DalSpace Institutional Repository
DalSpace is a digital service that collects, preserves, and distributes digital material produced by the Dalhousie community.
- To learn about content guidelines, policies, and how to deposit, view the Help documents.
- Contact us to get started submitting content to DalSpace at dalspace@dal.ca
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Quick Response Codes: Finding ebooks in the Stacks
(2011-10-06) Brown, Geoff
Characterization of ALS Patient iPSC-Derived Motor Neurons
(2025-08-01) Reynolds, Paige; Not Applicable; Master of Science; Department of Medical Neuroscience; Received; Dr. Stefan Kruegar; Not Applicable; Dr. Adam Jonhston; Dr. Ying Zhang
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressing fatal neurodegenerative disease. It is characterized by motor neuron (MN) degeneration, which leads to the loss of voluntary movement control and premature mortality. Currently, there is no known cure for ALS. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from ALS patients have become a powerful tool to study disease mechanisms and identify therapeutic targets. Dr. Rafuse’s lab at Dalhousie University has established several iPSC lines sourced from both healthy individuals and ALS patients harboring the genetic mutations C9ORF72 or TARDBP. In addition, the introduction of Channelrhodopsin-2 (CHR2), a light-sensitive protein, into these cell lines enables the manipulation of cell activity via light stimulation. Using whole-cell patch-clamp, this study aims to systematically characterize MNs derived from these human iPSC lines. My findings revealed that iPSCMNs derived from ALS patients exhibited an aberrant developmental trajectory, characterized by increased maturation rates under harsher culture conditions, abnormal activity patterns, and an early decline in action potential output and synaptic activity compared to healthy controls. Furthermore, chronic optic activation had minor impacts on the healthy control group, but more significantly influenced the development and intrinsic properties of ALS iPSC motor neurons. This presents a potential avenue for modulating cellular behavior at varying developmental stages, thereby potentially extending ALS cell survival.
The Role of Pain Sensitization and Muscle Function in Knee Osteoarthritis Mechanics
(2025-08-05) Hannigan, Meaghan; No; Master of Science; School of Physiotherapy (Rehabilitation Research); Received; Dr. Janie Astephen-Wilson; No; Dr. Derek Rutherford; Dr. William Stanish; Dr. Jason McDougall; Dr. Rebecca Moyer
Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) pain is frequently in discordance with structural severity, suggesting sensitization mechanisms. However, the relation of pain sensitization with functional demand and properties remains unexplored, neglecting age-related differences.
This thesis investigated associations of pain sensitization with functional demand (muscle capacity utilization; MCU), and muscle stiffness (shear wave velocity; SWV) in individuals with KOA, exploring age-related differences.
Thirty-one adults with unilateral KOA completed self-reported questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, strength testing, gait analysis, and quadriceps ultrasound elastography. MCU was calculated during walking and stairs.
Pain sensitization was bilateral despite unilateral KOA. MCU was higher in the contralateral limb across tasks. Sensitization and MCU were negatively associated. Quadriceps SWV was moderately associated with sensitization in the affected limb. Sensitization-MCU associations were stronger in younger participants during stairs, and in older adults during walking.
Pain sensitization may contribute to age-related functional compensations in KOA, highlighting the need for interventions tailored to symptoms.
Development and characterization of sustainable coatings for environmentally benign marine transportation applications
(2025-08-01) Sabetbokati, Kazem; No; Doctor of Philosophy; Department of Mechanical Engineering; Not Applicable; Joey Kish; Yes; Ali Nasiri; Vahid Adibnia; Kevin Paul Plucknett
The development and characterization ofsustainable coatings for marine transportation applications is crucial for enhancing the long-term performance and environmental impact of anti-corrosionmaterials. This thesis investigates the effectiveness of eco-friendly corrosion
inhibitors incorporated into epoxy-based coatings, focusing on theirperformance under static and dynamic humid conditions, which replicate the
challenging marine environment. Through a series of rigorous electrochemical,mechanical, and surface analyses, the study evaluates the water-induced
degradation mechanisms of these coatings, the efficacy of various corrosioninhibitors, and the role of novel materials such as graphene in enhancing
coating integrity. The research reveals that water-induced degradationsignificantly impacts the performance of epoxy coatings, particularly under
salt spray and dynamic flow conditions, leading to coating delamination andreduced protective properties. Incorporating eco-friendly inhibitors into the
coatings enhances their resistance to degradation, preserving coating integrityin various humid environments over the long term. The study emphasizes the
importance of understanding the complex interactions between environmentalconditions, inhibitor performance, and coating properties. Additionally, the
investigation into graphene-embedded epoxy coatings demonstrates the potentialof graphene platelets to improve the barrier properties of coatings, although
they can exacerbate corrosion-induced delamination due to reduced interfacialadhesion between the coating and substrate. The use of accelerated aging
techniques revealed that while graphene-embedded coatings offered excellentcorrosion resistance, their long-term performance may be compromised by
adhesion challenges. This work provides valuable insights into the design andoptimization of sustainable coatings for marine applications, emphasizing the
critical role of material selection and inhibitor incorporation to enhance thedurability and environmental compatibility of protective coatings. The findings
contribute to advancing the development of more reliable, eco-friendly coatingsfor use in marine transportation, ensuring better corrosion management and
environmental sustainability.
A Series of Potent BODIPY Photosensitisers Featuring Tellurophene Motifs at Boron
(2024-05-08) Campbel, J.W.; Tung, M.T.; Taylor, B.B.; Beharry, A.A.; Thompson, Alison
Synthesis and Evaluation of Telluorophene- 2 BODIPY Photosensitizers Appended to Estradiol
(2025-05-05) Tung. M.T.; Taylor, B.B.; Beharry, A.A.; Thompson, Alison