Genetic correlations between pain phenotypes and depression and neuroticism

Correlations between pain phenotypes and psychiatric traits such as depression and the personality trait of neuroticism are not fully understood. In this study, we estimated the genetic correlations of eight pain phenotypes (defined by the UK Biobank, n = 151,922–226,683) with depressive symptoms, major depressive disorders and neuroticism using the the cross-trait linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC) method integrated in the LD Hub. We also used the LDSC software to calculate the genetic correlations among pain phenotypes. All pain phenotypes, except hip pain and knee pain, had significant and positive genetic correlations with depressive symptoms, major depressive disorders and neuroticism. All pain phenotypes were heritable, with pain all over the body showing the highest heritability (h 2 = 0.31, standard error = 0.072). Many pain phenotypes had positive and significant genetic correlations with each other indicating shared genetic mechanisms. Our results suggest that pain, neuroticism and depression share partially overlapping genetic risk factors. </p

Converter- and Module-level Packaging for High Power Density and High Efficiency Power Conversion

Advancements in the converter- and module-level packaging will be the key for the development of the emerging high-power, high power-density, high-eciency power conversion applications, such as traction, shipboards, more-electric-aircraft, and locomotive. Wide bandgap (WBG) devices such as silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET attract much attention in these applications for their fast switching speeds, resulting in low loss and a consequent possibility for high switching frequency to increase the power density. However, for high-current, high power implementations, WBG devices are still available in small die sizes. Multiple SiC devices need to be connected in parallel to replace a large IGBT die. It is challenging to realize high-switching-frequency and low loss with a lot of parallel devices due to the inherent parameter dierences, which lead to unbalanced dynamic current sharing resulting in unequal temperature distribution and overstress. Apart from the technical challenges, the price of SiC modules is another roadblock for its widespread application. The paralleling of a large number of SiC chips in the module to handle high current increases the module cost. Hence, this work proposes a Si-IGBT and SiC-MOSFET-based hybrid switch solution. For a converter-level packaging, the device technology, available device package, and orientation of the pins are the essential governing factors. This work addresses the converter-level packaging, which is referred to as a power electronics building block, of the proposed hybrid switch, combining discrete packages and frame-based modules for the devices and a singlephase three-level T-type topology. The primary optimization objective for converter-level packaging includes low inductance busbar design, high eciency, and high specic and volumetric power density. Overall implementation is not trivial; however, this work achieves an optimum design compared to the state-of-the-art. The module-level packaging challenges are dependent on the type of device technology and topology. Reducing the parasitic inductances, capacitances, and the junction to case thermal resistance are the optimization objectives in module packaging. Given the intended application of the module, achieving a high-reliability module is also essential. This work includes a hybrid switch-based power module addressing the challenges of WBG module-level packaging and challenges specic to the hybrid switch. The availability of engineering samples of SiC MOSFETs with voltage ratings above 10 kV and commercialization in the future drive the module-level packaging of high voltage devices. High voltage power modules will support the development of future solid-state circuit breakers, transformers, and power conversion applications in shipboards and rolling stocks. The availability of these modules can eliminate the necessity of multilevel topologies. This work investigates and demonstrates the module-level packaging of HV (10-15 kV) SiC MOSFETs

A Hybrid Model Approach for Achieving the Highest Level of Matching Between the “Print and Original” in the Sheet-Fed Offset Pr

This study was designed to explore an optimized hybrid system through dual measurement approach of contrast measurement method and CIE L*a*b* measurement method to arrive a logical interface for achieving the highest matching between the print and original in sheet fed offset printing process. The work was started with the detailed study of contrast measurement, CIE L*a*b* measurement method, visual and computational intelligence based assessment and control. The master was designed in such a way that value of density and other values can be measured easily in effective way. X-Rite eXact instrument is used for capturing the readings, the 10 standard observers were selected initially by manual method and finally by using on line Fransworth-Munsell 100 Hue Colour Vision Test and visual assessments and judgement were done on X-Rite’s Macbeth Lighting Booth and their visual assessments are recorded, analyzed and represented. All the parameters like Paper, Ink, Measuring Conditions and Measuring Instruments etc. were maintained in compliance with ISO specifications. After the analysis of data, the study reached to the following main conclusion i.e. It is observed that almost in all the cases, preference of the Standard Observers are for Delta E Value leading to the higher contrast value instead of Minimum Delta E with less contrast value. Therefore the dual approach of “Hybrid System” will help us to arrive at the most convincing, measurable and perceptually acceptable print result which will be the highest (closest) match to the original by clubbing the best of “CIE Lab, Contrast Method and Standard Observers Visual Perception” as there are positives and negatives in all these three when one approaches individually. The objective of this paper was to develop a dual measurement approach of CIE Lab & Contrast to arrive at a logical inference for the highest level of matching between the original and print in the sheet fed offset printing

Analysis of Link Availability in FSO-OFDM System under Various Climatic Conditions

Free Space Optics (FSO) is an emerging solution for the last mile broad band connectivity where deployment of fiber is expensive. This wireless technology has attracted the researchers due to the ease of erecting along the windows and terrace and the abundant bandwidth available in the unlicensed band. Combining OFDM with FSO gives a hybrid technique -&nbsp;OFDM based FSO or FSO-OFDM in which OFDM symbol modulates the light that passes through free space. Various predictable and unpredictable phenomena cause variation in the light that causes the fading effect of the received signal. Besides the atmospheric effect, the signal power varies within the symbol. The link availability has been calculated by setting threshold power at the receiver. The simulation of the OFDM based FSO system under three climatic conditions namely summer, winter and rainy has been observed that shows the link availability is 99.3% for summer, 98.32% for winter and 98.99% for rainy condition. Under worst climatic condition link availability is 98.17%. Thus FSO- OFDM is able to provide better connectivity even under any atmospheric condition

Novel evaluation framework for sensing spread spectrum in cognitive radio

The cognitive radio network is designed to cater to the optimization demands of restricted spectrum availability. A review of existing literature on spectrum sensing shows that there is still a broader scope for its improvement. Therefore, this paper introduces an efficient computational framework capable of evaluating the effectiveness of the spread spectrum concept in the context of cognitive radio network in a more scalable and granular way. The proposed method introduces a dual hypothesis using a different set of dependable parameters to emphasize the detection of optimal energy for a low signal quality state over the noise. The proposed evaluation framework is benchmarked using a statistical analysis method not present in any existing approaches toward spread spectrum sensing. The simulated outcome of the study exhibits that the proposed system offers a significantly better probability of detection than the current system using a simplified evaluation scheme with multiple test parameters

Art outcome in combined group of women with premature ovarian failure and menopausal women

Background: It is to present an overview of the study of the ART cycles in combined group of women with premature ovarian failure (POF) and menopausal women in 1 year period. Purpose of the study was to know the pregnancy outcome in this combined group. Since majority of the patients who entered our tertiary hospital had already received various treatment methods such as gonadotropins, long protocols and ultra-short protocols in previous hospitals with no positive result, we had to take them directly to the ovum donation (OD) or embryo donation (ED).Methods: A simple study was performed from 1st January, 2015 to 31st December, 2015. Women with POF and menopause were enrolled and complete follow up of them was done from their first visit till stable pregnancy of 14 weeks was achieved. While doing this, we considered various parameters which can affect the ART outcome, for e.g. endometrial evaluation, hysteroscopy findings, proliferative phase preparation, leuteal support, semen analysis etc. The study outcome results included pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate.Results: In spite of good efforts, ultimately, stable pregnancy rate (beyond 14 weeks gestation) of these women was only 35% that was almost one third of the total study population that too with the help of OD and ED. Pregnancy rate was actually 42%, out of which 7% had miscarriage. With all the cost, efforts and time involved, 65% (2/3rd) of women could not achieve successful pregnancy.Conclusions: Since the possibility of pregnancy gradually declines after the age of 30 and a steep fall in fertility after the age of 35, women should be advised not to postpone marriages and should be encouraged to have children earlier