An experimental apparatus for measuring the Casimir effect at large distances

An experimental set-up for the measurement of the Casimir effect at separations larger than a few microns is presented. The apparatus is based on a mechanical resonator and uses a homodyne detection technique to sense the Casimir force in the plane-parallel configuration. First measurements in the 3-10 micrometer range show an unexpected large force probably due to patch effects.Comment: Proceedings of the workshop On the 60 Years on Casimir Effec

Parametric macromodeling of lossy and dispersive multiconductor transmission lines

We propose an innovative parametric macromodeling technique for lossy and dispersive multiconductor transmission lines (MTLs) that can be used for interconnect modeling. It is based on a recently developed method for the analysis of lossy and dispersive MTLs extended by using the multivariate orthonormal vector fitting (MOVF) technique to build parametric macromodels in a rational form. They take into account design parameters, such as geometrical layout or substrate features, in addition to frequency. The presented technique is suited to generate state-space models and synthesize equivalent circuits, which can be easily embedded into conventional SPICE-like solvers. Parametric macromodels allow to perform design space exploration, design optimization, and sensitivity analysis efficiently. Numerical examples validate the proposed approach in both frequency and time domain

Non intrusive polynomial chaos-based stochastic macromodeling of multiport systems

We present a novel technique to efficiently perform the variability analysis of electromagnetic systems. The proposed method calculates a Polynomial Chaos-based macromodel of the system transfer function that includes its statistical properties. The combination of a non-intrusive Polynomial Chaos approach with the Vector Fitting algorithm allows to describe the system variability features with accuracy and efficiency. The results of the variability analysis performed with the proposed method are verified by means of comparison with respect to the standard Monte Carlo analysis

Time-domain parametric sensitivity analysis of multiconductor transmission lines

We present a new parametric macromodeling technique for lossy and dispersive multiconductor transmission lines (MTLs). This technique can handle design parameters, such as substrate or geometrical layout features, and provide time-domain sensitivity information for voltage and currents at the ports of the lines. It is based on a recently introduced spectral approach for the analysis of lossy and dispersive MTLs [1], [2] and it is suited to generate state-space models and synthesize equivalent circuits, which can be easily embedded into conventional SPICE-like solvers. Parametric macromodels which provide sensitivity information are well suited for design space exploration, design optimization and crosstalk analysis. A numerical example validates the proposed approach in both frequency and time domain

Stochastic macromodeling for hierarchical uncertainty quantification of nonlinear electronic systems

A hierarchical stochastic macromodeling approach is proposed for the efficient variability analysis of complex nonlinear electronic systems. A combination of the Transfer Function Trajectory and Polynomial Chaos methods is used to generate stochastic macromodels. In order to reduce the computational complexity of the model generation when the number of stochastic variables increases, a hierarchical system decomposition is used. Pertinent numerical results validate the proposed methodology

Parameterized model order reduction of delayed systems using an interpolation approach with amplitude and frequency scaling coefficients

When the geometric dimensions become electrically large or signal waveform rise times decrease, time delays must be included in the modeling. We present an innovative PMOR technique for neutral delayed differential systems, which is based on an efficient and reliable combination of univariate model order reduction methods, amplitude and frequency scaling coefficients and positive interpolation schemes. It is able to provide parameterized reduced order models passive by construction over the design space of interest. Pertinent numerical examples validate the proposed PMOR approach

Antibacterial activity of matrix-bound ovotransferrin

Ovotransferrin immobilized by covalent linkage to Sepharose 4B showed a bacteriostatic effect towards Escherichia coli similar to that of free ovotransferrin. The growth of the bacteria, after exposure to the gel-bound ovotransferrin and its removal, depended on the length of exposure. The results suggest that the antibacterial activity of transferrin is not due simply to the removal of iron from the medium

Effect of metabolic and antioxidant supplementation on sperm parameters in oligo-astheno-teratozoospermia, with and without varicocele: a double-blind placebo-controlled study

Since sperm require high energy levels to perform their specialised function, it is vital that essential nutrients are available for spermatozoa when they develop, capacitate and acquire motility. However, they are vulnerable to a lack of energy and excess amounts of reactive oxygen species, which can impair sperm function, lead to immotility, acrosomal reaction impairment, DNA fragmentation and cell death. This monocentric, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effect of 6 months of supplementation with l-carnitine, acetyl-l-carnitine and other micronutrients on sperm quality in 104 subjects with oligo- and/or astheno- and/or teratozoospermia with or without varicocele. In 94 patients who completed the study, sperm concentration was significantly increased in supplemented patients compared to the placebo (p =.0186). Total sperm count also increased significantly (p =.0117) in the supplemented group as compared to the placebo group. Both, progressive and total motility were higher in supplemented patients (p =.0088 and p =.0120, respectively). Although pregnancy rate was not an endpoint of the study, of the 12 pregnancies that occurred during the follow-up, 10 were reported in the supplementation group. In general, all these changes were more evident in varicocele patients. In conclusion, supplementation with metabolic and antioxidant compounds could be efficacious when included in strategies to improve fertility

Skin-Effect Loss Models for Time- and Frequency-Domain PEEC Solver

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