Extended ABCD matrix formalism for the description of femtosecond diffraction patterns; application to femtosecond digital in-line holography with anamorphic optical systems

We present a new model to predict diffraction patterns of femtosecond pulses through complex optical systems. The model is based on the extension of an ABCD matrix formalism combined with generalized Huygens-Fresnel transforms (already used in the CW regime) to the femtosecond regime. The model is tested to describe femtosecond digital in-line holography experiments realized in situ through a cylindrical Plexiglas pipe. The model allows us to establish analytical relations that link the holographic reconstruction process to the experimental parameters of the pipe and of the incident beam itself. Simulations and experimental results are in good concordance. Femtosecond digital in-line holography is shown to allow significant coherent noise reduction, and this model will be particularly efficient to describe a wide range of optical geometries. More generally, the model developed can be easily used in any experiment where the knowledge of the precise evolution of femtosecond transverse patterns is required.     

PSA Depletion Induces the Differentiation of Immature Neurons in the Piriform Cortex of Adult Mice

Immature neurons are maintained in cortical regions of the adult mammalian brain. In rodents, many of these immature neurons can be identified in the piriform cortex based on their high expression of early neuronal markers, such as doublecortin (DCX) and the polysialylated form of the neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM). This molecule plays critical roles in different neurodevelopmental events. Taking advantage of a DCX-CreERT2/Flox-EGFP reporter mice, we investigated the impact of targeted PSA enzymatic depletion in the piriform cortex on the fate of immature neurons. We report here that the removal of PSA accelerated the final development of immature neurons. This was revealed by a higher frequency of NeuN expression, an increase in the number of cells carrying an axon initial segment (AIS), and an increase in the number of dendrites and dendritic spines on the immature neurons. Taken together, our results demonstrated the crucial role of the PSA moiety in the protracted development of immature neurons residing outside of the neurogenic niches. More studies will be required to understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors affecting PSA-NCAM expression to understand how the brain regulates the incorporation of these immature neurons to the established neuronal circuits of the adult brain.     

New Epoxy/Jeffamine networks modified with ionic liquids

Diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A/Jeffamine D400 system was modified with 2.5 and 5.0 phr of ionic liquids based on imidazolium and phosphonium cations denoted N,N ′‐dioctadecyl‐imidazolium iodide, or octadecyl‐triphenylphosphonium iodide, [OdTPP][I], aiming to develop new networked materials with enhanced performance particularly in terms of mechanical properties and conductivity. The curing behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, suggesting that the presence of ionic liquids (ILs) accelerates the curing process of the epoxy system. Then, the networked materials were analyzed by dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical testing. The presence of the ILs did not affect the glass transition temperature but resulted in a decrease on the storage modulus. By transmission electron microscopy, we have highlighted that the ILs are not miscible inside the epoxy matrix. In fact, a phase separation in nanometric scale has been observed. Measurements of conductivity revealed that the system modified with [OdTPP][I] presented higher dielectric constant and higher electrical conductivity. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39834.     

Compatibilization of polypropylene/polyamide 6 blends using new synthetic nanosized talc fillers: Morphology,thermal, and mechanical properties

New synthetic nanotalc and a commercially available natural fine talc (Luzenac© A3) were chosen in order to establish a comparative study in terms of their contributions on the improvement of the morphology as well as the final properties of PP/PA6 blends prepared by melt processing. At first, the TEM and SEM micrographs showed that both talc particles have a preferential affinity for the more hydrophilic polyamide 6 phase compared with the continuous PP matrix. Moreover, in both cases, the addition of talc fillers induces a significant decrease of the size of the PA6 domains but the better compatibilization efficiency was obtained in the presence of synthetic nanotalc particles. In this work, the positive change induced by the talc nanofillers on the crystallization kinetics and final morphology was highlighted. In addition, compared with natural talc, a highly level of dispersion of talc layers has been obtained with the synthetic nanotalc which is more hydrophilic. Thus, this better dispersion greatly improves the thermal stability of PP/PA6 blends and leads to better mechanical properties (+ 40% in Young's modulus). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40453.     

Effect of Fiber Origin,Proportion, and Chemical Composition on the Mechanical and Physical Properties of Wood-Plastic Composites

This study assessed the potential of wood residues as fiber sources for wood-plastic composites (WPC) and examined the impact for intrinsic fiber properties on strength development. Sawmill sawdust, underused wood species, bark, composite panel, and pulp and paper sludge residues were sampled. Fibers were characterized for cellulose content, ash content, and fiber aspect ratio. WPC samples were formed by twin-screw extrusion compounding, followed by injection molding at three fiber proportions. WPC mechanical properties, water uptake, and water swelling increased with increasing fiber proportion, whereas tenacity decreased. WPC made with residues had lower mechanical and physical properties than those made with clean wood, with some exceptions. Kraft sludge produced one of the best WPC formulations in terms of thickness swell, water swelling, tensile strength, and impact energy. Deinking sludge produced the toughest and the most dimensionally stable WPC. Panel industry residues formed roughly similar WPC to those made with clean wood. Bark led to poorest WPC in terms of mechanical properties. High correlation coefficients were found between cellulose content, wood content, and all WPC properties except impact energy. However, the correlations between aspect ratio and the WPC were insignificant.     

Electric Field‐Induced Oxidation of Ferromagnetic/Ferroelectric Interfaces

Composite multiferroics are a new class of material where magneto‐electric coupling is achieved by creating an interface between a ferromagnetic and a ferroelectric compound. The challenge of understanding the chemical and magnetic properties of such interface is a key to achieve good magneto‐electric coupling. The unique possibilities offered by isotope sensitive techniques are used to selectively investigate the interface's chemistry and magnetism in Fe/BaTiO₃ and Fe/LiNbO₃ systems during the application of an electric field. With a large enough electric field, a strong oxidation of Fe is triggered, which creates a magnetically dead interface. This leads to an irreversible decrease of the magneto‐electric coupling properties. Material parameters are identified that determine under which electric field the interface may be modified. The results are confirmed on the two systems and are expected to be widespread in this new class of hybrid material.     

Preparation of high specific surface area hydroxyapatite for environmental applications

We report the preparation of hydroxyapatite in powdered form by aqueous reaction of calcium nitrate or hydroxide with phosphate ion at room temperature. With a slow maturation step of 48 h avoiding heat, the resulting products show large specific surface areas above 150 m²/g. The specific surface areas also depend on stirring speed with a maximum observed with gentle mixing. Ageing causes a decrease in specific surface area which tends to stabilize near 100 m²/g following a 1 year period. The hydroxyapatite may be spray dried and conserve interesting physical properties for environmental applications.