University College Cork

About: University College Cork is a education organization based out in Cork, Ireland. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Irish. The organization has 12056 authors who have published 28452 publications receiving 958414 citations. The organization is also known as: Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh & National University of Ireland, Cork.

Modeling of the wind turbine with a doubly fed induction generator for grid integration studies

Abstract: Due to its many advantages such as the improved power quality, high energy efficiency and controllability, etc. the variable speed wind turbine using a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) is becoming a popular concept and thus the modeling of the DFIG based wind turbine becomes an interesting research topic. Fundamental frequency models have been presented but these models are often complex with significant numerical overhead as the power converter block consisting of power control, rotor side and grid side converter control and DC link are often simulated in detail. This paper develops a simple DFIG wind turbine model in which the power converter is simulated as a controlled voltage source, regulating the rotor current to meet the command of real and reactive power production. This model has the form of traditional generator model and hence is easy to integrate into the power system simulation tool such as PSS/E. As an example, the interaction between the Arklow Bank Wind Farm and the Irish National Grid was simulated using the proposed model. The model performance and accuracy was also compared with the detailed model developed by DIgSILENT. Considering the simplification adopted for the model development, the limitation and applicability of the model were also discussed in this paper.

The role of substance P in inflammatory disease.

Abstract: The diffuse neuroendocrine system consists of specialised endocrine cells and peptidergic nerves and is present in all organs of the body Substance P (SP) is secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells such as macrophages, eosinophils, lymphocytes, and dendritic cells and acts by binding to the neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) SP has proinflammatory effects in immune and epithelial cells and participates in inflammatory diseases of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal systems Many substances induce neuropeptide release from sensory nerves in the lung, including allergen, histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes Patients with asthma are hyperresponsive to SP and NK-1R expression is increased in their bronchi Neurogenic inflammation also participates in virus-associated respiratory infection, non-productive cough, allergic rhinitis, and sarcoidosis SP regulates smooth muscle contractility, epithelial ion transport, vascular permeability, and immune function in the gastrointestinal tract Elevated levels of SP and upregulated NK-1R expression have been reported in the rectum and colon of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and correlate with disease activity Increased levels of SP are found in the synovial fluid and serum of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and NK-1R mRNA is upregulated in RA synoviocytes Glucocorticoids may attenuate neurogenic inflammation by decreasing NK-1R expression in epithelial and inflammatory cells and increasing production of neutral endopeptidase (NEP), an enzyme that degrades SP Preventing the proinflammatory effects of SP using tachykinin receptor antagonists may have therapeutic potential in inflammatory diseases such as asthma, sarcoidosis, chronic bronchitis, IBD, and RA In this paper, we review the role that SP plays in inflammatory disease

Bacterial osmoadaptation: the role of osmolytes in bacterial stress and virulence

Abstract: Two general strategies exist for the growth and survival of prokaryotes in environments of elevated osmolarity. The ‘salt in cytoplasm’ approach, which requires extensive structural modifications, is restricted mainly to members of the Halobacteriaceae. All other species have convergently evolved to cope with environments of elevated osmolarity by the accumulation of a restricted range of low molecular mass molecules, termed compatible solutes owing to their compatibility with cellular processes at high internal concentrations. Herein we review the molecular mechanisms governing the accumulation of these compounds, both in Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, focusing specifically on the regulation of their transport/synthesis systems and the ability of these systems to sense and respond to changes in the osmolarity of the extracellular environment. Finally, we examine the current knowledge on the role of these osmostress responsive systems in contributing to the virulence potential of a number of pathogenic bacteria.

Using the rat forced swim test to assess antidepressant-like activity in rodents.

Abstract: The forced swim test (FST) is one of the most commonly used animal models for assessing antidepressant-like behavior. This protocol details using the FST in rats, which takes place over 48 h and is followed by the video analysis of the behavior. The swim test involves the scoring of active (swimming and climbing) or passive (immobility) behavior when rodents are forced to swim in a cylinder from which there is no escape. There are two versions that are used, namely the traditional and modified FSTs, which differ in their experimental setup. For both versions, a pretest of 15 min (although a number of laboratories have used a 10-min pretest with success) is included, as this accentuates the different behaviors in the 5-min swim test following drug treatment. Reduction in passive behavior is interpreted as an antidepressant-like effect of the manipulation, provided it does not increase general locomotor activity, which could provide a false positive result in the FST.