Mathematical Modelling is being done on the effects of
interactions between biological macromolecules and the
interfaces of lipid membranes or lipid monolayers. Models
have been made of four phosopholipid headgroups:
phosphatidylcholine [PC], phosphatidylethanolamine [PE],
phosphatidylglycerol [PG] and trimethylammonium propane
[TAP]. We are studying headgroup thermodynamics in the
mixed systems: PC+PE, PC+PG, PE+PG and PC+TAP.

We are studying the following macromolecular systems:
[1] PC+TAP with DNA. This system plays a role in gene
therapy. [2] PC+PG with Cytochrome C. This protein is
involved in electron transport. [3] PE+PG with Peptidoglycan
networks. This system mimics the interaction of such a
network with the outer membrane of gram-negative bacteria.

We are also studying the interaction between the
Lipopolysaccharides at the outer membrane of Pseudomonas
aeruginosa and charged surfaces. Such a mechanism might be
involved in the first stages of bacterial adhesion.

These studies make use of both analytical calculations and
extensive computer simulation.



David Pink [Physics Dept., St.F.X.U.]
Bonnie Quinn [Senior Research Associate, St.F.X.U.]
Angela Tate [Hons. Physics/Biology, 4th year, St.F.X.U.]
Jeremy Moeller [Hons. Physics/Biology, 3rd year, St.F.X.U.]
Rudolf Merkel [Physik-Department, T.U.M., Garching, Germany]
Manfred Jericho [Physics Department, Dalhousie U.]
Terry Beveridge [Microbiology Department, U. of Guelph]
Martin Zuckermann [Physics Department, McGill U.]
Marina Belaya [Plant Physiology Inst., Russian Acad. Sci.]
Victor Levadny [Lisbon, Portugal]






Experiments are being carried out to measure the fractional length
changes in ferromagnetic Cobalt at the "spin-reorientation"
transition. Comparisons are being made between the temperature-
dependence of magnetic ordering and results obtained from
capacitance dilatometry.

Mathematical models will be used to understand both the length
changes and the magnetic ordering at the "spin-reorientation"
transition in this system.



Michael Steinitz [Physics Department, St.F.X.U.]
David Tindall [Physics Department, Dalhousie U.]
David Pink [Physics Department, St.F.X.U.]
Bonnie Quinn [Senior Research Associate, St.F.X.U.]
B. J. MacNeil [Hons. Physics, 4th year, St.F.X.U.]








Experiments are being carried out on the tannin content of
Canola. At the same time, the anti-nutritive and potentially
therapeutic properties of Canola tannins are being studied.



Marian Naczk [Department of Human Nutrition, St.F.X.U.]
Judith Pink [Food Research Laboratory, St.F.X.U.]
Sheryl Boucher [Technical Assistant]








Experiments are being carried out at N.S.A.C. to characterize
ruminants by the paths that they follow when grazing. These
are recorded by a video camera and then digitized. The
structures of the paths are then analysed by calculating
correlation functions.

Mathematical models have been made to represent the essential
aspects of a ruminant grazing in a field. Initial results show
the existence of selective pathways even in featureless landscapes.

As in the case of Soft Interfaces [above], the complexity of
this problems necessitates the use of computer simulation.



Alex Georgallas [Physics/Mathematics Department, N.S.A.C.]
David Pink [Physics Department, St.F.X.U.]
Bonnie Quinn [Senior Research Associate, St.F.X.U.]



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