While satellite cell (SC) activation underpins muscle repair, function requires reinnervation of new myotubes. During early differentiation in repair, SC-derived myoblasts also upregulate expression of a neural chemorepellent, semaphorin3A (Sema3A), thought to mediate axonal ingrowth toward regenerating myotubes. Recent findings indicate that disrupted timing of Sema3A expression (by early SC activation) delays the time-course of […]

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common, sustained form of irregular heartbeat. AF results in complications including heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure. Treatment approaches such as drugs and surgery do exist, but these are limited in effectiveness. The endocannabinoid system is of interest as a therapeutic target for a variety of disorders. We will […]

Surface waters typically have high levels of natural organic matter. The reaction of this organics with chlorine, which is generally used for disinfection, results in the formation of carcinogenic chlorine disinfection by-products (DBPs). Water treatment plants are obliged to come up with appropriate solutions to meet the set guidelines on maximum acceptable levels for these […]

The widespread use of phasor measurement units (PMUs) in power-grids can greatly enhance state-estimation (SE) by making use of accurate, GPS time-stamped synchronous phasor measurements. Unlike conventional SCADA measurements which are reported every 4 seconds, synchro-phasor measurements are typically available as frequently as 30-60 measurements per second. While the availability of more measurements can provide […]

Conventional power systems are based upon ac voltages and currents. Connecting these systems is a simple matter and is done using transformers. Modern power systems wherein renewable energy sources are increasingly deployed often include dc voltages and currents. Connecting these systems is more challenging as conventional transformers will not be applicable. The proposed research is […]

Bulk storage of energy is a relatively new concept in many power systems. Among various energy storage media, batteries have shown great promise as a suitable option for use in power systems. Integrating a battery energy storage system in a power grid is not a trivial task and requires extensive studies to ensure that the […]

The Freshwater Oil Spill Remediation Study (FOReST) project will use small contained oil spills in enclosed environments within a lake to study examine the effectiveness of shoreline cleanup procedures and potential ecological impacts of oil spills. The resilience of freshwater aquatic ecosystems to recover from a spill will also be examined. We will examine the […]

The TransX Group of Companies is Canada’s largest privately owned transportation company. Its mission is to provide integrated transportation solutions to businesses throughout North America. In the fall of 2017, the Winnipeg office of TransX discovered that diesel fuel tanks for their long-haul refrigeration units contained a sludge-like, microbial biofilm and that the fuel filters […]

The research project aims to develop new computer models for accurate representation of battery energy storage systems that are used in modern power systems. In particular state-of-the-art modular multi-level converters with integrated dc-dc converters will be considered. The models to be developed will provide high levels of accuracy and feature low computational intensity so that […]

Battery energy storage systems are used in electric utilities for a variety of applications including back up power for critical equipment. Manitoba Hydro is evaluating two battery chemistries for use in its substations, namely Li-ion and sodium-nickel chemistries. Along with assessment of technical merits of each battery type to determine which chemistry best suits the […]

The world has many ageing bridge structures which are being used well beyond their design service life time. It is of essential interest for the governments and public to insure safety and sustainability of bridges. One of the most advanced techniques used to investigate the conditions of bridges is the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM). The […]

The World Health Organization recommends countries adopt a sugary drink tax to curb consumption. My project aims to explore the acceptability of a sugary drink tax among Indian university students. In order to meet this aim, I will spend three months living on-campus at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. During this time, I will […]