g., northernand southern distribution limits) can provide insightinto how they may respond to global climate change.My research relies on the study of animals, particularlyreptiles, in their natural environment, using radio telemetry and markrecapturetechniques. I use field-collected data to test basic questions fromlife history theory and to examine the effects of environmental conditions onfitness. For example, I am interested in how variation in body size affects individualfitness, and in the environmental and behavioural factors that affectreproductive frequency and sexual size dimorphism. My work also describesseasonal activity patterns, habitat use, and home-range size for use in statusassessment of reptiles being considered for listing as Species at Risk. Afuture avenue of research will integrate behavioural and physiological datato examine bioenergetic adaptations (e.g., ways to save energy) at environmentalextremes using spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata) at two field sitesat opposite limits of the species’ distribution: Ontario and South Carolina,where I have been conducting research for several years. In sum, my researchprogram examines how animals deal with stressful environments, includingthose that occur naturally and as a result of human activities. Furthermore,the work tests key concepts and questions that will advance knowledge inthe field of evolutionary ecology, in addition to providing essential data forconservation programs for Canada’s reptiles.

32Jacqueline LitzgusRadio telemetry equipment for studies of reptile life historyA grant of $20,907.Une subvention de 20 907 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheMy research program examines natural variations in the wild at three levelsof organization: within individuals over time; among individuals in a population;and among conspecific populations, particularly those spanning broadgeographic distances. Studies of animals at the extremes of their range limitscan provide insight into how they may respond to global climate change. Myresearch relies on the study of animals, particularly reptiles, in their naturalenvironment using radio telemetry and mark-recapture techniques. Fieldresearch is an expensive and critical activity in evolution and ecology. I usefield-collected data to test hypotheses about phenotypic adaptations (i.e.,morphological, behavioural, and physiological variation), life history evolution,and the effects of environmental conditions on fitness. My work alsodescribes seasonal activity patterns, habitat use, and home-range size for usein conservation and recovery plans for declining herpetofaunal species (reptilesand amphibians), and for status assessments of species not currentlylisted as Species at Risk. In the current proposal, I am requesting funds topurchase radio telemetry equipment. Almost all of the projects in my researchprogram use telemetry equipment to collect data, and thus studentswill gain hands-on experience with this field technique, among others, duringtheir thesis research under my supervision.

33Kabwe NkongoloGenome organization and physical mapping of repeated DNAsequences in black and red sprucesA grant of $20,000 per year.Une subvention de 20 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAlthough the genus Picea contains economically importantspecies in Canada that contribute to about30% of the total Canadian forest production, geneticresearch in this genus has lagged behind that of otherimportant plant species. Black spruce is a key componentof the boreal forest, while red spruce is a dominantspecies of the Acadian forest region in EasternCanada. These are among the most important trees forthe production of wood pulp and lumber and are primereforestation species in Canada. Genetic information in the mapping of thesetwo spruces is limited. Conifer species such as the spruces are characterizedby their large genome size, whose organization is still largely unknown.During the first phase of our research program, we have identified highlyinformative molecular markers, which are useful to facilitate programs in genetics,breeding, genome mapping, tree improvement, tree forensics, conservation,and restoration. We have characterized species-diagnostic and specificmolecular markers. The main goal of the present study is to develop otheruseful genetic markers and to physically map DNA sequences and genes ofinterest. This information will be used to identify individual chromosomesand will provide relevant information on spruce genome organization. Theresults will have implications for genome evolution and the suitability ofparticular genetic markers and sequences for genetic mapping and genomeanalysis. Most importantly, the project will contribute to the internationaleffort to map conifer genomes. Accurate identification of each chromosomewill be used to localize gene families and linkage groups and to monitor genetransfer. The methodology developed in the present study will be applied toother spruce species and to the genus Pinus. Physical mapping data will be

34registered in the dendrome, a database of forest tree genome, to facilitateaccess by other forest tree geneticists.

35Kabwe Nkongolo with/avec Peter BeckettIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Falconbridge Ltd& International Nickel Company LtdSustainable Land Reclamation and Conservation of PlantPopulations From Contaminated and Uncontaminated Areasin the Sudbury Region Monitored with Molecular andCytological ToolsA grant of $96,000 for four years.Une subvention de 96 000 $ pour quatre ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeThe genetic structure of Northern Ontario forests has been seriously affectedby pollution, mining, and past forest management. Data of previouschemical analysis of the soil and vegetation samples collected by previousstudies has indicated that nickel, copper, sulphur, and to a lesser extent, arsenic,and selenium concentrations are elevated in Sudbury and that theseconcentrations decrease with distance from the smelting works. The impoverishedplant communities that are currently found in the Sudbury area arenot only structurally and floristically different from the plant communitiesfound elsewhere in the region, but they appear to have a different geneticmake-up and low level of genetic diversity. To compensate for losses of forestlandsin areas negatively affected by past pollution and mining activities,land reclamation programs that include afforestation with primarily coniferspecies have been implemented. However, seed source identity, especially inspruce is a main problem in such reforestation/afforestation programs. Moreover,preliminary data shows some genetic instability of tufted hair grassesgrowing in contaminated areas receiving S0 2 and metal particulate emissions.The proposed study aims at establishing the linkage between genetic instabilityand heavy metal accumulation; developing molecular markers to monitorthe identity and purity of spruce samples used for reforestation/afforestation;and determining and increasing genetic diversity in plant populationsgrowing in contaminated areas.The project will provide more accurate information to design a viablestrategy to improve long-term site sustainability. More importantly, a genetic

36tool (biomarker) will be developed to accurately certify seeds and seedlingsused for reforestation/afforestation. The data collected during the study willassist in establishing current baseline information for evaluating abatementprocedures.

37Charles RamcharanNew directions in lake food websA grant of $16,000 per year.Une subvention de 16 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMy goal is to replace some entrenched ideas about the structure and functioningof lake food webs that we have held for over three decades. Commonparadigms in lake ecology are that fixed energy comes from phytoplankton,that “planktivorous” fish are major consumers of zooplankton and eat onlythe large ones, and that invertebrate predators eat just small zooplankton.These old models are quickly fading as we embrace a more realistic modelof lake food webs. In the new view, energy may come from many sources,many species of fish regularly depend on benthic (bottom-dwelling) prey,and fish compete with large invertebrate predators for the same sizes of zooplankton.These “macroinvertebrates”, not fish, are the major consumers ofzooplankton.I propose several projects involving enclosure experiments, food web modeling,and wide-scale lake surveys, all designed to test the paradigms aboveand the veracity of possible alternatives. Ultimately, the new views of lakefood webs that I espouse will help us better predict the distribution of contaminantsin lake biota, the production of fishes in different lakes, the factorsthat may determine interannual fluctuations in fish populations, and the responsesof lake ecosystems to stressors such as fishing, eutrophication, andclimate change.

38Charles Ramcharan with/avec John GunnMicroscopy and Digital Image Processing for Boreal EcologyResearchA grant of $24,457.Une subvention de 24 457 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheWe request funding for a stereomicroscope and digital imaging equipment.The instruments will be used for computer-aided data collection involving abroad range of biological and ecological research projects. Primarily, we needto process (identify, enumerate, and measure) samples of zooplankton, zoobenthos,and the contents of fish stomachs. However, the equipment will alsobe used for digital imaging of the development of insect galls, vertebrate histology,vertebrate meristics, and analyses of cellular and tissue development.The equipment will directly enhance several important research initiatives includinga new Tier I CRC chair, and a new PhD program in Boreal Ecology– one of the first PhD programs here at Laurentian.The requested equipment will build research capacity at Laurentian, andwill aid in our understanding of boreal ecosystems in general. The lakes andforests of Canada’s vast boreal ecozone are rapidly changing under the influencesof a variety of human stressors, including logging, mining, industrialactivity, acidification, invading species, and climate change. The types ofecological information that the requested equipment will allow us to collectwould be unique and invaluable contributions to successful management ofour largest natural resource.

39Peter RyserEcological significance of plant biomass turnoverA grant of $31,000 per year.Une subvention de 31 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe distribution of plant species is largely determinedby their ability to cope with the environmentalconditions in different habitats, conditions such asthe availability of nutrients, water and light. A plant’sability to acquire these resources is in this respect animportant and well-studied trait. Equally important,but less studied, is the plant’s ability to avoid losses of the once acquiredresources, i.e., its turnover rate. Resource acquisition is closely related togrowth rate, resource loss with lifespan of leaves and roots. There is generallya reverse relationship between growth rate and organ lifespan: plantswhich grow fast usually produce short-lived leaves and roots.The aim of this project is to investigate factors underlying this tradeoffbetween growth and lifespan, and the consequences for species’ performancein different environments. The focus lies in leaf and root lifespan in relationto disturbance and growing season length. Furthermore, biomass turnovercharacteristics of vegetation strongly influence nutrient and carbon cyclingin ecosystems, an aspect that will be studied as well. The project consistsof garden and field experiments. Short-term investigations of plant structurewill be combined with long-term experiments about interactions betweenthe species. An important aspect is that roots, which are often neglected insuch studies, will be investigated as well. The project concerns basic questionsabout ecological and evolutionary mechanisms, but it is also potentiallyimportant for understanding the consequences of changes in land use and climate.

40Albrecht Schulte-HosteddeEvolutionary and behavioural ecology of mammals:individual and genetic approachesA grant of $22,000 per year.Une subvention de 22 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteIndividual fitness is often defined as the number ofoffspring produced over the course of an individual’s life,and natural selection occurs when individual differenceslead to variation in individual fitness. These differencesmay occur with respect to morphological traits such asbody size or condition, and life-history traits such as thenumber of offspring produced or the timing of breeding.My research program seeks to understand how and whyindividual variation leads to variation in fitness throughthe action of selection. I and my students will use thenorthern flying squirrel as a model to examine three areas of research. First,we are interested in why one sex is often larger than the other (sexual sizedimorphism) in many animals. To study this question, we will examine thedirection and magnitude of selection on body size. Second, we are interestedin how the environment, especially weather, affects selection on morphologicaland life-history traits. Third, we are interested in why females mate withmultiple males, and whether the litters that are the result of multiple matingsare superior with respect to individual growth rates and survival. To answerthese questions, we will establish a long-term project in Algonquin Parkusing a combination of nest boxes and live-trapping. We will also use DNAprofiling techniques to assign parentage of offspring and determine levels ofrelatedness among the adult flying squirrels. The results of this research willbe used to develop the discipline of evolutionary and behavioural ecology,as well as help answer questions of conservation interest. For example, ourwork on the effects of environmental variation on individual fitness of theflying squirrels will help predict how these animal populations may changeas global warming occurs.

41Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde with/avec Yves Alarie,Madhur Anand & Jacqueline LitzgusVehicle for field research in evolutionary ecology, systematicsand conservationA grant of $30,635.Une subvention de 30 635 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheThe understanding of wild populations in an evolutionary and ecologicalcontext requires research in the field. For example, our research programsstudy the evolutionary ecology of northern flying squirrels in Algonquin Park,the life-history and physiological ecology of reptiles at geographic extremes,the evolution and biogeography of water beetles across Canada, and theconservation and restoration of forests that have been impacted by humanactivities. All of these research activities require the use of a vehicle. A vehicleis as essential to field research as a microscope is to microbiology. Rentingvehicles is expensive especially with respect to liability. The expense of rentingvehicles also prevents us from spending research funds on salaries for thegraduate students and assistants that we train (HQP), or on research equipmentand consumables. We are requesting funds to purchase a station wagonwhich will allow us to transport people and equipment for field research.

42Joseph ShorthouseBiology of insect galls, ecology and systematics ofinhabitants, gall morphologyA grant of $15,000 per year.Une subvention de 15 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteGalls are atypical plant growths that surroundthe feeding sites of specialized insects with thicklayers of modified cells that provide the insectswith food and shelter. They appear as swellingson goldenrod, poplar, willow and roses. How insectsgain control of plant development and redirectgrowth to the insect’s advantage is still unknown, but unraveling thesesecrets will lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which plantscontrol their own development.Gall studies are interdisciplinary and involve insect systematics (cataloguingthe kinds and diversity of organisms within galls and their interrelationships),ecology (effects of cold winter temperatures on distribution of gallsand the communities of insects within, relationships between the gallers andtheir parasites), plant development (interpreting cellular changes as gallersturn leaves or stems into new organs) and physiology (determining how gallsdrain energy and nutrients from host plants). The applicant concentrates onone group of galls: the 13 species of cynipid wasps attacking the wild rosesof Canada.The results of this research will help the public understand the complexityand diversity of Canada’s ecosystems, as well as record the diversity and distributionof Canadian insects; and monitoring gall populations over time willhelp explain consequences of global climatic change. Studies on gall anatomyand physiology will explain how insects synthesize new plant compounds, theresults of which may be of interest to pharmaceutical industries. Studies onhost damage will explain how introduced gall insects play a role in biocontrolof weeds.

Department of Chemistry andBiochemistryDépartement de chimie et biochimieGustavo ArtecaMolecular shape and conformational transitions inbiomolecules: theory and simulationsA grant of $57,000 per year.Une subvention de 57 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteI am engaged in basic research dealing with conceptualdevelopments and practical applications of computationalchemistry and molecular modeling. As atool, molecular modeling acts as a complement to experimentsby providing a microscopic window into molecularbehaviour. As a theoretical chemist, my goal is toimprove the methodologies used in computer-assistedmolecular modeling. As well, I work at applying thesemethods to gain insights into fundamental physicochemicalphenomena. Since 1992, my NSERC-funded research program hasfocused on studying the properties of large flexible molecules. Examplesof application include simple polymers (e.g. plastics) and biopolymers (e.g.proteins) under various environmental conditions.With the present proposal, I will continue to make significant advancestowards establishing the factors that control (and modify) the shape ofa macromolecule. Among other phenomena, we will consider the compressionof grafted polymers and the spontaneous folding transition for naturalproteins. Understanding these transitions is important because they regulate43

44the yield and specificity of chemical processes. For these reasons, molecularmodeling is used actively in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.More importantly to us, these phenomena also serve as prototypes for thebehaviour of more complex systems, and they can teach us much about thefundamental principles at play.In tackling these objectives, I will continue to collaborate actively withcolleagues from two research groups in Sweden involved in polymer simulation.The projects, planned over four years, will advance the field and alsocontribute to training students and post-doctoral fellows in this promisingarea of biophysical chemistry.

45Nelson Belzile 1Biogeochemistry of trace elements in aquatic systemsA grant of $23,500 per year.Une subvention de 23 500 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteIt is no longer necessary to mention the importance ofchemical speciation when referring to environmental studiesand to the assessment of toxicity and bioavailability of traceelements for aquatic organisms and humans. However, thebiogeochemistry of some elements of high environmentalconcern is still poorly known. This is the case for elementssuch as antimony (Sb), thallium (Tl), selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) forwhich the degree of toxicity is very often related to the chemical form or speciation.The main objective of this research programme is to determine theconcentration and speciation of the above-mentioned toxic trace elements inlake waters, sediment and pore waters of the highly contaminated Sudburyarea. This program is the continuation of ongoing research aimed at definingmechanisms and factors controlling the mobility and bioavailability oftrace elements in the aquatic environment. Specific objectives of the presentprogram include:1. the development of adequate analytical procedures for the speciation ofSb, Tl, Se and Hg in pore waters and lake sediments;2. a detailed geochemical study of the four elements in lakes; and3. a study on the kinetics of oxidation / reduction transformations of thesetrace elements in presence of natural oxidizing or reducing agents.The methodology of the project is based on in situ sampling techniquesto collect pore waters, sediments and diagenetic minerals. Laboratory simulationsunder controlled conditions are used to study redox modificationsin solutions. Very sensitive techniques exploiting atomic fluorescence spectrometrywill continue to be used / developed / modified for the analysisand speciation of the toxic trace elements. The study will also consider thecontext of environmental rehabilitation in which Sudbury area lakes are now1 to the left in the photo/à gauche dans la photo

46evolving to eventually apply the results to other locations affected by metalpollution.***Il n’est plus nécessaire de mentionner l’importance de la spéciation chimiquequand on se réfère aux études environnementales et à l’évaluation dela toxicité et de la biodisponibilité des éléments traces pour les organismesaquatiques et les humains. Cependant, la biogéochimie de certains éléments àpotentiel toxique est encore très peu connue. C’est le cas d’éléments tels quel’antimoine (Sb), le thallium, (Tl), le sélénium (Se) et le mercure (Hg) dont leniveau de toxicité est très souvent relié à la forme chimique ou spéciation. Leprincipal objectif de ce programme de recherche est de déterminer la concentrationet la spéciation des éléments traces toxiques mentionnés dans les eauxde lac, les sédiments et les eaux de pore dans la région hautement contaminéede Sudbury. Ce programme continue la recherche visant à mieux connaîtreles facteurs qui contrôlent la mobilité et la biodisponibilité de ces élémentstraces dans le milieu aquatique. Les objectifs spécifiques du programme comprennent:1. le développement de procédures analytiques adéquates pour la spéciationde Sb, Tl, Se et Hg dans les eaux de pore et dans les sédiments de lac;2. une étude géochimique détaillée des quatre éléments dans les lacs;3. une étude des vitesses des transformations d’oxydation et de réductionde ces éléments traces en présence d’agents naturels à nature oxydanteou réductrice.La méthodologie du projet repose sur des techniques d’échantillonnagein situ pour la collecte des sédiments, des eaux de pore et des minérauxformés par diagénèse. Nous utiliserons aussi des simulations en laboratoiresous conditions contrôlées pour étudier les modifications redox du milieu.Nous continuerons d’utiliser, de développer et de modifier des techniquesd’analyse très sensibles qui reposent sur la spectrométrie de fluorescence atomiquepour l’analyse et la spéciation des éléments traces toxiques. Notreétude considérera le contexte de réhabilitation environnementale dans lequelse situent les lacs de la région de Sudbury dans le but d’en appliquer, sipossible, les résultats à d’autres régions affectées par la pollution par lesmétaux.

47François CaronMethod development for the mobility and speciation ofradionuclides from nuclear wastesA grant of $21,300 per year.Une subvention de 21 300 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThis proposal is related to nuclear wastes. In Canada, there are threegeneral types of nuclear wastes:1. high-level wastes, which consist of spent fuelfrom reactors;2. intermediate-level wastes, where spent ion exchangeresins constitute a major part; and3. low-level wastes which typically consist ofcontaminated laboratory “trash”.Our work deals with the properties of ion exchange resins (part of topic 2above), and the impact of dissolved organics (resin degradation products, ornatural organics) on the mobility of radionuclides (part of topic 3).Ion exchange resins contain carbon-14, a major byproduct of nuclear reactors.Because carbon is the backbone of life, any unplanned release of radioactivecarbon-14 can increase the contamination of the environment nearstorage sites. Our work assesses the properties of resins (new and damaged)and the effect that common ions (nitrate, chloride, etc.) have on atmosphericemissions of carbon-14 from the wastes.The project also addresses the fate of other radiocontaminants from resinsin the eventuality that the contaminants reach groundwater systems. Weare analyzing resin degradation compounds (containing contaminants) andradioactivity in sites already contaminated. In this part of the project, weanalyze the properties of radioelements as these would enter groundwaters,and when groundwaters are contaminated, to show the differences in thespecies between these two extreme situations.

48Éric GauthierMolecular control of apoptosis in mammalian cellsA grant of $29,300 per year.Une subvention de 29 300 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe use of mammalian cell lines for the industrialproduction of biomedical or pharmaceuticalproducts is hampered by the high cellularsensitivity to culture-related stresses. Ourresearch program is centered on the molecularand cellular mechanisms of cell suicide (apoptosis)and on the use of cell death inhibitors incellular engineering. This grant application will describe two main projects:1. A detailed analysis of the effect of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-xLon cell culture behaviour and productivity. Bcl-xL is a protein whoserole in the cell is to prevent the untimely triggering of cell suicide. Severalstudies have shown that Bcl-xL could be used to protect cells againstapoptosis, leading to increased productivity. In this proposal, we arguethat one major limitation to the use of Bcl-xL in mammalian cells ofbiotechnological interest is the lack of understanding of the regulationof Bcl-xL in these cells, as well as the paucity of information currentlyavailable on the effect of the over expression of Bcl-xL on cell behaviourand the cellular response to nutrients. The work proposed here will leadto a thorough characterization of the function and regulation of Bcl-xLin mammalian hybridoma cells.2. The generation of a Hybridoma Gene Expression Profile Database.A major factor limiting the applicability of cellular engineering to improvemammalian cell culture bioprocesses is the current lack of informationon the changes in gene expression occurring in cultured cell lines.We propose to establish a Hybridoma Gene Expression Profile Databaseusing the latest DNA-Chip technologies. This information will allow researchersto tailor their cellular engineering strategies to their favorite cellline, leading to optimal improvements in cell viability and productivity.

Altogether, this research program will provide a basis for a more systematicstrategy of optimization of mammalian cell cultures, an area where Canadastands as a world leader.***L’utilisation de cellules de mammifères dans la production de substancesd’intérêt pharmaceutique ou biomédical est grandement limitée par la sensibilitédes cellules aux stress inhérents aux procédés de culture cellulaire.Notre programme de recherche est concentré sur l’étude des mécanismesmoléculaires et cellulaires menant au suicide cellulaire (apoptose), ainsi quesur l’utilisation d’inhibiteurs de la mort cellulaire en bioingénierie cellulaire.Cette demande de subvention de recherche décrit deux projets majeurs:1. Une analyse détaillée de l’effet de la protéine anti-apoptotique BclxLsur le comportement et la productivité des cellules de mammifèresen culture. La protéine Bcl-xL fait partie des mécanismes de régulationde l’apoptose et prévient la mort inappropriée des cellules. Plusieursétudes ont démontré que Bcl-xL peut protéger les cultures de cellules demammifères contre le suicide cellulaire, ce qui contribue à augmenter laproductivité de ces bioprocédés. Nous proposons que la méconnaissancede la régulation de Bcl-xL, chez les cellules d’intérêt biotechnologique,ainsi que le rôle inconnu de cette protéine dans la modulation du comportementdes cellules en culture, contribue à limiter l’efficacité de cetteprotéine. Le projet de recherche proposé dans le cadre de cette demandemènera à une caractérisation détaillée de la fonction et de la régulationde Bcl-xL chez un type de cellules de mammifères, les hybridomes.2. L’établissement d’une base de donnée du profil d’expression des gènesdes hybridomes. Un facteur important qui limite l’utilisation de labioingénierie cellulaire dans l’amélioration du comportement et de laproductivité des cultures de cellules de mammifères est l’absence quasicomplète d’informations concernant la régulation de l’expression desgènes pendant la culture cellulaire. Nous proposons d’utiliser les technologiesde puces à ADN afin de créer une base de donnée de l’expression desgènes caractéristiques des cellules hybridomes en culture. Cette informationpermettra aux chercheurs d’adapter leurs stratégies de bioingénieriecellulaire à leurs cellules préférées, ce qui mènera à une optimisation dela viabilité et de la productivité cellulaire.49

50Ainsi, ce programme de recherche établira une base solide qui permettral’optimisation systématique des cultures de cellules de mammifères, undomaine pour lequel le Canada est l’un des leaders mondiaux.

51Éric GauthierWater-jacketed CO 2 Incubators for Mammalian Cell CultureA grant of $6,947.Une subvention de 6 947 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheMy research program focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanismsunderlying the promotion of cell survival by the amino acid glutamine. Thiswork has important applications both for biotechnology and for biomedicalsciences. A major part of my research efforts involves the culture of mammaliancell lines. Work with cell lines is done at the Mammalian Cell CultureFacility, the only one such facility at Laurentian University. This is a communallaboratory, where equipment is shared by 5 research teams. Due tothe nature of my research program, my team is by far the most frequent userof the cell culture room.Cultured cell lines are maintained in incubators set at 37 ◦ C and undera 5% CO 2 atmosphere. Of the four CO 2 incubators currently housed bythe Mammalian Cell Culture Facility, two old (> 15 years) incubators musturgently be replaced. One of these old incubators is now out of service due to aleak in its water jacket. The other incubator is unreliable, since it has stoppedworking on several occasions in the past 2 years. The need for two new CO 2incubators is compounded by the recent increase in the use of mammaliancell culture at Laurentian University. This is primarily attributable to therecruitment of new faculty members in the Department of Chemistry andBiochemistry. Also, one senior faculty member has shifted aspects of hisresearch work towards the use of mammalian cells. This increased use of thecell culture room has resulted in the crowding of the 3 functioning incubators,increasing the risks of contamination and the loss of cell lines.I am, therefore, submitting a proposal to replace the two old incubatorswith two Forma model 3110GG CO 2 water-jacketed incubators. The availabilityof new incubators will have a tremendous impact on the work ofresearchers at Laurentian University, among whom are several graduate andundergraduate students.

52Joy Gray-MunroSurface Modification of Novel Medical Implant MaterialsA grant of $27,000 per year.Une subvention de 27 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteWith our aging population in North America it isbecoming increasingly important to develop better,less expensive implants and devices. An understandingof the chemistry that takes place at the surfaceof a biomaterial is essential to improving medicalimplants. We can use this understanding to changethe surface chemistry of the material to eliminateany adverse reactions that can result when a foreignsubstance is introduced into the human body.Permanent metallic implants (stainless steel or titanium)are commonly used in orthopaedics to fix broken bones or to stabilizethem after surgery. In many instances these implants serve no purpose afterhealing has occurred. In these cases a biodegradable implant that would providethe necessary stability in the initial stages of healing and would graduallydissolve over time and be replaced by bone would be advantageous.Magnesium alloys are an excellent material for this purpose because theyhave mechanical properties that are similar to bone, have been shown todissolve in biological fluids and are non-toxic.This research program will focus on understanding the behaviour of magnesiumalloys in the human body and developing ways to change their surfacechemistry to improve their biocompatibility and control their dissolutionrates.

53Helen JolyMetal-atom mediated chemical transformationsA grant of $34,650 per year.Une subvention de 34 650 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMetal atoms will be reacted with organic compoundsat −196 ◦ C in a high vacuum reaction chamber calleda “rotating cryostat”. Heating pieces of wire or pelletsin a furnace produces the metal atoms. The productsgenerated in the metal atom reactions are special in thattheir instability affords them extraordinary reactivity.We can take advantage of the unusual reactivity of thesecompounds by treating them with appropriate reactantsbetween −196 ◦ C and room temperature to provide new synthetic routes withincreased reaction rates, product yield and cost efficiency. Aluminum atomshave a rich chemistry in that they can1. cause bonds in organic compounds to break by inserting themselves betweentwo adjacent atoms;2. encourage bonding between two molecules by holding them together inclose proximity; and3. act as an electron transfer agent.We will study the ability of aluminum atoms to promote bond rupture ofhydrocarbons and oxiranes, and try to determine the factors important forbond rupture so that we can better control the outcome of the reaction. Wewill exploit the ability of aluminum atoms to couple molecules and therebydesign alternate routes for the formation of carbocycles and pinacols. Inaddition, to better understand the role of metals in catalysis, we will studythe nature of the interactions between metals and organic compounds. Inorder to do this, the products are collected and their structure determinedby spectroscopic techniques. We use the nuclear hyperfine interaction (hfi), aparameter extracted from electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra,to characterize the metal-centred radicals generated in our reactions. Wemust determine the factors that affect the nuclear hfi if they are to be of

54use. Therefore, we plan to study the importance of the nature of ligands andconformational changes on the nuclear hfi of aluminum-centred radicals. Wewill investigate the type of interactions that exist between aluminum atomsand conducting materials to discern whether aluminum is a suitable supportfor organic-based semiconductors. Finally, a rhodium-based catalyst, knownto functionalize alkanes, will be characterized by EPR spectroscopy. With anunderstanding of its electronic properties, more efficient catalysts could bedesigned.

55Hoyun LeeDetermining the hamster Cdc7 and Dbf4 amino acid residuesthat are required for kinase activityA grant of $25,000 per year.Une subvention de 25 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe cell division process in a normal cell is tightlyregulated and closely coordinated with copying ofits genetic material (DNA). It is thought that twoproteins, called Cdc7 and Dbf4, are involved in coordinatingthe cell division and DNA replication processes.These two proteins, which function as a complex,may act as a molecular switch for DNA replication.A cell has to turn on DNA replication whenit needs to divide. However, if the replication machineryis turned on while the cell is not yet ready,it may die or become genetically unstable. A cell can turn off its replicationmachinery when it faces a crisis, caused usually by genotoxic agents suchas radiation or DNA-damaging chemicals. Accumulating lines of evidencesuggest that the turn-on or -off control mechanism is directly regulated byassociation or dissociation of Cdc7 with the regulatory subunit Dbf4, andindirectly by changing the location of either or both the proteins within thecell. These control mechanisms may be regulated by the modifications of certainCdc7 and/or Dbf4 amino acid residues. To further study this biologicallyimportant control mechanism in mammalian cells, we have cloned hamsterCdc7 and Dbf4. Using a hamster model, we propose to study the followingtwo specific areas.First, we want to identify the hamster Cdc7 amino acid residues thatare required for Cdc7 activity and the binding of Cdc7 with Dbf4, both ofwhich are essential for the activation of DNA replication. Second, we want todetermine the hamster Cdc7 and Dbf4 amino acid residues that are crucialfor subcellular localization, which is important for determining how Cdc7activity is regulated in a living cell.

56The communication between cell cycle control and DNA replication isfundamental for all living organisms. Since the Cdc7-Dbf4 complex is thoughtto be involved in this communication process, the success of our proposedwork will shed significant new insights into how mammalian cells regulatetheir cell division and DNA duplication. Thus, the data from this proposedwork can have significant impacts on a wide scope of research areas includingbasic, environmental, and biomedical sciences.

57Louis MercierFunctional nanoporous materials: synthesis, inclusion andenvironmental applications.A grant of $44,580 per year.Une subvention de 44 580 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteNew techniques for the preparation of highsurface area porous materials offer promise forthe design of technologies that can be highly effectivefor the removal of toxic chemical speciesfrom the environment. The purpose of this researchis to prepare advanced porous materialsthat are designed to target specific pollutantsso that they may be adsorbed into the structure or rendered less toxic bytheir chemical action. Thus, the ability of these materials to clean up water,soil and air contaminated with pollutants such as heavy metals and toxicorganic compounds will be subject to investigation.***Des nouvelles méthodes pour la préparation de matériaux poreux possédantde hautes aires de surface sont prometteuses pour la conception de nouvellestechnologies efficaces pour l’assainissement de l’environnement. Le but decette recherche est de préparer de tels matériaux pouvant capturer de façonsélective des polluants afin de les éliminer des environnements contaminés,ou de les transformer en une forme moins toxique par voie d’une réactionchimique provoquée par le matériel. Ainsi, ce projet évaluera le potentiel deces matériaux comme agents d’assainissement pour les eaux, les sols et leseffluents gazeux contaminés avec des polluants tels que les métaux lourds etles molécules organiques toxiques.

58Louis MercierIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Imperial Oil LtdRemoval of sulfur-containing compounds from fuels usingtailored nanostructured absorbentsA grant of $ 74,919 for three years.Une subvention de 74 919 $ pour trois ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeThe presence of sulfur in transportation fuels is a major issue for petroleumproduct producers because these compounds release environmentally noxioussulfur dioxide (SO 2 ) into the environment when they are burned (for instance,by automobiles). This goal of this research is to develop a new method toremove sulfur-containing compounds from fuels using novel nanostructuredadsorbents that are designed to specifically capture these compounds fromfuel, resulting in fuel with lower sulfur content.

59Sabine MontautCancer chemopreventive products and antioxidants fromglucosinolate-containing plantsA grant of $27,000 per year.Une subvention de 27 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe cancer chemopreventive activity of cruciferousvegetables (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale andBrussels sprouts) is believed to be related to sulfur-containingproducts (glucosinolates and isothiocyanates),flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Most of the studiesinvolving biological activity have been limited tocruciferous vegetables from the Brassica species. Verylittle information concerning “non-Brassica” glucosinolate-containingplants has been collected. Therefore, itis of great importance to screen these plants with theview of determining their pharmacological value in terms of cancer chemopreventiveand antioxidant activity. The phytochemical composition of wildcruciferous plants, not yet screened for potential cancer chemoprotection orantioxidant properties, will be investigated. The plants will be chosen amongplant families already known to possess glucosinolates or from those usedin folk medicine against cancer. Special attention will be given to particularlypromising wild plants of Canada whose phytochemistry has not beeninvestigated for production of intact glucosinolates and flavonoids. This willsignificantly increase the probability of finding new metabolites with interestingbiological activity. The activity-guided fractionation proposed in thisstudy will allow the rapid screening of antioxidant molecules in plants. Oncethe structure of the new metabolites is established, in vivo bioassays will beperformed(a) to confirm the potential of the new molecules to act as cancer chemopreventiveagents; and(b) to determine their mechanism of action.The identification and bioassay of the enzymatic hydrolysis or thermalbreakdown products of the metabolites will also be studied to determine

60their potential in cancer chemoprevention. By relating the cytotoxicity andfree radical scavenging ability to the structure of the secondary metabolites,we expect to get a better understanding of the relative contributions of variouscomponents of these plants to cancer risk reduction. Finally, our workmay show new uses for these plants as food supplements (nutraceuticals) tointerested pharmaceutical and food companies.

61Sabine Montaut with/avec Nelson Belzile & Yuwei ChenHigh Performance Liquid Chromatograph for the separationof natural productsA grant of $75,989.Une subvention de 75 989 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheThe High Performance Liquid Chromatograph is a key instrument thatwill allow us to analyze and separate small and large amounts of a wide varietyof natural products and mixtures of compounds. The mixture travelsthrough a column under pressure containing a stationary phase. For a givenmobile phase, the products are eluted according to their polarities. Thediode-array detector attached to the instrument visualizes the effectivenessof the separation and provides structural information. After creating our ownproduct-separation protocols, this automated instrument will acquire, integrateand store all the data. The High Performance Liquid Chromatographis essential for plant extract analysis, natural product separation and quantificationof natural products and new biologically active metabolites in plantextracts. A library of known compounds will be created so that they can beeasily identified in complex mixtures.We will use this instrument to investigate the phytochemical compositionof wild cruciferous plants that have not been screened for potential cancerchemoprotection or antioxidant properties. In fact, cancer chemopreventiveactivity of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brusselssprouts) is believed to be due to sulfur-containing metabolites (glucosino1ates,isothiocyanates), flavonoids and other phenolic compounds. TheHigh Performance Liquid Chromatograph will also be used to screen endemicplants of Canada, plants used in folk medicine, plant families alreadyknown to possess natural cancer chemopreventive agents or very promisingnew candidates.The research is expected to give a better understanding of the relativecontributions of various components of these plants to cancer risk reduction,and provide fresh avenues for developing novel anti-cancer drugs. Finally, our

62results may show new uses for these plants as food supplements (nutraceuticals)to interested pharmaceutical and food companies.

63Stefan SiemannRole of Metal Ions in the Catalytic Mechanism of AnthraxLethal FactorA grant of $22,000 per year.Une subvention de 22 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteZinc is an essential element because of its involvementin growth, development and the transmissionof genetic information. The metal ion isan indispensable constituent of more than 300 enzymesinvolved in many critical cellular processes.My research program seeks to understand how zincenzymes fulfill their cellular function. In particular,my students and I will focus on the mechanisms underlyingthe diverse types of reactions, which are facilitated (catalyzed) byzinc enzymes. The primary objective of our research lies in the elucidation ofthe role of zinc and other accessory metal ions (e.g. calcium and magnesium)in the mechanism of anthrax lethal factor (LF), one of the three (on theirown, non-toxic) components that constitute the anthrax toxin. To addressthis aspect, we will initiate the large-scale production of LF by conventionalcell culture and protein purification methods. Large quantities of LF arerequired to conduct our research appropriately.Secondly, we will replace the zinc ion in LF with other metal ions, such ascobalt or copper ions, in order to be able to perform detailed spectroscopicstudies on these metal-substituted protein forms. Such approach has proveduseful in the past to gain insights into the active site structure and mechanismof zinc enzymes. These spectroscopic techniques (using metal-substituted LF)will also be employed to unravel the role of calcium and magnesium in LF.Thirdly, the molecular basis for the inactivation of LF at low pH valueswill be investigated. In light of the general concerns regarding anthrax toxinas an animal and human pathogen, as well as a weapon of bioterrorism, ourresearch will further our understanding of how LF works on a molecular level.Such insights may be exploited by pharmaceutical enterprises to developdrugs that would counteract the deleterious effects associated with anthrax.

64Finally, insights into the mechanisms operative in LF may also prove usefulin the study of other zinc containing toxins, such as botulinum neurotoxinor tetanus toxin.

65Stefan Siemann with/avec Éric Gauthier & Abdel OmriProtein Production Facility for the Isolation of AnthraxLethal FactorA grant of $74,119.Une subvention de 74 119 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheMetals play an important role in biological systems, as they are constituentsof many proteins and enzymes. My research program seeks to understandhow zinc fulfills its function in a variety of proteins.In order to elucidate zinc’s role in these systems, a facility for the productionof large amounts of protein is needed. Such a facility includes a fermenter,which is used to grow bacterial cells containing these enzymes, as well as ahigh-capacity centrifuge, which is employed in the isolation of the proteins.In addition to its use in research, the protein production facility will serveto train students in the use of modern scientific instrumentation. Furthermore,the facility will also be used by Drs. Éric Gauthier and Abdel Omrifor their studies on the modulation of mammalian cell death and lipid-baseddrug/vaccine delivery systems, respectively.

66Graeme SpiersControls on the Bioaccessibility of Metal(loid)s inEnvironmental MediaA grant of $13,100 per year.Une subvention de 13 100 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteTo date there has been no systematic research focusedon providing detailed information on the solid phase speciationof metal(loid) compounds within the soils of the Sudburyarea. A recent regional survey project has providedconcentrations of either total or acid-extractable metals withinthe soil matrix, but did not assess bioavailability of themetals. The actual form of the metals within the surfaceand subsoils of the Sudbury region can be ascertained onlyby detailed chemical, mineralogical and speciation studies.The results of such studies will provide information on thepotential solubility, and hence availability, of the soil-borne metals to vegetation,animals and humans. There is also a need to understand the mechanicsand chemistry of the land reclamation program to ensure that process doesnot cause more problems than are resolved by modifying the availability ofthe complexed and adsorbed metals currently retained in the humus layers ofthe regional soils. These metals could potentially become more bioavailableas the pH of the soils changes over time as a result of either climate changeevents, or as the effects of the liming activities, so crucial in the regionalregreening program, are minimized through the weathering of the surfaceapplied limestone.The applicant is requesting a 5-year grant to enable focused research whichwill address the questions on metal bioaccessibility to provide crucial informationfor human and ecological risk assessments in mining regions worldwide.Key information will be provided on:– The speciation of metals in soils, sediments and modern aerosols of theregion;– The bioavailability or bioaccessibility of availability of metals, especiallyfrom respirable particles common in the regional industrial airshed.

The funding will enable the recruitment of graduate students (M.Sc. andPh.D.) for training in one of the best living laboratories on the planet forthe study of controls on the release of anthropogenic metal(loid)s throughenvironmental compartments.67

68Kenneth WestawayUsing kinetic isotope effects to model the SN2 transitionstateA grant of $45,000 per year.Une subvention de 45 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteReplacing an atom in a chemical reaction with itsisotope often causes a change in the rate of a reaction.The change in rate caused by the isotope is called akinetic isotope effect (KIE). We have spent considerableeffort learning how to interpret secondary alphadeuterium(where a hydrogen at the reacting carbonatom is replaced by deuterium) KIEs and to relate themagnitude of these KIEs to the structure of the transitionstate (the high energy species that forms duringthe reaction) of substitution reactions.Nu- + RCH2-X → RCH2-Nu + XWe will use heavy atom (carbon, nitrogen or chlorine) and primary andsecondary deuterium KIEs to determine the structure of the transition statesof several substitution reactions to learn how and why changes in1. the structure of the reactants (substitutent effects);2. the solvent, i.e. the reaction medium;3. ion-pairing of the nucleophile (Nu-); and4. increasing the ionic strength of the reaction medium by adding inert saltsto the solvent,affect substitution reactions and their transition states.The proposed research will1. develop new kinds of KIEs that can be used by ourselves and others todetermine transition state structure; and

2. extend our ability to use secondary alpha-deuterium and other KIEs todetermine transition state structure.The overall goal of our work is to understand how and why substitutionreactions occur so that others can use the information to carry out reactionsfaster and in higher yield. The savings in time and raw materials will benefitother chemists and Canada. This work is worthwhile because the theoriesdeveloped for this simple, yet important, type of organic reaction shouldapply to other more complex organic reactions.69

Department of Earth SciencesDépartement des sciences de la terrePaul CopperGlobal reef expansion and collapse: radiation, evolution andmass extinction of mid-Paleozoic reef and peri-reef biotasA grant of $71,700 per year.Une subvention de 71 700 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteTropical and temperate carbonate platformshave been major marine sinks for the globalC/C0 2 budget since Early Proterozoic time (2.5billion years ago): the geo-history of such platformsshows responses to global tectonic cycles(plate dispersal), climate and atmospheric change,and the evolution of life. This proposal focusesprimarily on tropical carbonate platforms and specifically on the longtermrecord of reef and perireef ecosystems and their biotas during the Earlyand Middle Paleozoic (Late Ordovician through Devonian: 460-355 Ma). This105-million-year-long greenhouse episode, when atmospheric pC0 2 contentwas 16 to 24 times that of the Recent interglacial, is sandwiched betweentwo major icehouse events, the Late Ordovician (O/S) and End Devonian(F/F) glaciations, featuring 2 of the 5 most severe global mass extinctionepisodes (MEs) of the half-billion-year-long Phanerozoic. I document the natureof changes in major reef tracts (reef area, thickness, latitudes) on aglobal basis, the biodiversity of principal components of mid-Paleozoic reefs,especially the corals, calcifying sponges (especially stromatoporoids), calcimicrobes,and shelly organisms, and their evolutionary response during major71

72sea level high stand and low stand systems tracts, during and following massextinctions. To complement this, we plan detailed O 18 and C 13 stable isotopicsampling (brachiopods, micrites, cements) of the Anticosti O/S extinctionboundary chapter, and isotopic sampling of carbonates from the Frasnian(Late Devonian) chapter of Banks Island prior to the F/F mass extinction.

73Harold GibsonVolcanic processes, environments and controls on theformation and location of volcanic-associated massivesulphide depositsA grant of $42,120 per year.Une subvention de 42 120 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteVolcanic-associated massive sulphide (VMS) ore bodies are economic accumulationsof sulphide minerals. They form where hot (> 300 ◦ C), evolved,meta1- and sulphur-bearing seawater, perhaps with a fluid component derivedfrom molten rock (magmatic fluid) deep within the earth, dischargedonto the seafloor within ancient volcanoes and, due to rapid cooling, depositedsulphide minerals at and immediately below the surface. VMS depositsare rare and incredibly valuable. Deposits such as the Kidd Creek mine inTimmins, and Flin Flon mines in Northern Manitoba contain more than 100million tonnes of sulphide ore, from which important industrial and preciousmetals such as zinc, copper, silver and gold are produced.The aim of this research is to determine volcanic controls on the formationand location of VMS deposits and to translate this science into explorationcriteria that are useful to Canadian mineral exploration. This long-term objectivewill be achieved through:1. the documentation and interpretation of well-preserved and exposed ancient,and modern seafloor volcanoes that span a spectrum of volcanicenvironments, and contain VMS deposits;2. developing sophisticated models of submarine eruptive and emplacementprocesses which are required to interpret ancient volcanic successions;and3. the training of highly qualified personnel to continue in research and/orexploration.The direct beneficiary of this research is the Canadian mining industry.However, as the minerals and metals sector accounts for 13.3% and 3.7% ofCanada’s export earning, and GDP, the main beneficiary is Canada, and thenon-urban, northern Canadian mining communities whose survival, growth,

74and prosperity are linked to successful exploration and sustainable, responsiblemining.

75Harold GibsonIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Hudson BayMining & Smelting Co Ltd & Mirarco - Mining InnovationFlin Flon New DiscoveriesA grant of $99,584 for four years.Une subvention de 99 584 $ pour quatre ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeVolcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) ore bodies are economic accumulationsof sulphide minerals. They form where hot (> 300 ◦ C), evolved, metalandsulphur-bearing seawater, perhaps with a fluid component derived frommolten rock (magmatic fluid) deep with the earth, discharged onto the seafloor within ancient volcanoes and, due to rapid cooling, deposited sulphideminerals at, and immediately below the surface. VMS deposits are rare andincredibly valuable. VMS deposits such as those at Flin Flon in Northern Manitobaand Saskatchewan contain more than 80 million tonnes of sulphide orefrom which important industrial and precious metals such as zinc, copper,silver and gold are produced. This research will determine the volcanic, magmaticand hydrothermal evolution of a large, 1.85 Ga, subaqueous volcanothat hosts VMS ore bodies at Flin Flon in order to:1. establish controls on the formation and location of VMS deposits andtranslate this new knowledge into exploration criteria that will benefitmineral exploration at Flin Flon, in Canada and globally;2. develop sophisticated models of submarine eruptive and emplacementprocesses that are required to interpret ancient volcanic successions;3. train highly qualified personnel that will conduct exploration, and/orcontinue in research.The direct beneficiary of this research is the Canadian mining industry.However, as the minerals and metals sector accounts for 13.3% and 3.7% ofCanada’s export earning and GDP, the main beneficiary is Canada, and thenon-urban, northern Canadian, mining communities such as Creighton, Saskatchewanand Flin Flon, Manitoba, whose survival, growth, and prosperityare linked to successful exploration, and sustainable, responsible mining.

76Bruno LafranceStructural controls on gold mineralization in transpressivedeformation zonesA grant of $20,500 per year.Une subvention de 20 500 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteShear zone-hosted, gold-quartz vein deposits historically account for atleast 50% of the total gold production in Canada. The purpose of the proposedresearch is to study emplacement processes and structural controls on thethree-dimensional geometry and distribution of gold-quartz veins in transpressiveorogenic belts and shear zones. Transpression is a common type ofdeformation involving both convergent movement perpendicular to the boundariesof orogenic belts and shear zones, and shear movement parallel to theseboundaries. The research is field-based and will involve structural mappingof transpressive shear zones in the Beardmore-Geraldton Belt (Ontario) andin the La Ronge Domain (Saskatchewan). Gold showings and deposits in thetwo areas will be mapped in detail to resolve the structural and temporalrelationships between gold mineralization, the geometry and distribution ofthe veins, and the deformation history of the shear zones. Textural and mineralchemistry studies of shear zones, veins, ore and alteration minerals usingthe optical scanning electron and electron microscopy will provide valuableinformation on the relative timing of gold mineralization and deformation, aswell as information on temperature and pressure conditions during deformation.40 Ar/ 39 Ar isotopic dating will constrain the timing of cooling and upliftof the Beardmore-Geraldton Belt and the timing of gold mineralization inthe shear zones. This research will result in the development of regional- anddeposit-scale models for gold mineralization in transpressive orogenic beltsand shear zones, which can be applied to other orogenic belts and used bythe mineral exploration industry.

77C. Michael LesherDynamic processes in magmatic NI-Cu-(PGE) depositsA grant of $41,560 per year.Une subvention de 41 560 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe long-term objective of the research programis to develop geological, genetic, and exploration modelsfor nickel-copper-platinum group element depositsby integrating geological, stratigraphic, volcanological,microscopic, geochemical, and isotopic studies of theores and associated rocks with mathematical models.The short-term objectives of the research program areto study a variety of deposits of this type in Ontario,Quebec, Brazil, China, and Western Australia. Directevidence for thermomechanical erosion will be studied in glacially polishedpavements of extremely well-preserved thermal erosion channels. Geochemicaland isotopic compositions of the ores, the molten rocks they formedfrom, and fragments of incorporated wall rocks will be studied using newlydeveloped, multi-component mass balance expressions that better accountfor decoupling of elements and isotopes in dynamic systems. Mathematicalfluid dynamic models will be used to evaluate fluidization of unconsolidatedsediments and volcaniclastic rocks during thermomechanical erosion. 3DDataMine R○ models of ore zones at Sudbury will be combined with mathematicalmodels to evaluate sulfide fractionation processes from a mass aswell as geochemical standpoint. Mine exploration data will be visualized intrue 3D using the Laurentian University 3D Immersion Data VisualizationTheatre.

78C. Michael LesherIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Anglo AmericanExploration (Canada) Ltd, Inco Technical Services Limited,North American Palladium Ltd, Teck Cominco Limited andURSA Major Minerals IncorporatedPlatinum Group Elements in Mafic-Ultramafic Intrusions inOntarioA grant of $ 52,201 for two years.Une subvention de 52 201 $ pour deux ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeMuch of our current understanding of the origin and distribution of PGEmineralization in mafic-ultramafic intrusions is based on studies of reef-stylemineralization, particularly in the Bushveld (South Africa) and Stillwater(Montana) Complexes. However, there is still considerable debate regardingthe origin of the mineralization in those deposits and more recent work hasshown that PGE mineralization occurs in a very wide range of other geologicalsettings. There have been substantial improvements in our understandingof the magmatic, magmatic-hydrothermal, hydrothermal, and tectonometamorphicprocesses that may mobilize and concentrate PGEs, as well assignificant improvements in analytical techniques. These improvements nowallow us to accurately measure the abundance of virtually every elementthat is relevant to the petrogenesis of the PGE mineralization at parts perbillion to parts per trillion levels. Significant opportunities exist to increaseour understanding of the petrogenesis, metallogenesis, and prospectivity ofmafic-ultramafic intrusions.This project represents Phase 2 of a joint Ontario Ministry of NorthernDevelopment and Mines (MNDM) / Mineral Exploration Research Centre(MERC) / Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) study focusing on the petrogenesis,metallogenesis, and prospectivity of mafic-ultramafic intrusions inOntario. This phase will involve detailed petrographic studies, mineral chemicalanalysis, and whole-rock geochemical analyses for a broad range of traceand ultratrace elements relevant to the petrogenesis of the intrusions and the

metallogenesis of associated PGE mineralization. The detailed petrographicinformation and more comprehensive range of geochemical data will permita much more detailed and rigorous petrogenetic and metallogenetic interpretation,including an evaluation of source characteristics, tectonic settings,magma types, fractionation and contamination processes, sulfide saturationhistories, magma-ore interactions, hydrothermal mobilization, alteration, andmetamorphism. The large number of well-characterised samples that will beavailable for this phase of the project offers an unprecedented opportunityto classify the intrusions in terms of their affinity and petrogenesis, to identifythe most important factors in the metallogenesis of the PGE in thoseintrusions, and to develop new techniques to discriminate between barrenand mineralized intrusions. It will provide a very valuable basis for designingsubsequent, more detailed and more focused studies on the most prospectiveintrusions.79

80Darrel LongPrecambrian and Early Paleozoic RiverA grant of $26,690 per year.Une subvention de 26 690 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe objective of this research is to understandhow and why the deposits of Precambrian and EarlyPaleozoic river systems differ from those that formedafter the advent of rooted plants. Many ofthe processes that influenced these systems were significantlydifferent from those of the present. Forexample the lack of sediment binding, baffling, and trapping by plant rootswould have promoted flashy surface run-off, lower bank stability and fasterrates of channel migration. It has been suggested that some pre-vegetationrivers were tens of kilometers wide, but this has yet to be confirmed in outcropstudies. In this study the three-dimensional character of pre-vegetationsandy and gravelly river systems will be investigated by examination usinglaterally extensive (> 1 km) lake, sea and canyon side exposures of the PaleoproterozoicFair Point Formation and Martin Group (SK); and the EarlyPaleozoic Bateau Fm (NFDL). Sandy fluvial systems will be investigated inthe upper part of the Paleoproterozoic Athabasca Group (SK); the MesoproterozoicMackenzie Mountains Supergroup (NWT); the NeoproterozoicSignal Hill Group (NFDL), and the Early Paleozoic Blanc-Sablon memberof the Bradore Formation (NFDL). Further Proterozoic examples and moderndry-land systems will be examined in the Flinders Ranges of Australia.Studies of modern rivers using ground-penetrating radar have indicated thatthe internal geometry of in-channel bars in large braided rivers can be usedto model accretionary depositional processes on a bar and reach scale. Asimilar architectural approach will be used to determine the characteristicsof the pre-vegetation systems in order to develop a spectrum of models thatcan be used to facilitate understanding of terrestrial depositional processesbefore the advent of land-plants. These models may be of economic use inunderstanding heavy-mineral distributions and the influence of permeabilitybarriers on the reservoir characteristics of Precambrian and Early Paleozoicfluvial sand bodies.

81Andrew McDonaldApplied crystal chemistryA grant of $27,000 per year.Une subvention de 27 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteApplied crystal chemistry embodies the concept of combining mineralogy,chemistry and crystallography to the solution of specific problems relating tothe Earth Sciences. This proposal seeks to address questions related to the genesisand evolution of both Ni-Cu-PGE ore deposits and hyperalkaline rocks.Both typically develop along major fault zones from magmas derived fromthat portion of the Earth known as the mantle. Despite formation in similarenvironments, their chemical characteristics, and resulting mineralogies, areradically different.Three inter-related, yet distinct, areas of study are proposed. The firstdeals with Platinum Group Minerals, i.e. minerals containing essential quantitiesof Platinum Group Elements (Pt, Pd,Os, etc.). These elements areconsidered to be important industrial commodities, owing to their widespreaduse in the auto, petrochemical and chemical industries, and are thusmuch sought after by mining companies. In general, there is relatively littleknown regarding the atomic arrangements and ideal chemistries for most PlatinumGroup Minerals. I intend to resolve some of these questions throughstudies of the crystal structures, data from which will also provide insightsinto their stability, the existence of solid-solution series, immiscibility, etc.The second component of the proposal relates to the roles of Cl and oxidationin the evolution and distribution of Platinum Group Minerals. Thesegeochemical factors are known to play important parts in controlling howPlatinum Group Elements are distributed in magmas and late-stage fluids.Such data will thus provide important information that could play key rolesin determining how exploration companies search these elements. The lastcomponent focuses on the mineralogy of hyper alkaline rocks. These rocksare characterized by large, diverse mineral assemblages that contain highconcentrations of exotic elements (Zr, Ti, Rare-Earths).This study is designed to better understand minerals that are potentiallynew to science, and with this data, to reconstruct mineral evolutionary paths.

82The ultimate goal is to address how these rocks develop and evolve throughtime, why they are chemically so unusual, and why they contain such large,diverse mineral assemblages.

83Stephen PierceyPetrology, Tectonic and metallogenic history of paleozoicmagmatic rocks in Yukon-Tanana terrane, YukonA grant of $28,120 per year.Une subvention de 28 120 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteVolcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits formsome of Canada’s most significant sources of copper,lead, zinc, gold and silver (e.g. Bathurst, New Brunswick;Kidd Creek, Ontario). These deposits formed withinsubmarine volcanoes similar to those presently formingon the modern seafloor (e.g. mid-Atlantic ocean).This research will attempt to understand the formationof ancient submarine volcanoes associated withthese VMS deposits in an area of southeastern Yukon.It will attempt to address the relationship of these submarine volcanoes to theplate tectonic history of western Canada from approximately 360 to 250 millionyears ago. By understanding the setting and formation of these ancientundersea volcanoes and associated VMS deposits, we shall improve predictivemodels and methods for the discovery, exploration, and exploitation ofthese important metal resources.Given that mining is one of the most important contributors to Canada’sGross Domestic Product, the science investigated in this project mayhave important implications for the Canadian economy and particularly theregional development of northern Canada.

84Phillips ThurstonGreenstone belt developmentA grant of $25,000 per year.Une subvention de 25 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe research will concentrate upon how beltsof largely volcanic rocks in the Canadian Shielddeveloped. These old belts of volcanic rocks(“greenstone belts”) contain most of the mineraldeposits mined in northern Canada suchas at Timmins or Red Lake. This project willconcentrate on:1. whether greenstone belts were eruptedthrough older units or accumulated asisland arcs or other fragments of crustwhich docked against an older continent;and2. how unusual quartz-rich sedimentary units within greenstone belts weredeposited in shallow water. Are they the product of intense weatheringin an unusual oxygen-poor atmosphere early in Earth history?This work is useful and important because it will tell us whether these oldgreenstone belts formed by processes similar to those dominantly operativetoday or by another process. This in turn will help us understand Earthhistory better and will make for more effective exploration for mineral depositswithin these rocks. We expect that these greenstone belt volcanic rocksoriginated by eruption through older crust and that processes of terrane dockingare less common than currently believed. If this is confirmed, it willpermit improved correlation of strata over short and long distances, a majordifficulty in working with these ancient rocks. The science of geology will benefitthrough improved ability to do longer distance correlation of non-fossilbearing Precambrian rocks, rendering mineral exploration more effective.

85Elizabeth TurnerProterozoic and early Paleozoic carbonate sedimentology:Influence of Earth system evolution on depositional systemsA grant of $25,300 per year.Une subvention de 25 300 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe fossil and geochemical records contained in carbonate sedimentaryrocks (limestone and dolostone) represent the single most important repositoryof information about biological and chemical evolution of the Earth’ssurface. Earth’s earliest atmosphere was oxygen-free, and accumulated oxygenslowly over about 3 billion years (66% of earth’s total lifespan to date).Significant levels of oxygen in the atmosphere, and the protecting ozonelayer that accompanies it, permitted multicellular and terrestrial life-formsto emerge eventually. Earth’s earliest biota was limited to single-celled organisms,many of which proliferated and produced oxygen by photosynthesis inshallow, tropical water where carbonate sediment accumulated. The initialemergence of more complex organisms (such as plants and animals) is documentedin 1.2 billion year old carbonate rocks, and their population of mostmarine niches was complete by about 475 million years ago. Many significantgaps remain in our collective understanding of this 3-billion-year-long seriesof events. By studying carbonate systems of Proterozoic age (544 to 2500million years old), this project will address two of these salient issues:1. when and how carbonate sedimentary environments changed from settingsthat reflect geochemically challenged conditions of the early Earthto those we consider biologically and sedimentologically ‘modern’; and2. how this affected biotic evolution.In addition to contributing to ongoing research into early earth systems, thisproject will also augment the understanding of Mesoproterozoic sedimenthostedore deposits in the Arctic, information which is needed to supportthe long-term economic development of Canada’s north. Field locations willinclude Proterozoic basins exposed in the Arctic and Paleozoic rocks exposedin Newfoundland and the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Geomechanics Research CentreCentre de recherche en géoméchaniquePeter KaiserAdvanced Geomechanics Design of Underground StructuresA grant of $69,000 per year.Une subvention de 69 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAs mining and civil engineering structures are beingconstructed at greater depths, geomechanics issues imposegreater constraints on design and construction inmining. At these depths, the ground becomes “less forgiving”and advanced geomechanics engineering is requiredto prevent costly mistakes. In high stress environments,rock failure processes near excavation walls(e.g. spalling and bursting) are not well representedby conventional failure criteria. Since these processes dominate instabilitymechanisms and support design, research is required to develop models forbehaviour prediction. Because these failure processes cannot be properly simulatedand investigated in the laboratory, but can be observed in the field,they will be studied using field monitoring data and back-analysis techniques.Mining is now proceeding to depths in excess of 2km in Canada (e.g. Creightonmine) and deeper in other parts of the world (e.g. > 4 km in S.A.). Thelongest tunnels under construction in Switzerland (52 and 37 km) penetratethe Alps at depths exceeding 2 km. The applicant is currently involved inresearch projects in Canada (mining), Japan (cavern construction), Switzerland(tunnelling), and in the U.S.A. (nuclear waste disposal). Thesis projectsand the encountered stability issues will provide the focus and data for the87

88proposed field-based research program. These projects will also provide anopportunity to train students in a real-world engineering setting. To staycompetitive, industry has to develop new enabling technologies. The findingsof our brittle failure research will be applied to resolve issues of mechanizedexcavation for tunnel boring machine development. This proposal buildson past research and presents a research program to improve mechanizedrock excavation techniques, for mining and civil engineering applications.Laurentian University has established a state-of-the-art virtual reality datavisualization facility. Funded in part by CFI/OIT, it will be used to interpretcomplex data interactions (geology, stress and geometry).

89Peter KaiserIn partnership with/En collaboration avec Mirarco - MiningInnovation, Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan Inc. & RST RadarSystemtechnik AGNovel Ground Penetrating Radar ApplicationsA grant of $118,000 for one yearUne subvention de 118 000 $ pour un an.Idea to Innovation (I2I) Program – Programme De l’idée àl’innovation (INNOV)Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) has long been used for detecting objectsdue to its ability to “see” underground. Unfortunately, continuous frequencyGPR has some severe limitations when it comes to seeing in harsh environmentssuch as in an underground mine. New research, through a project withthe European Space Agency has led to a novel “stepped frequency” radarwhich is under evaluation as a tool to identify fractures in sofirock potashmines in Saskatchewan.Fracture detection is essential when determining how much support toapply to a tunnel roof in order to avoid collapse. The key is in determiningthe right balance between costly and time-consuming support and efficienttunnel development. The proposed GPR technology is a tool to quickly determinethe stability of the rock, and therefore the amount of stability supportrequired.Stepped-frequency (SF) GPR shows much promise to increase the efficiency,safety and profitability of mines in Canada and around the world. thorder to validate prior findings, this project will continue with the conceptprovingphase of using SFR in softrock mines, and identify through researchhow the technology (software and hardware) can be adapted for hardrockmines. Once completed, this research will provide the groundwork to investigateother applications such as railroad ballast stability monitoring, miningexploration, rock fall hazard mapping and snow I ice depth mapping foravalanche hazard assessment and victim rescue.Research results will be used to establish design criteria for the constructionof application-specific prototypes and determine if there is a market

90for the mass production of such units. If so, a Canadian company will beestablished to manufacture and sell the technology.

Department of Mathematics andComputer ScienceDépartement de mathématiques etd’informatiqueHafida BoudjellabaÉtude de modèles biologiques avec plusieurs échelles detempsA grant of $8,000 per year.Une subvention de 8 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAujourd’hui, on parle de plus en plus de la protectionde l’environnement et des espèces en voie de disparition.Des groupes d’écologistes dénoncent la pollution, la surexploitationdes ressources et veulent développer une prisede conscience. En effet, les ressources naturelles ne sontpas inépuisables. En pêcherie, la nécessité d’une politiquede gestion est reconnue depuis longtemps. Son but seraitd’assurer un développement durable des stocks de poissons.Mais l’évolution, au cours du temps, des stocks halieutiques dépendde nombreux phénomènes et cela rend son étude assez délicate. De nombreuxmodèles permettant de décrire et d’étudier la dynamique d’une populationexploitée ont été proposés. Mais on sait que dans les écosystèmes, lespopulations sont souvent en compétition et certaines de ces populations semultiplient plus que vite que d’autres. L’exploitation judicieuse de ces ressourcespermet parfois de contrôler l’équilibre et de stabiliser les populations.Les modèles mathématiques prenant en compte plus d’une variable sont complexesà étudier. Dans ce projet, on s’intéresse au cas de deux populations91

92indépendantes, soumises toutes les deux à un même effort de pêche. Lorsquecet effort est lui-même considéré comme une variable dynamique, on obtientun système de trois équations différentielles. À l’aide de la théorie singulièredes perturbations, on va examiner les conditions de stabilité du système. Enfait, les résultats seront établis dans un modèle plus général qu’un modèle depêcherie, et pourront s’appliquer à d’autres espèces animales.

93Stephanie CzaporApplications of Symbolic Algebraic Computation in AppliedMathematicsA grant of $8,200 per year.Une subvention de 8 200 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMy research involves the use of systems for symbolicalgebraic computation (e.g. Maple, Mathematica) insolving computationally challenging problems in MathematicalPhysics and Applied Mathematics.One such problem concerns the validity of Huygens’Principle (HP; from his “Treatise on Light”, 1690), orrather its precise formulation due to J. Hadamard (1923),for the wave equation on curved spacetimes. Roughlyspeaking, this states that waves do not exhibit “ripples”behind the wave front. While this problem is wellunderstoodin two and three dimensions, it becomes far more difficult inspaces involving four dimensions (e.g. as in General Relativity). The modernformulation of the problem is in terms of the so-called Cauchy problem, andas such its role is rather central to the theory of partial differential equations.My present goal is to precisely determine the validity of HP for thenon-self-adjoint form of the wave equation, when considered in an underlyingfour-dimensional space of a particular algebraic type. This forms thenext logical step in a program to eventually treat all of the possible cases.Another (related) problem concerns investigating the so-called conformalstructure of space-time. A conformal transformation is one of a particularkind imposed on the metric tensor (which measures distances) of a space,which preserves angles but not distances. Despite its simplicity, its exactphysical significance is difficult to understand. Still, such transformationshave played an important role in relativity (e.g. in studying conformallyinvariant wave propagation in HP, as above). The particular problem I amnow investigating concerns finding the precise conditions under which a givenspace-time is conformally related to one which is empty (in the sense thatthe Ricci part of its curvature vanishes).

94Minglun GongDynamic image-based scene modeling and renderingA grant of $14,000 per year.Une subvention de 14 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe objective of this research is to develop efficient methods that can capturethe appearances of dynamic real scenes and present them interactivelyin 3D to local or remote viewers. Such techniques will have many excitingapplications. For example, they can make the movies of the future muchmore interactive. In these movies, one can choose any desired viewpoint, andmove around in the scene as you wish. These techniques can also facilitatetelemonitoring and telecontrol. They will allow operators to look at remoteenvironments from any viewpoint of choice, and therefore, the sense of presencecan be enhanced.In traditional computer graphics, novel views are generated based on thegeometric model of the scene. It is generally difficult to use these techniquesto handle real scenes, since creating models for real scenes is a cumbersomeprocess. Image-based modeling and rendering, on the other hand, try toanalyze the scene and synthesize new views based on captured images. Thecorresponding techniques often allow for shorter modeling times and fasterrendering speed. However, most of existing approaches require either denselysampled images or accurate 3D information. As a result, there is no easy-touseapproach available to handle real scenes in real time.This research will try to find such an approach. The problem of dynamicscene modeling and rendering will be investigated from both image analysisand image synthesis points of view. On the analysis side, we will study howto estimate efficiently and accurately 3D locations and motions of objects inthe scene. On the synthesis side, we will explore an efficient way to synthesizephysically correct novel views based on sparsely sampled videos and the 3Dinformation estimated.

95Julia JohnsonReverse rough set methodA grant of $10,500 per year.Une subvention de 10 500 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteIn e-commerce applications, normally it is not feasibleto gather correct data concerning customer needs,as they often do not know what they want. However,some vague, insufficient or inconsistent data may beavailable. From these data, we will predict customerrequirements in the form of rules using reverse rough set theory.Rough set theory provides a framework for dealing with imprecision indata. In the traditional rough set prediction process, given attribute valuesfor each condition attribute, the decision attribute can be predicted followingthe decision rules. In this research, we propose the reverse approach. Givena decision attribute, predict the attribute value for each condition attributethat best implies the decision attribute. For example, for internet business,we know the decision attribute (we want most customers to be satisfied)and we want to find the condition attributes (characteristics of the product)that would lead to most customers being satisfied. We propose a new roughset algorithm, the Rough Sets Reverse Predicting Algorithm, which takesas input a decision table and the decision (most people satisfied) that weaim for. Output is a set of the predicted best condition attribute values (softvalues, e.g. low, high, instead of numeric values) required to achieve that aim.When people wish to purchase a product on the internet (e.g. a car),they look into a multiple number of attributes (price, resale value, aftersales service, maintenance, comfort). Generally, values for these attributesare imprecise, non-commensurable and may be conflicting in nature. Thevendor ranks the attributes according to which ones the customer seemsto prefer most. The appreciation values (weights) of the product attributesare imprecise or fuzzy and previously have been assumed. The novelty ofour approach lies in providing the ability to automatically articulate theimportance attached to product attributes.

96Kalpdrum PassiIncremental Maintenance of XML SchemasA grant of $14,000 per year.Une subvention de 14 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteXML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a new standardfor data representation and exchange on the Internet.XML provides tags on data elements, whichidentify the meaning of data, rather than specifyinghow the data should be formatted, as in HTML.The nature of data on the web and the flexibility ofXML have resulted in data encoded in XML’s beingsemi-structured. The availability of large amounts ofheterogeneous distributed data necessitates integrating data from multiplesources. The data might be stored in different formats in different companies.Some of the formats include browser formats (HTML); database formats(relational and object-oriented models); and legacy data. The integration,transformation and translation of such data are increasingly important formodern information systems and e-commerce applications. XML providesa common platform for integration and exchange of data for the differentformats.We provide a methodology to integrate data from various sources usingXML. It is not enough to provide a mechanism for integration alone as thismight be a one-time operation. The data might change at the various localsources and it is very expensive and time consuming to update the integrateddata from scratch. It is cost effective to maintain the integrated data incrementallyrather than redoing the operation again. We propose to address thisproblem as part of this research.

97Nicolas RobidouxCochain-based numerical modelsA grant of $8,000 per year.Une subvention de 8 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThis research proposal concerns the development andtesting of computer software for the modeling of physicalreality (numerical modeling), the interpretation ofdata arising from experiments or computer simulations(scientific visualization), and the simulation of physicalreality (computer graphics).Consider the cooling of a piece of metal, the diffusionof a ground contaminant, the emission of electric andmagnetic fields by a cell phone, or the flow of a fluid ina cavity. The physically relevant quantities associatedwith such problems are fluxes (“How much fluid goes through this surface?”);circulations (related to “What is the potential difference between these twopoints?”); masses (“How much contaminant is contained in this volume?”);and point values (“What is the temperature at this point?”). A natural wayto translate such physically grounded quantities into computer code is withthe help of cochains, a data structure borrowed from algebraic topology.One of the benefits of using cochains in a computer model is that conservationlaws – fundamental laws of physics which characterize many systems– are then directly translated into computer code. This property is expectedto lead to superior algorithms and methods.Specifically, we will develop software for the automatic detection of vortices,sources and sinks in a fluid flow; we will formulate cochain-based “averagedphysical laws” to be used when a computer modeller cannot affordto resolve the fine structure of a material in a simulation; and we will useso-called “superconvergent” cochains to solve partial differential equationscheaply and accurately.

98Patrice SawyerSpherical functions on symmetric spaces and theirapplicationsA grant of $13,000 per year.Une subvention de 13 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteA symmetric space refers, in plain words, to the kindof “universe” I am studying. The general context of mywork is harmonic analysis of this universe. The basicidea of harmonic analysis, itself a generalization of Fourieranalysis, is to represent general functions in termsof more basic ones, i.e. spherical functions.Historically, such studies concerned spaces such asthe real line (the one-dimensional space); the plane (thetwo-dimensional universe); or space (the three-dimensionaluniverse). A natural extension was then the Euclideann-dimensional space. There are more complicated objects mathematicianswant to work with (the sphere being a natural example). Symmetricspaces are sufficiently complex objects to be of interest as a generalization,while sufficiently well-behaved to make their study relevant and interesting(not to mention accessible!).Not only can one consider questions such as the heat diffusion on a symmetricspace, but it also makes sense to study probability theory using suchobjects. As well, the behaviour of the “basic” functions, the spherical functions,becomes important. Natural assumptions as to how a well-known phenomenonin the Euclidean setting will behave in a different situation areeither confirmed or contradicted.These questions can be addressed by finding explicit formulae for the sphericalfunctions (when possible) or by using general principles.***Un espace symétrique est, en langage simple, le type « d’univers » quej’étudie. Le contexte général de ma recherche est l’analyse harmonique dans

cet univers. L’idée de base de l’analyse harmonique, elle-même une généralisationde l’analyse de Fourier, est de représenter les fonctions les plus généralesen termes de fonctions de base, en l’occurrence les fonctions sphériques.Historiquement, ce type d’étude concernait les espaces tels que la droiteréelle (l’espace à une dimension), le plan (l’espace à deux dimensions), oul’espace (l’espace à trois dimensions). Un prolongement naturel de cette rechercheétait l’étude de l’espace euclidien à n dimensions. Il y a cependantdes objets encore plus compliqués avec lesquels les mathématiciens désirenttravailler (la sphère étant un bon exemple). Les espaces symétriques sont suffisammentcomplexes pour susciter notre intérêt comme généralisation touten se comportant assez bien pour que leur étude soit accessible.On peut non seulement considérer des questions comme la diffusion de lachaleur sur les espaces symétriques, mais aussi étudier la théorie des probabilitéssur ces objets. Là aussi, le comportement des fonctions « de base », lesfonctions sphériques, est important. Les hypothèses naturelles qu’on se faitde phénomènes bien connus dans le contexte euclidien sont soit confirmées,soit réfutées.Ces questions peuvent être posées en trouvant des formules explicites pourles fonctions sphériques (quand cela est possible) ou en utilisant des principesgénéraux.99

100

Department of Physics and AstronomyDépartement de physique et d’astronomieMohamed AzzouzApplication of the concept of rotating antiferromagnetism tohigh-temperature superconductorsA grant of $11,000 per year.Une subvention de 11 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteSuperconductivity is the phenomenon by which certainmaterials are able to carry electricity from oneplace to another without energy loss. Superconductorsalso allow the storage of electric energy indefinitely withoutloss. Imagine that we are able to have materialsthat become superconducting even at room temperature;then the power outage of August 14, 2003, wouldhave been avoided, because the need to have a surplusof electricity circulating in the present immense powergrid would not exist. The idea is that once superconductors at room temperatuebecome available, one could possibly engineer electric-current loopswith these superconductors and let the current circulate in them for ever.This is how one could avoid ‘pouring’ the surplus of electric energy in thecurrent immense grid. This is now only a dream, but is the aim of manyresearchers working in the field of superconductivity. In 1986 the so-calledhigh-temperature superconductors with critical temperatures above 100 Kfor some of these materials were discovered. This led to great optimism forincreasing even higher the temperature below which superconductivity sets101

102in. To be able to realize such a dream, one has to understand first the mechanismof high-temperature superconductivity. Part of this understandingresides in solving the issue of the interplay between superconductivity andmagnetism in these materials. This is what I am interested in studying, andthe present proposal is about investigating the application of the new conceptof rotating magnetism to high-temperature superconductors.

103Gennady ChitovOrdering and Correlation Effects in Quasi-Two-DimensionalMagnetic and Fermionic SystemsA grant of $18,000 per year.Une subvention de 18 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThis proposal addresses several problems of the physics of strongly correlatedelectrons and magnetic systems. In broad terms, my research is devotedto the analysis of the physical systems showing various types of orders orordering correlations.This research has direct applications for different types of materials: compoundsdemonstrating charge or structural order; various magnetics withcompeting types of order; two-dimensional electron gas; and the high-temperaturecuprate superconductors, which demonstrate an extremely rich phasediagram with different types of order.The physical problems this proposal deals with lie in the core of interests ofthe world’s condensed matter community. I anticipate that my work will helpin understanding of some of the many fascinating phenomena that physicsof quantum materials unveils in abondance.

104Robert LeclairA systematic approach for determining whether a low-anglex-ray scatter detection system could improve the detection ofbreast cancersA grant of $23,500 per year.Une subvention de 23 500 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteIn conventional mammography, breast structuresare more easily distinguished if their properties toattenuate x rays are significantly different. The absorptionof radiation is largely governed by the atomiccomposition and density of tissue. The tasksof detecting small cancers within a fibrous breastare difficult because the properties to absorb x rays for these tissue typesare similar. These particular imaging tasks are challenges even for the newerstate-of-the-art digital mammography systems. Though the propertiesof carcinoma and fibrous tissue to absorb x rays are similar, there is reasonto believe that the x-ray diffraction (i.e. low-angle x-ray scatter) signals ofthese tissue types could offer a new source of contrast that could improve thediagnosis of breast cancer. The x-ray diffraction signals are characteristic ofthe molecular structures of the tissue.The first objective of the project consists of measuring the low-angle x-ray scatter signatures of human breast tissues. I have established links withMedical Personnel from the Hôpital Régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital(HRSRH), the Sudbury Regional Breast Health Program, and from the SudburyRegional Pathology Associates. Our research program has been ethicallyapproved by the Research Ethics Board at Laurentian University and by theResearch Ethics Committee at the HRSRH. We have so far recruited 50 specimens.They are stored in our lab in liquid nitrogen. With an equipmentgrant from NSERC, we have built a custom made energy dispersive x-raydiffractometer. Briefly, it consists of a Faxitron X-Ray Model 43855C x-raycabinet system configured to house an ionization chamber, a system of collimators,a tissue sample holder, a cadmium zinc telluride detector (CZTD,3×3×2 mm 3 ), and several positioning devices. Although our CZTD has the

105advantage of not requiring liquid nitrogen cooling (i.e. larger dewar) it doeshowever have certain properties that cause distortions in measured spectrathat one must correct. The two major sources of distortion are the escape offluorescence radiation and the trapping of holes carriers during charge transport.Our group have devised a model to calculate the response functionof our CZTD. Our model predicted response functions compare well withthe response functions calculated using GEANT4, a Monte Carlo simulationtoolkit. We are submitting shortly an article entitled: Modelling the responseof a CdZnTe detector in the diagnostic energy range, to the journal MedicalPhysics. The use of GEANT4 is a small milestone for our group since it willnow be used as a tool to help optimize our system. We are also submittingshortly a second manuscript to Med. Phys. entitled: A semianalytic modelto extract the linear differential scattering coefficients of breast tissue fromenergy dispersive x-ray diffraction measurements. This latter paper describesour system and our methodology used to extract ?s for breast tissues fromenergy dispersive x-ray diffraction measurements. Our results for water andfor the following three types of breast tissue: fibroglandular tissue, adiposetissue, infiltrating duct carcinoma, are encouraging. Our goal is to cataloguethe x-ray diffraction signals of all breast tissue types and to correlate themwith the corresponding histological signals.We also have a state-of-the art digital specimen radiography system in ourlab. It will be used to generate conventional digital images of larger breastspecimens. We will present these digital images to a radiologist who will analyzethem. For the structures that appear suspicious to him, we will thenuse a pencil beam of polychromatic rays to interrogate them. We will useour CdZnTe detector to capture the scatter signal from the suspicious lesion.Perhaps we will be able to identify the lesion within the thick specimen bycapturing its x-ray diffraction signal. This may lead to a technology thatcould improve the manner in which breast specimens are analysed. With positivefindings, we may also start clinical trials in order to determine whetherwe can identify lesions with the breast prior to a biopsy procedure. The numberof unnecessary breast biopsies may therefore be reduced. This researchprogram could help to assess the potential applications of a slot scanned digitalmammography system that combines both transmission and low-anglex-ray scatter information.

106Clarence Virtue with/avec Doug Hallman & Jacques FarineSudbury Neutrino Observatory research at LaurentianUniversityA grant of $220,000 per year for two years.Une subvention de 220 000 $ par année pour deux ans.Subatomic Physics Project – Projet en physique subatomiqueLaurentian University is one of five Canadian institutions that, along withcollaborators from the United States and Great Britain, have designed, built,and now operate the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) to solve an enduringenigma: the “solar neutrino problem”. Neutrinos are fundamentalparticles created in large numbers by the nuclear reactions that fuel the sun.They interact with matter to only the slightest degree and the overwhelmingmajority escape the sun and radiate out, traversing all obstacles. Measurementsof the flux of these solar neutrinos are notoriously difficult and yethave been done by several independent techniques. For over thirty years thesemeasurements have been at odds with the best calculated predictions. SNOhas solved this problem by convincingly demonstrating that all of the predictedneutrinos are in fact present. The beauty of this solution is that the SNOmeasurement, all previous measurements, and the theoretical prediction arenow consistent under a new picture in which neutrinos change their characteras they travel. Previous experiments were capable of detecting only theunchanged neutrinos whereas SNO detected all neutrinos.The researchers at Laurentian University are committed to advancing someof the base technologies that have played a large role in the success of SNOand that are certain to be crucial for next generation experiments. These

107extremely sensitive experiments demand the near elimination of radioactivityfrom the materials used in their construction and the ability to measurethe miniscule amounts that remain. Pushing these frontiers of purity andsensitivity to radioactive contaminants is an enabling science for future experiments.The SNO detector is also a uniquely sensitive instrument for the detectionof neutrinos from supernovae. An exciting Laurentian responsibility withinSNO is the operation of SNO’s supernova trigger and its participation inthe inter-experiment collaboration SNEWS (the Supernova Early WarningSystem) which would actually alert astronomers to a new galactic supernovain advance of the star having appeared to explode.

108

School of Commerce and AdministrationÉcole de commerce et d’administrationBelaïd AouniModélisation des préférences du décideur dans le modèle duGoal Programming dans un contexte d’informationimparfaiteA grant of $12,000 per year.Une subvention de 12 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteGénéralement, dans le modèle du Goal Programming,nous préconisons que le décideur est en mesurede cerner avec précision et sans peine, les paramètrestechnologiques et les valeurs des buts associés aux objectifsrelatifs à la situation décisionnelle. De plus, nousconsidérons que les paramètres technologiques de la situationdécisionnelle sont déterministes et précis. Or,ces valeurs peuvent être stochastiques ou imprécises.Un tel contexte décisionnel est caractérisé par l’imperfectionde l’information et par son ambiguïté. Les techniques proposées pourrésoudre ce genre de contexte décisionnel n’intègrent pas explicitement lespréférences du décideur. Dans notre programme de recherche, nous exploitonsle concept des fonctions de satisfaction pour intégrer explicitement lespréférences du décideur dans le modèle du GP en présence d’informationsimparfaites. Le modèle à développer fera l’objet des applications en ordonnancementmulticritère où le temps de traitement est stochastique, et ensélection de portefeuille où plusieurs critères sont à considérer tels que le rendementdu titre boursier, la diversification et la préférence d’investissement109

110dans des titres particuliers. Dans ces deux cas d’application, l’informationdisponible sur les différents paramètres est considérée comme étant imparfaite.

School of EngineeringÉcole de génieLaxman Mahendra AmaratungaDevelopment and processing of mine fill as an engineeredcomposite using waste and its environmental benefitsA grant of $23,000 per year.Une subvention de 23 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteA novel concept of Cold-Bond Tailings Agglomeration (CBTA) processfor mine backfill was first presented by the applicant in 1989. Mill tailings,which are too fine for use as underground backfill, and normally disposedof in tailings ponds, can be agglomerated to produce environmentally safeaggregate for backfill. High-density paste backfill, which incorporates a fairproportion of fine tailings, is becoming increasingly popular in today’s miningindustry. However, pastefill operations demand the addition of imported aggregatematerials to enhance their mechanical strength. Studies carried outby the applicant at the Laurentian University Waste Agglomeration ResearchLaboratory have shown that the tailings’ pastefill strength and modulus canbe greatly enhanced (sometimes tripled) by the mere addition of in-situ agglomeratedfine tailings instead of imported aggregates. This composite fillis called Agglomerated Total Tailings Paste Fill (ATPF). The applicant’songoing research (with NSERC funding) on CBTA and ATPF processes hasconclusively shown that mine tailings fills can be perfectly engineered as aParticle Strengthened Composite (PSC) material to obtain high strength,stability and integrity by modification of the matrix component as well asthe aggregate (particulate) component of the composite fill.111

112The major objective of the current application is to continue the fundamentalwork to investigate the possibility of processing and utilizing thesolid waste generated by the mining and metallurgical processing industry,by incorporating these wastes into the proposed composite tailings mine fills,either in the fill matrix as a complimentary binder or as aggregates via anagglomeration process similar to CBTA and ATPF processes. The long-termobjective of the proposed work is to develop green technologies for the miningand metallurgical industries for “zero-waste”. This would be of direct benefitto these industries, and may result in a novel and safe waste processing,utilization and disposal technology to improve the mine environment in asustainable manner.

113Gregory BaidenTelemining research laboratory – Technology change and itsimpact on production systemsA grant of $19,000 per year.Une subvention de 19 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMining is entering an era where technology is beingapplied to the industry via teleremote operations. Thiswork will outline a number of key areas of work to investigatetelerobotic technology and its impact on themining process, the operations and the minerals wemine. Telerobotics offers many opportunities for Canadianresearchers around the world. This specific workwill focus on three main questions:1. How many machines and/or machine types can a single operator rungiven instantaneous (virtual) communication?2. How does one cause a group of machines to work together to accomplisha piece of work?3. Given that an operator can be telepresent on a machine from any locationin the world and operate second-generation teleoperations instantaneously,how does this effect what the technology looks like and whatcan be mined?The Telerobotics Laboratory where we will be conducting most of theseexperiments will be a unique facility that links Laurentian University andCambrian College through a high bandwidth network to allow study of theseparticular areas. A teleoperation chair will be connected via a fiber opticnetwork to the Cambrian College “E Dome” to test scale telerobotic systems.With these facilities in place this investigation will lead to developing newand innovative systems for mining and a redefinition of what can becomeore.

114Miroslaw HajdasinskiOptimization of the size and the production schedule of anunderground hard-rock mineA grant of $15,015 per year.Une subvention de 15 015 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAn underground hard-rock ore mine is a dynamicthree-dimensional structure, housing the mine productionsystem as well as several support systems, such asthe ore and material-handling and ventilation systems.This complex structure is composed of mine developmentand production workings, which consume by farthe largest portion of the total capital expendituresof the mine. One of the strategically most importantparameters of any underground mine is its size, or productioncapacity. The size of the mine, and the resultant mine-life, have aprofound impact on mine economics. As the mine size increases, economiesof scale are realized and the unit production cost decreases. This trend continuesuntil an upper limit for the size of the mine is reached, beyond which theunit production costs start going up, due to the excessive mine developmentcosts, relative to the available reserves. Further, the mine layout becomes toodense and complex, causing logistic and operational problems with the flowsof production, materials, and air. This indicates that there exists an optimasize for a mine that will result in maximum economic benefits within the mine’slifetime. It is crucial to design a mine to its optimum size, since once amine is fully developed, it is difficult and prohibitively expensive to radicallychange a design that has already been virtually “carved into hard-rock.”The objective of the proposed research is to optimize not only the capacityof the mine, but also its lifetime production schedule as well as its cut-offgrade policy. The optimization tools will be Dynamic Programming (DP), asthe optimization platform; and the simulation of the ore, materials, and airflows, as the means for obtaining credible cost inputs for the DP model. Theproposed optimization approach will be applicable not only in the design ofnew mines, but will also serve as a means of:

1151. continually verifying the capacities, production schedules and cut-offgrade policies of the existing mines; and2. detecting the need for, and the timing of, a major mine reconstruction.Since the cost of developing an underground hard-rock mine can easily exceed$100 million, the global savings achieved through the optimization ofmine size, its production schedule, and its cut-off grade policy cannot beoveremphasized.

116Redhouane HendaNumerical analysis of the nonlinear dynamics of complexchemical systems using waveletsA grant of $19,000 per year.Une subvention de 19 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteChemical processes are becoming increasingly sophisticated and requirea thorough understanding from inception to development. This is especiallytrue for complex far-from-equilibrium chemical systems such as those exhibitingstrong nonlinearity and intricate interactions between transport phenomenaand reaction mechanisms. These systems exhibit different spatialand temporal scales corresponding to various phenomena such as chemicalreactions, diffusion, and flow, and require solution procedures that can resolvethese varying scales in the most efficient manner. In order to assemblea portrait of the operation of chemical reactors wherein complex nonlinearchemical processes take place, it is fundamental to understand the couplingsbetween the phenomena involved. Issues related to reactor design, analysis,and scale-up can be tackled with the ability to solve the strongly nonlinearmathematical models describing the different phenomena.The proposed research is concerned with the thorough understanding andanalysis of nonlinear chemical systems far from equilibrium using efficientnumerical methods. Wavelets, with their multiresolution analysis properties,will be used as a new tool for the numerical analysis of complex chemicalsystems that most conventional techniques fail to solve with acceptable accuracyand over a reasonable time. Initially, the focus of the research will be onthe quantitative and qualitative analysis of instabilities and patterns in yeastprocessing, with important applications in the baking, food manufacturing,and genetic engineering industries. Further systems of technological importancein areas such as chemical process engineering, materials processing, andbioprocessing will be investigated. The knowledge generated will provide theCanadian chemical-process industries with viable solutions to their processrelatedproblems, and will alleviate reliance on empiricism – very expensiveand lengthy because of its inherent “trial and error” approach – to describeand design chemical reactors.

117Vassilios KazakidisFlexibility assessment in mine planning and design:applications for flexible technologies and methodsA grant of $18,000 per year.Une subvention de 18 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteMinimization of cost is often a paramount objective inmining projects. However, the rigidity of a low-cost mineproduction system may itself eventually prove costly,unless the ability to respond to changes through time isbuilt into the mine plan. The introduction of operatingflexibility into a mine plan should become another parameterof the evaluation process, complementing theattention given to production capacity and operatingcost. The proposed research builds on existing expertisein the assessment of flexible mining systems and the evaluationof operating delays in underground hard rock mines. The focus of theproposed research is the application of quantitative flexibility assessment tonew technologies, as well as methods, sequences and production schedulingfor the optimization of planning and design in underground hard rock mines.This research will affect both the decision-making process in undergroundmine production systems, which is often based on previous experience andproduction/cost criteria, as well the on evaluation criteria for the introductionof innovative technologies.The proposed research program is essential for the introduction of a methodologyfor making key operating decisions (such decisions can have aneconomic impact in the order of millions of dollars). This is the first attemptto introduce a process for assessing operating risk in mines and linking it tothe evaluation of methods and technologies that contain quantifiable flexiblecomponents. The significance of the research is the establishment of new criteriaand approaches to evaluate parameters that are crucial for making theright decisions, and the introduction of new philosophies into the operatingenvironment where, currently, key decisions are frequently based exclusivelyon past experience and intuition.

118Vassilios KazakidisIn partnership with/En collaboration avec FalconbridgeQuantifying the value of quality/performance of rapid lateraldevelopment cycle in deep underground minesA grant of $ 57,500 for two years.Une subvention de 57,500 $ pour deux ans.Collaborative Research and Development Grant –Subventions de recherche et développement coopérativeRapid development in Canadian underground mining operations is importantfor enabling the exploitation of deep mineral resources that are presentlycharacterized as marginal. In a world of widening competition and uncertainty,the ability of the mineral resource sector to adopt new technologies iscritical for its survival. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to limittechnical risk aspects of bankable feasibility studies by applying only proventechnologies. The direct application of technologies from other industries tomining faces several unique challenges.These challenges relate to the multidimensional aspects of mineral resourceprojects, coupled with the high degree of uncertainty that is usually present,and the traditional conservatism of the minerals sector. This makes imperativethe rigorous testing of technologies in mining operations prior to theirbecoming acceptable for ordinary practice by corporate management andoperators.The issue of rapid development process alternatives is one of the intensivefocus areas of Fa1conbridge Ltd. Quality management is critical in order tomeet performance targets set in terms of completion time and cost. Thisproject focuses on evaluation of the quality aspects of subsystem alternativesthat can be implemented in order to achieve reliable rapid rates of advancein lateral development.

119Helen (Huilan) ShangIdentification of distributed parameter systems by means ofthe combination of partial least square with Karhunen LoevedecompositionA grant of $19,000 per year.Une subvention de 19 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteDistributed Parameter Systems are widespread inindustry (e.g. metallurgical processes, fixed-bed reactors,polymer extrusion, and sheet coating processes).Conventional control approaches for these systemsuse the approximate simplified models and often leadto poor control performance. The control techniquesthat consider the inherent distributed nature of theprocesses yield higher performance and product quality,with substantial economic savings and less environmentalimpact.High performance control requires high fidelity models for distributed parametersystems. The proposed research will focus on the development ofempirical modeling techniques based on experimental or industrial operatingdata. The statistical tools of analyzing correlation between process variablesin both time and spatial directions will be used to produce models that reflectthe distributed nature of industrial processes. The resulting models will besuitable for control development. It is expected that the proposed researchhas the prospect of decreasing the gap between current theoretical researchand industrial applications in distributed parameter systems.The proposed research program explores a developing body of knowledgein the area of distributed parameter systems control. The proximity to thelocal mineral processing industry provides the potential application of theresearch results.

120Ramesh SubramanianDevelopment of novel synthetic water-soluble polymersA grant of $18,000 per year.Une subvention de 18 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteFlocculation is a very important step in many strategically importantsolid-liquid separation processes and it is widely used in mineral processing(improves separation of mineral particles from liquids); raw and wastewatertreatment (removal of turbidity-causing suspended particles and contaminants);sludge dewatering (improves separation of solids from liquids);papermaking (as drainage and retention aids); and petroleum recovery (removesdrilling residue, enhances water-flooding, keeps flow channels open,and increases permeability).In the past 50 years, synthetic water-soluble polymers (cationic, anionic,ampholytic and nonionic) have largely replaced traditional inorganic chemicalslike alum, lime, and ferric chloride, and natural products like starch andgum as coagulants and flocculants. However, with increasing public awarenessand governmental regulations for the environment, both municipal andindustrial effluents are required to meet higher standards.The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop new and improvedwater-soluble polymers that provide improved coagulation and flocculationin mineral processing, raw and wastewater treatment, sludge dewatering,papermaking, and oil or petroleum recovery. The synthesis, characterization,solution properties and performance of water-soluble polymers as coagulantsand flocculants will be studied. A fundamental understanding of molecularprocesses and reaction mechanisms involved during synthesis will be undertaken,and the effect of synthesis techniques on structural characteristics ofsynthesized polymers will be investigated.

121Nick VayenasReliability assessment of mining equipment using geneticalgorithms with probability distribution based fitnessfunctionA grant of $20,070 per year.Une subvention de 20 070 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThis proposal is a continuation of an NSERC grantin the field of Genetic Algorithms (GAs) for reliabilityassessment of mining equipment. Compared to classicalreliability analysis, this research offers a novel approachwhich may lead to the formulation of a reliabilityassessment methodology based on GAs. Geneticalgorithms are stochastic search techniques based onthe principles of natural selection. The reliability ofa machine changes over time due to its dependenceupon several factors (e.g. the operating environment, number and quality ofrepairs). The use of GAs is intended to capture the impact of the factorson the reliability function of a machine by mimicking the process of heredityand natural selection. In GAs models, to progress from one population to thenext, members of the current population are reproduced, crossed over andmutated based on the value of their current fitness using a Fitness Function(FF). So far, it has been found that the use of the exponential probabilitydistribution as the FF in a GAs-based reliability model offers acceptablereliability estimates. However, the statistical properties of the exponentialdistribution conflict with the assumptions of heredity and survival of thefittest assumed by GAs. Furthermore, the maximum number of generationsrequired to achieve statistically acceptable reliability estimates appear tovary significantly.Thus, it is now proposed to develop GAs-based models incorporating othertheoretical distributions (e.g. Weibull) as FFs, as well as to investigate thecriteria for the size of the initial population and for the maximum numberof generations. The characteristics of the new models are expected to reducethe constraints associated with the statistical assumptions imposed by the

122applied FFs and to enhance the ability of these models to converge to acceptablesolutions within a narrow span of iterations. The research involves:1. development of models using other than the exponential distribution asthe theoretical probability distribution for the fitness function;2. verification and testing with available field data; and3. comparison of the models.

123Turgut YalcinDissolved gas applications in mineral processingA grant of $19,000 per year.Une subvention de 19 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe mining and minerals industry is an integralpart of the Canadian economy, providingclose to 4% of the Nation’s Gross DomesticProduct (GDP) and over 16% of its exports.In order to remain competitive in the domesticand global markets, Canadian mining companiesare in continuous pursuit of innovationsand improvements in their operations, investing approximately $350 millionper year in research and development. This proposal is intended to contributeto these efforts by investigating the use of dissolved gas technology inthe mineral processing industry. Recent test work conducted by the applicantshowed that this technology has the potential of improving mineral recoveriesand thereby increasing revenues in the processing of many ores, including avariety of sulphide ores, coal and gold ores. The dissolved gas method involvesfirst dissolving a gas in the ore pulp under pressure and then releasingthe pressure. During the depressurization process, dissolved gas comes outof solution in the form of fine bubbles, which tend to nucleate or precipitateon mineral surfaces. This phenomenon can help improve, in particular, therecovery of fine particles in flotation processes. Studies by others have shownthat conventional flotation is inefficient below a particle size of about 10-15microns, while many ores processed today contain significant amounts of materialin these sizes. The difficulty of recovering fine particles by flotation hasbeen attributed mainly to the inability of such particles to effectively collidewith and attach to gas bubbles, due to their small mass and low momentum.Dissolved gas method eliminates this problem by allowing the bubblesto form directly on particle surfaces. In gold ore processing, dissolved gasbubbles could enhance cyanide leaching rates by promoting a more intimategas-solid-liquid contact. The dissolution of gold in cyanide solutions is criticallydependent on oxygen, which could be efficiently supplied by means of

124dissolved air (or oxygen-enriched air) As a result significant savings could bemade in the otherwise long leaching time, which in many cases extends to16 hours or more.

125Zhibin YeDeveloping advanced polyolefin materials by novelpolymerization processesA grant of $25,000 per year.Une subvention de 25 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteAs the world’s largest produced polymers, polyolefinsplay an extremely important role in our industry and society.Despite their size and commodity nature, polyolefinsare the fastest-growing sector of the polymer industry andremain highly technology driven. Improving product qualityand developing advanced polyolefin materials with controlledchain structure and tailored materials properties are two of the mostimportant directions in polyolefins research and development.The overall objective of the proposed research is to develop advanced polyolefinmaterials with unique structure and superior properties by using novelpolymerization processes. Funds are requested to support two graduate studentseach year to work on two well-defined projects in this area. Project#1 is to develop novel functionalized polyolefin block/graft copolymers withwell-defined chain architecture and excellent surface properties by using anew polymerization technology that which uniquely combines catalyzed olefinpolymerization with atom transfer radical polymerization of functionalmonomers. Project #2 is to develop novel long-chain-branched (LCB) polyolefinswith superior processing properties through olefin copolymerizationwith nonconjugated dienes.The proposed research is highly multidisciplinary and interfaces diversedisciplines including polymer chemistry and physics, materials science, catalysis,and polymer reaction engineering. The fundamental knowledge generatedfrom this research will have significant impacts on research in polyolefinsarea. The novel polyolefin materials and new polymerization processes developedwill be promising for industrial applications. The research will alsoprovide excellent training opportunities for students to gain useful knowledgeand skills and to prepare them for future employment in Canadian industryand institutes.

126Zhibin Ye with/avec Joy Gray-Munro, Louis Mercier& Ramesh SubramanianDifferential Scanning CalorimeterA grant of $93,496.Une subvention de 93 496 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheWe live in a Materials world. Materials play a decisive role in our society,industry, and economy. The performance of materials in their variousapplications is essentially governed by their thermal properties. Differentialscanning calorimetry is a fast and accurate method to determine the thermalproperties of various materials.In this proposal we are urgently requesting funds to purchase a PerkinElmerDifferential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). This piece of equipmentis requested to support multidisciplinary research programs on advanced materials,including polyolefin materials, water soluble polymers, inorganic nanoporousmaterials, and biomaterials, at Laurentian University. It will beextensively utilized for the characterization of thermal properties of the variousmaterials developed in our research groups.This requested equipment will be the first of its kind both at LaurentianUniversity and in the region of Northern Ontario. Its acquisition is essential toour multidisciplinary materials research programs at Laurentian Universityand is also important for the training of highly qualified materials researchersin Northern Ontario.

School of Human KineticsÉcole des sciences de l’activité physiqueCéline Boudreau-LarivièreCytoarchitectural organization and mitochondrialdistribution and respiratory function of Bpag1-deficientskeletal muscleA grant of $27,000 per year.Une subvention de 27 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteCells that make up tissues of the human body andof multicellular organisms come in a variety of shapesand sizes. The cellular architecture accounts for thisdiversity of cell morphology and plays an importantrole in allowing cells to function properly. Mutations ofgenes encoding crosslinking proteins, which are importantcomponents of the cellular architecture, are associatedwith several diseases including a specific form ofmuscular dystrophy in humans. It is therefore importantto further elucidate the precise function of theselinker proteins and to identify cellular events that are governed through eitherdirect or indirect interactions with these molecules.In this context, the proposed sets of experiments described in the presentproposal are intended to begin to highlight the contribution of crosslinkingproteins in the maintenance of the structural integrity of skeletal musclecells. Furthermore, the proposed studies are aimed at identifying other possibleroles of crosslinking proteins in skeletal muscle physiology. Conceptsemerging from the proposed research are also intended to provide clues and127

128a useful framework for delineating possible therapeutic interventions for humandiseases associated with mutations of crosslinking proteins.

129Robin MichelNerve trophic control of skeletal muscle propertiesA grant of $56,180 per year.Une subvention de 56 180 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteFrom an NSERC news release:What makes your muscles grow? It’s well known that electrical signalsfrom adult motor nerves influence the shape and size of theirtarget muscle fibres. Now, Laurentian University scientist Dr. RobinMichel says there’s mounting evidence that molecular signals fromthe nerves also are key to regulating a muscle cell’s size and type. Dr.Michel’s Neuromuscular Research Lab is exploring the role of thesetrophic chemicals, specifically those that influence the proteins thatlead to muscle fibre growth.In the adult, the motor nerve confers to its skeletalmuscle fibers distinct morphological, biochemicaland functional characteristics. This is not only achievedvia nerve-mediated electrical activation signals butalso by means of nerve- and muscle-derived trophic mechanisms.Indeed, though knowledge of mechanisms isrudimentary, there is mounting evidence that the exchangeof trophic chemicals between the motoneuronand its target muscle fibers contributes in a significantway to the regulation of the muscle cell phenotype, including size. Theinfluence of trophic mechanisms appears to be crucial not only for the localizationof synapse-specific organelles (i.e. mitochondria) and proteins (i.e.AChR, AChE, SDH) at the neuromuscular junction, but also the expressionof other proteins within extrajunctional regions of the muscle membrane (i.e.GLUT4) and deep within the core of the contractile apparatus (i.e. myofibrillarand mitochondrial proteins) of these cells.The objective is to systematically define the relative importance of theexchange of trophic chemicals between the motoneuron and its constituentmuscle fibers on the function, size and metabolic characteristics of its muscle

130targets. Specifically, we wish to identify the trophic substances and theirsignaling mechanisms that selectively confer expression and accumulation ofspecific proteins (with particular emphasis on those leading to fiber growth)within the various fast and slow muscle fiber subtypes.

131Robin Michel with/avec Éric GauthierA 2-D gel electrophoresis systemA grant of $33,813.Une subvention de 33 813 $.Research Tools and Instruments – Subventions d’outils etd’instruments de rechercheThe biological processes studied by the applicants involve stress-inducedchanges in the protein machinery of cells. Of major interest to both PIs is theunderstanding of the signaling molecules and pathways involved in triggeringadaptive changes in the cell’s function following perturbations in the cell’senvironment. An important tool to look at rapid changes in these importantorchestral molecules is a preparative Two-Dimensional Gel Electrophoresis(2-DGE) System. The purchase of such a system would open entirely newdiscovery opportunities by allowing the research applicants to systematicallydetect and define changes in cell proteins when exposed to environmentalstress.

132

Northern Ontario School of Medicine(NOSM)École de médecine du Nord de l’Ontario(EMNO)Tom KovalaSU1498 as a Modulator of the Activity of ExtracellularSignal-Regulated KinasesA grant of $25,000 per year.Une subvention de 25 000 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe classical mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase ERKsignalling pathway is vital to the regulation of anumber of cellular processes, including cell growthand division, cell differentiation, and programmedcell death. This well studied pathway is regulatedby many factors from the outside of the cell thatactivate membrane receptors, and therefore producethe serial activation of several other kinases (Ras, Raf, MEK), resultingin the activation of ERK. The activated ERK then phosphorylates numerouscellular proteins, thereby regulating their activities. The kinase immediatelyupstream of ERK is MEK. MEK is an unusually specific kinase; it does notphosphorylate anything other than ERK. While only MEK was believed tobe responsible of turning on ERK, recent studies have suggested that thereare MEK-independent pathways that can turn on ERK. Given the importanceof ERK in the maintenance of a healthy cell, it is not surprising that133

134the cell has multiple mechanisms to control ERK activity. A great deal ofresearch on drugs that can block the ERK pathway has been carried out,and a number of compounds that block the pathway upstream of ERK havebeen identified and are in common use. The MEK inhibitors in particularare often used to demonstrate the involvement of ERK in cellular regulation.However, there are no drugs that can directly inhibit ERK. Given that ERKcan be activated by mechanisms that bypass the classical pathway, inhibitionof MEK is not always sufficient to identify ERK regulated processes. Wehave recently identified a drug, SU1498, which directly inhibits ERK kinaseactivity. The studies proposed here are designed to understand how SUl498works as an ERK inhibitor and to examine the effects of SUl498 in severaldifferent cell systems. SUl498 will provide the basis for the development ofa new class of ERK inhibitor compounds with greater potency and selectivity.These drugs will permit the study of ERK regulated processes in bothnormal and dysfunctional cells.

135David MacLeanMechanisms regulating blood flow during hypoxia: The roleof the interstitial spaceA grant of $28,420 per year.Une subvention de 28 420 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteHypoxia (a reduction in oxygen content in the blood) is commonly seen ina variety of disease states including heart failure, shock, pulmonary embolism,and lung disease. When this occurs a number of mechanisms are activatedto try and compensate for the deceased in oxygen delivery to tissues. Theseinclude an increase in ventilation, heart rate, and cardiac output as well as anincrease in (muscle) blood flow. A number of compounds have been identifiedthat contribute to an increase in muscle blood flow (vasodilatation). Theseinclude adenosine, nitric oxide and potassium (to name only a few). Manyof these compounds are produced by endothelial cells, that line the insideof the blood vessels. However, some may be produced by muscle or even inthe interstitial space (the space between the vasculature and muscle). Thisspace is extremely important as it may function to integrate all the chemicalsignals at the tissue (cell) level. Therefore, it is vitally importan to simultaneouslymeasure putative regulators of vascular tone in this space. Currentlythe microdialysis technique allows for the measurement and quantification ofcompounds in the interstitial space and represents a powerful research tool.Thus, the studies in this research proposal will determine the relative contributionof these compounds to vasodilatation by decreasing the amount ofoxygen in the blood of rodents. A number of other unique methodologies (inaddition to the microdialysis technique) will be employed including the use ofthe isolated perfused rat hindlimb preparation to induce ischemia (a decreasein blood flow), an alternative method for inducing hypoxia. Understandingthe role that the interstitial space plays in regulating mechanisms associatedwith vascular function is an important question to basic scientists as well asclinicians as it contributes to our understanding of how chemical signalingsystems are integrated.

136Tze-Chun TaiRegulation of the Phenylethanolamine N-MethyltransferaseGene by HypoxiaA grant of $28,942 per year.Une subvention de 28 942 $ par année.Discovery Grant – Subvention à la découverteThe perinatal period is a critical time of developmentwhereby alterations in the normal environmentcan result in long term changes in homeostaticfunctions that contribute to the developmentof human adult diseases. This concept of fetal andneonatal programming was established based onseminal epidemiological studies by Barker in 1992, who demonstrated that anadverse in utero environment due to undernutrition resulted in fetal growthrestriction and enhanced the risk of development of cardiovascular and endocrinedisorders such as hypertension and diabetes in adult life. In additionto nutritional requirements, oxygen is a critical component of normal cellularfunction and homeostasis in mammalian cells. In accordance with the developmentalorigins of adult diseases model, hypoxia (reduced oxygen tension)during perinatal development results in long-term changes in physiologicalsystems, including alterations in cardiovascular function and behaviour inadults. Hypoxia alters the development of the adrenergic neurotransmittersystem. The catecholamine neurotransmitter adrenaline, synthesized by specificneurons of the brain and the adrenal gland, is an important regulator ofphysiological systems. Adrenaline synthesis is regulated by the biosyntheticenzyme, phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT). Using in vitrocellular and molecular biology techniques, my research will delineate the mechanismby which hypoxia regulates adrenaline synthesis via regulation ofthe PNMT gene.

Partners with Laurentian UniversityPartenaires avec l’Université LaurentienneMark Chen with/avec A. L. Hallin, A. B. Macdonald,Doug Hallman & Clarence Virtue 1SNO Liquid Scintillator R & DThe amount of the grant is to be determined.Le montant de la subvention reste à être déterminé.Subatomic Physics Project – Projet en physique subatomiqueThe Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) uses heavy water as the mediumfor detecting solar neutrinos. After current studies using this heavywater are completed in 2007, it would be possible to replace the heavy waterin SNO with a liquid scintillator - an organic hydrocarbon liquid that emitslight when subatomic particles interact in it. A liquid scintillator would boostthe light produced by neutrino interactions in SNO by a factor of fifty overthe present configuration, allowing lower energy neutrinos to be studied.These would include solar neutrinos from different nuclear reactions in thesun. By studying these lower energy solar neutrinos, a deeper understandingof the nuclear energy generation mechanisms in stars would be achieved, aswell as increased precision in our knowledge of the new neutrino propertiesrecently discovered by SNO. At lower energies, it would also be possible todetect geo-neutrinos, the neutrinos emitted by natural radioactivity in theEarth. By studying geo-neutrinos, one can survey the whole Earth at onceto directly determine the amount of radioactivity deep in the Earth and itsrole in Earth’s total heat generation, a subject that is poorly known. A liquidscintillator detector also serves as an excellent monitor for detecting1 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics./Les noms des chercheurs de l’UniversitéLaurentienne sont en italiques.137

138and studying supernova neutrinos. A multipurpose neutrino detector withnew capabilities could thus evolve from the present (and concluding) SNOexperiment for relatively little cost. This is a proposal to investigate thesepossibilities and for R & D for the SNO liquid scintillator project.

139Fiona Hunter with/avec M. J. Bidochka, R. J. Brooks,J. Richardson, L. Rowe, Albrecht Schulte-Hostedde,& G. Tattersall 2Wildlife Research Station Algonquin ParkA grant of $108,000 for three years.Une subvention de 108 000 $ pour trois ans.Major Facility Access Grant – Subvention d’accès auxinstallations majeuresThe Algonquin Park Wildlife Research Station (WRS) was established in1944 for the long-term study of terrestrial ecology in an undisturbed tractof the boreal coniferous, mixed and northern hardwood forests. The WRSland is owned by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) butthe WRS facilities are operated and administered by a consortium of sevenOntario Universities. The station provides access to a 400 km 2 forested “wildernesszone” protected from anthropogenic disturbances; this area containsa variety of terrestrial habitats, numerous headwaters, and several lakes andstreams that have been the research foci of seven major users and nine minorusers from various universities across Ontario. In addition, there have beenboth major and minor International researchers who have used the stationbecause it is such a unique research venue on the Canadian Shield. Undergraduatefield courses from 5–10 Universities are taught in the early spring,late summer and fall, when academic research use is less intense.WRS provides accommodation, three meals a day (seven days a week),and laboratory space for up to 40 full-time users in 25 buildings (cabins,laboratories, cookhouse, etc.). The day-to-day running of the station wasformerly under a nine month Manager who would oversee an assistant managerand two cooks for the six month summer field season (mid-April tomid-October). The Manager also opened the station for winter research andfor winter field courses, as required. The current proposal is designed to keepthe WRS fully functional for 12 months of the year in keeping with newMajor User requirements.2 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics./Les noms des chercheurs de l’UniversitéLaurentienne sont en italiques.

140Arthur McDonald with/avec A. Bellerive, M. Chen, H. Evans,G. Ewan, Jacques Farine, A. L. Hallin, Doug Hallman, C. Hargrove,R. Helmer, R. Hemingway, J. Law, J. Leslie, H. Mak,A. Noble, R. Ollerhead, S. Oser, B. Robertson, D. Sinclair,Clarence Virtue, C. Waltham 3Sudbury Neutrino Observatory project grant B. On-siteoperatingA grant of $7,100,000 for two years.Une subvention de 7.100.000 $ pour deux ans.Subatomic Physics Project – Projet en physique subatomiqueThe Sudbury Neutrino Observatory is a large international project tostudy fundamental constituents of the Universe called neutrinos. Observationof neutrinos gives information on the thermonuclear processes in the Sunand tests theoretical calculations. For over thirty years there was a discrepancybetween these calculations and the initial measurements of neutrinosfrom the Sun that had come to be known as the “Solar Neutrino Problem”.Neutrinos are extremely hard to detect. The detector must be placed deepunderground to protect it from natural cosmic rays and all materials usedmust be extremely free from radioactivity. SNO uses 1000 tonnes of heavywater from Canada’s reserves and is located 2 km underground at Inco’sCreighton mine near Sudbury, Ontario. The international collaboration iscomprised of Canadian institutions (Carleton, Guelph, Laurentian, Queen’s,UBC, TRIUMF), six from the US and two from the UK.In 2001 and 2002, the SNO collaboration published papers that provideda clear solution to the “Solar Neutrino Problem”. These results showed definitivelythat about 2/3 of the neutrinos produced in the Sun have changedto other types before reaching the Earth, thereby escaping detection in previousexperiments. This process can occur if neutrinos have a finite massbut was not previously included in the most fundamental theories of elementaryparticle physics. The SNO results show that calculations of the Sunare very accurate. In 2003, the SNO collaboration presented further, moreaccurate, results from the second phase of the experiment with salt in the3 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics./Les noms des chercheurs de l’UniversitéLaurentienne sont en italiques.

141heavy water. The SNO experiment is about to enter a further phase withadditional detectors added to the heavy water that will add to the accuracyof neutrino properties and help guide the development of new theories ofelementary particle physics. The Sudbury Neutrino Observatory also detectsneutrinos from supernovae in our galaxy, from cosmic rays interacting in ouratmosphere and from a number of other astrophysical processes.

142Scott Petrie, Nelson Belzile & Yuwei Chen 4Food chain transfer and effects of selenium in waterfowlA grant of $20,000Une subvention de 20 000 $Research Networks – Subventions de réseaux de rechercheThe combined continental population of Lesser (Aythya affinis) and GreaterScaup (Aythya marila; hereafter scaup) declined by 50 % between themid-1980s and the late 1990s (Austin et al. 2000). One hypothesis for thedecline is that birds are acquiring unhealthy contaminant burdens on thelower Great Lakes (LGL). This project has three inter-related parts:1. to determine levels of contaminant (particularly selenium) acquired byscaup (and other diving ducks) staging and wintering on the LGL;2. to evaluate the contribution of Se contamination from food as well assurrounding water and sediments; and3. to determine contaminant levels in Greater Scaup breeding on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (YKD), Alaska.4 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics. This is a project within the “Metalsin The Holistic Environment” research network./Les noms des chercheurs de l’Université Laurentienne sont en italiques.Un project qui se situe a l’intérieur du réseau « Metals in The Holistic Environment ».

David Sinclair with/avec A. Bellerive, M. Dixit, C. K. Hargrove,Jacques Farine, Doug Hallman & Clarence Virtue 5EXO Prototype detectorA grant of $70,000.Une subvention de 70 000 $.Research Tools and Instruments: subatomic physics –Subventions d’outils et d’instruments de recherche: physiquesubatomique143The process of neutrino-less double beta decay, if it occurs at all, is one ofthe rarest of nuclear processes. If it exists, however, it would strongly restrictthe properties of neutrinos and it would allow a measure of the absolute massof the neutrino.5 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics./Les noms des chercheurs de l’UniversitéLaurentienne sont en italiques.

144David Sinclair with/avec A. Bellerive, M. Dixit, C. K. Hargrove,Jacques Farine, Doug Hallman & Clarence Virtue 6R & D for a Xenon Double Beta Decay experiementA grant of $165,000 per year for two years.Une subvention de 165 000 $ par année pour deux ans.Subatomic Physics Project – Projet en physique subatomiqueFrom the discoveries at SNO and Kamiokande, we know that neutrinos –one of the most abundant particles in the universe – possess a small mass butwe do not know what the actual mass is. One method to determine the massis to observe a very rare process known as neutrino-less double beta decay.If such a process exists, it is directly sensitive to the neutrino mass but alsorequires special properties of the neutrinos. A study of this process wouldprovide critical information about the nature of fundamental particles. Observingthis process requires very exacting control of the various backgroundsources. This is an area where SNO has developed leading expertise.6 The names of the researchers from Laurentian University are shown in italics./Les noms des chercheurs de l’UniversitéLaurentienne sont en italiques.