Chemical Connections Research Articles

Optical Manipulations Reveal Strong Reciprocal Inhibition But Limited Recurrent Excitation within Olfactory Bulb Glomeruli.

The local circuitry within olfactory bulb (OB) glomeruli filters, transforms, and facilitates information transfer from olfactory sensory neurons to bulb output neurons. Two key elements of this circuit are glutamatergic tufted cells (TCs) and GABAergic periglomerular (PG) cells, both of which actively shape mitral cell activity and bulb output. A subtype of TCs, the external TCs (eTCs), can synaptically excite PG cells, but there are unresolved questions about other aspects of the glomerular connections, including the extent of connectivity between eTCs and the precise nature of reciprocal interactions between TCs and PG cells. We combined patch-clamp recordings in OB slices and optophysiological tools to investigate local functional connections within glomeruli of mice and rats. When TCs that express cholecystokinin (CCK) were optically suppressed, excitatory inputs to “uniglomerular” PG cells that extend dendrites to one glomerulus were decreased, consistent with TC activation being required for most excitation of these PG cells. However, TC suppression had no effect on EPSCs in eTCs, arguing that TCs make few, if any, direct glutamatergic synaptic connections with eTCs. The absence of synaptic connections among eTCs was also supported by recordings in eTC pairs. Last, we show using similar optical suppression methods that GAD65-expressing PG cells, mainly uniglomerular cells, provide strong inhibition in eTCs. Our results imply that the local network of CCK-expressing TCs form potent reciprocal chemical synaptic connections with GAD65-expressing uniglomerular PG cells but not eTCs. This configuration favors local inhibition over recurrent excitation within a glomerulus, limiting its output.

Facile synthesis of silica composite films with good mechanical property for spectrally broadband antireflection coatings

Recently, antireflection films have been widely used in the glass cover of solar cells because it can improve the solar transmittance obviously and are usually prepared by a facile sol-gel method and subsequent annealing process. However, the annealing process is complicated, leading to a large preparation cost. In order to solve the problem, a facile one-step annealing method under ammonia mixed atmosphere was developed to prepare the silica composite films with good mechanical property for antireflection coatings. The obtained silica composite film exhibited enhanced hardness of H and good solar transmittance increase of 3.74% in the wavelength range from 380 nm to 1100 nm compared with bare glass substrate. This is mainly because that the ethoxy in the films can be further hydrolyzed to hydroxyl in mixed ammonia gas atmosphere to intensify self-condensation reaction of hydroxyl in the film, leading to a reduced distance between particles for enhanced hardness and a decrease in the film thickness to increase solar transmittance. The increase of chemical connection between particles can improve the mechanical property of the film obviously. Therefore, this work can provide a facile way to simultaneously improve the mechanical performance and the visible transmittance of the antireflection film.

Bioactive glass with biocompatible polymers for bone applications

Conventionally, to permeate and repair bone defects, bioactive glasses have been used. Currently, this group of bio-materials has become a rising study for bone tissue engineering applications. 45S5 Bio glass of Larry Hench was the prime artificial material developed to generate a chemical connection with the bone, introducing the domain of bioactive ceramics. Bioactive glass is exceptionally biocompatible and can constitute a HA coat when rooted in the physique. Several characteristics of bioactive glasses, including sterile characteristics, can be nurture by accumulating a variety of biocompatible polymers into the glass. This study aims to review the modern and upgrade evolution of glass for bone regeneration. For bioactive glass containing biocompatible polymers, various synthesized techniques have been developed, including electrospinning, fabrication process, sol–gel process, ultrasonic power, magnetic stirrer, solvent casting technique, and microscopic technique. The materials for bone repair are such as Zein, 58S, Tri-Calcium Phosphate, and Zirconia. Bio-glasses are amorphous silicate-based constituents that connect to osseous matter and can restore newfangled bone progress while dissolving concluded period. As a result, they may restore the ailing or defective bone to its former condition and purpose (osteogenesis).

Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry Assisted Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

Multidimensional Mass Spectrometry Assisted Metallo-Supramolecular Chemistry

A connectome is not enough - what is still needed to understand the brain of Drosophila?

Understanding the structure and operation of any nervous system has been a subject of research for well over a century. A near-term opportunity in this quest is to understand the brain of a model species, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. This is an enticing target given its relatively small size (roughly 200,000 neurons), coupled with the behavioral richness that this brain supports, and the wide variety of techniques now available to study both brain and behavior. It is clear that within a few years we will possess a connectome for D. melanogaster: an electron-microscopy-level description of all neurons and their chemical synaptic connections. Given what we will soon have, what we already know and the research that is currently underway, what more do we need to know to enable us to understand the fly's brain? Here, we itemize the data we will need to obtain, collate and organize in order to build an integrated model of the brain of D. melanogaster.

A Superhydrophobic Moso Bamboo Cellulose Nano-Fibril Film Modified by Dopamine Hydrochloride.

The moso bamboo fiber powder was used as raw material to prepare cellulose nano-fibril films, 5% of polyvinyl alcohol solution was used as a structural reinforcement agent, dopamine hydrochloride (DA) was used as a surface adhesive, and hexadecyl trimethoxy silane was used as a surface modifier. The superhydrophobic films were prepared by vacuum filtration and impregnation. The results showed that the water contact angle on the surface of the film could reach 156°. The microstructure and chemical composition of the film surface was further studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and roughness measurement The scanning electron microscopy images showed that the nanofibers on the surface of Cellulose nanofibers film were arranged and randomly distributed, thus forming a dense network interwoven structure. In PDA hydrophobic modification solution, an Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane was hydrolyzed to a hexadecyl silanol to obtain the polar terminal hydroxyl of Hexadecyl silanol molecule. The -OCH3 terminal group of HDTMS reacted with hydroxyl/H2O to form a silanol (Si-OH) bond and further condensed to form a Si-O-Si network. In addition, due to the hydrophilicity of the surface of the nano cellulose film, a large amount of—OH was adsorbed on the surface of the nano cellulose film, resulted in the chemical connection between cetyl groups, thus realized the grafting of cetyl long-chain alkyl groups onto the fibers of the nano cellulose film.The film showed good self-cleaning and waterproof properties, which can be widely used in wet environment packaging and building.

PUPIL enables mapping and stamping of transient electrical connectivity in developing nervous systems.

Currently, many genetic methods are available for mapping chemical connectivity, but analogous methods for electrical synapses are lacking. Here, we present pupylation-based interaction labeling (PUPIL), a genetically encoded system for noninvasively mapping and stamping transient electrical synapses in the mouse brain. Upon fusion of connexin 26 (CX26) with the ligase PafA, pupylation yields tag puncta following conjugation of its substrate, a biotin- or fluorescent-protein-tagged PupE, to the neighboring proteins of electrical synapses containing CX26-PafA. Tag puncta are validated to correlate well with functional electrical synapses in immature neurons. Furthermore, puncta are retained in mature neurons when electrical synapses mostly disappear-suggesting successful stamping. We use PUPIL to uncover spatial subcellular localizations of electrical synapses and approach their physiological functions during development. Thus, PUPIL is a powerful tool for probing electrical connectivity patterns in complex nervous systems and has great potential for transient receptors and ion channels as well.

High-performance olfactory receptor-derived peptide sensor for trimethylamine detection based on Steglich esterification reaction and native chemical ligation connection

Trimethylamine (TMA) commonly exists in daily life and is harmful to human health, therefore the convenient and sensitive monitoring of TMA is highly desired. In this study, we developed a method to fabricate a high-performance TMA sensor by chemically conjugating olfactory receptor-derived peptides (ORPs) to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) on interdigital electrodes. First, the SWCNTs were modified with thioester by Steglich esterification reaction. Next, the ORPs with a cysteine residue at the N-terminus were connected to the thioester by native chemical ligation and modified to the surface of the SWCNTs. The chemical connection method enabled more effective loading of ORPs to the SWCNTs compared to the previously reported physical connection method. Using this approach, the ORPs-SWCNTs sensor for gaseous TMA was fabricated and enabled detection of TMA with a concentration as low as 0.01 parts per trillion, which was three orders of magnitude lower than the reported lowest detection limit up to date. Furthermore, we tested the performance of the ORP-sensor with vaporized TMA and TMA generated from various spoiled food, and the sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and stability for TMA detection. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed chemical connection method for the fabrication of ORP-sensor and the great potential of using these sensors for applications in environmental safety, food quality evaluation, and healthcare.

Short non-coded peptides interacting with cofactors facilitated the integration of early chemical networks

Independently developed iron-sulphur/thioester- and phosphate-driven chemical reactions would have set up two distinct reaction networks prior to coupling in a proto-metabolic system supporting a minimal organisation closure. Each chemical system assisted initially by simple catalysts and then by more complex cofactors would have provided the precursors of the small metabolites and monomer units along with their respective polymers through dehydrating template-independent assemblies. For example, acylation reactions mediated by activated thioester groups produced peptides, fatty acids and polyhydroxyalkanoates, while phosphorylation reactions by phosphorylating agents allowed the synthesis of polysaccharides, polyribonucleotides and polyphosphates. Here, we address how these independent chemical systems might fit together and shaped a proto-metabolic system, focusing specifically on cofactors as molecular fossils of metabolism. As a result, the proposed overview suggests that non-coded peptides capable of binding a variety of ligands, but in particular with a redox active versatility and/or group transfer potential could have facilitated the chemical connections that led to a minimal closure with a proto-metabolism. Later developments would have made it possible to establish a cellular organisation with more complex and interdependent metabolic pathways.

The Intermolecular NOE Depends on Isotope Selection: Short Range vs Long Range Behavior.

The nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) is a powerful tool in molecular structure elucidation, combining the subtle chemical shift of NMR and three-dimensional information independent of chemical connectivity. Its usage for intermolecular studies, however, is fundamentally limited by an unspecific long-ranged interaction behavior. This joint experimental and computational work shows that proper selection of interacting isotopes can overcome these limitations: Isotopes with strongly differing gyromagnetic ratios give rise to short-ranged intermolecular NOEs. In this light, existing NOE experiments need to be re-evaluated and future ones can be designed accordingly. Thus, a new chapter on intermolecular structure elucidation is opened.

Connectomes across development reveal principles of brain maturation.

An animal's nervous system changes as its body grows from birth to adulthood and its behaviours mature1-8. The form and extent of circuit remodelling across the connectome is unknown3,9-15. Here we used serial-section electron microscopy to reconstruct the full brain of eight isogenic Caenorhabditis elegans individuals across postnatal stages to investigate how it changes with age. The overall geometry of the brain is preserved from birth to adulthood, but substantial changes in chemical synaptic connectivity emerge on this consistent scaffold. Comparing connectomes between individuals reveals substantial differences in connectivity that make each brain partly unique. Comparing connectomes across maturation reveals consistent wiring changes between different neurons. These changes alter the strength of existing connections and create new connections. Collective changes in the network alter information processing. During development, the central decision-making circuitry is maintained, whereas sensory and motor pathways substantially remodel. With age, the brain becomes progressively more feedforward and discernibly modular. Thus developmental connectomics reveals principles that underlie brain maturation.

Impermeable Graphene Oxide Protects Silicon from Oxidation.

The presence of a natural silicon oxide (SiOx) layer over the surface of silicon (Si) has been a roadblock for hybrid semiconductor and organic electronics technology. The presence of an insulating oxide layer is a limiting operational factor, which blocks charge transfer and therefore electrical signals for a range of applications. Etching the SiOx layer by fluoride solutions leaves a reactive Si-H surface that is only stable for few hours before it starts reoxidizing under ambient conditions. Controlled passivation of silicon is also of key importance for improving Si photovoltaic efficiency. Here, we show that a thin layer of graphene oxide (GOx) prevents Si surfaces from oxidation under ambient conditions for more than 30 days. In addition, we show that the protective GOx layer can be modified with molecules enabling a functional surface that allows for further chemical conjugation or connections with upper electrodes, while preserving the underneath Si in a nonoxidized form. The GOx layer can be switched electrochemically to reduced graphene oxide, allowing the development of a dynamic material for molecular electronics technologies. These findings demonstrate that 2D materials are alternatives to organic self-assembled monolayers that are typically used to protect and tune the properties of Si and open a realm of possibilities that combine Si and 2D materials technologies.

Phase-locking intermittency induced by dynamical heterogeneity in networks of thermosensitive neurons.

In this work, we study the phase synchronization of a neural network and explore how the heterogeneity in the neurons' dynamics can lead their phases to intermittently phase-lock and unlock. The neurons are connected through chemical excitatory connections in a sparse random topology, feel no noise or external inputs, and have identical parameters except for different in-degrees. They follow a modification of the Hodgkin-Huxley model, which adds details like temperature dependence, and can burst either periodically or chaotically when uncoupled. Coupling makes them chaotic in all cases but each individual mode leads to different transitions to phase synchronization in the networks due to increasing synaptic strength. In almost all cases, neurons' inter-burst intervals differ among themselves, which indicates their dynamical heterogeneity and leads to their intermittent phase-locking. We argue then that this behavior occurs here because of their chaotic dynamics and their differing initial conditions. We also investigate how this intermittency affects the formation of clusters of neurons in the network and show that the clusters' compositions change at a rate following the degree of intermittency. Finally, we discuss how these results relate to studies in the neuroscience literature, especially regarding metastability.

Zeolite-imidazole framework derived nickel-cobalt hydroxide on ultrathin MXene nanosheets for long life and high performance supercapacitance

Zeolite-imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) are the promising materials for supercapacitors (SC), however, the shortcomings of easy agglomeration, low conductivity and low stability limit the further improvement of their electrochemical properties. Hence, in order to produce high-performance SC, ZIFs are usually grown directly on some conductive substrates or post-treated. In this paper, MXene was explored as the substrate and Ni-doped ZIF-67 (denoted as NiCo-ZIF-67) was in situ anchored on negatively charged MXene surface via chemical bonds to supply more available active sites for the enhancement of capacitance. At the same time, the surface functional groups in MXene can also enhance the chemical connection between NiCo-ZIF-67 and MXene to attain higher ion diffusion and charge transfer rates. The size of the NiCoZDH (ZIFs-derived double hydroxide denoted as ZDH) obtained by the alkali treatment of NiCo-ZIF-67 is smaller, which is good for increasing specific surface area. The prepared composite MXene/NiCoZDH electrode shows a larger specific capacitance (877 F g-1) than MXene/NiCo-ZIF-67 (460 F·g-1), NiCoZDH (354 F g-1), NiCo-ZIF-67 (130 F g-1) and MXene (15 F g-1), and superior cycling stability with a capacitance retention of 90.9% after 30000 cycles. Additionally, the assembled asymmetric supercapacitor delivers an energy density of 34 Wh kg-1 at the power density of 748 W kg-1 and maintains 93.3% of the initial capacitance after 30,000 cycles.

Water-soluble polysiloxane sizing for improved heat resistance of basalt fiber

Basalt fiber is widely applied in composite materials. Recent years, it has a new application in filter bags. But commercial sizing agent always decomposes at 300 °C, which limits the application of basalt fiber above 300 °C. To solve this problem, in this study, a water-soluble polysiloxane sizing agent was synthesized and used to coat basalt fiber to improve its heat resistance. TG-DSC results showed the polysiloxanes starts to decompose at 370 °C. SEM and AFM results indicated that the surface of the fiber was wrapped by an organic coating. Abrasion tests showed friction factors of basalt fibers were decreased by the coating. XPS study showed there was a chemical connection between the layer and surface. Results of contact angles showed the surface energies of the fiber have increased after coated. Mechanical tests showed the breaking force of the coated basalt fiber could be maintained above 76% at 300 °C, which was 3.8 times that of unsized fiber, and kept above 49% at 400 °C, which was 2.4 times that of unsized fiber.

Chemical Connectivity and Multi-Element Composition of Groundwater in Depressional Wetlands

Chemical Connectivity and Multi-Element Composition of Groundwater in Depressional Wetlands

Retrofitting Masonry Walls against Out-Of-Plane Loading with Timber Based Panels

Unreinforced masonry walls are prone to failure when subjected to out-of-plane loading. This is due to their low performance in bending, and often the lack of appropriate connection to returning walls and floors. This paper investigates the possibility to use oriented strand boards (OSB) panels to improve the out-of-plane performance of brick masonry walls. The proposed technique considers securing OSB type-3 panels behind masonry walls with chemical and mechanical connections. The work presents finite element models to predict their behaviour. The models have been calibrated and validated through a three-phase experimental campaign, aimed at (a) characterizing the main structural components, (b) studying the out-of-plane behaviour of small-scale masonry prisms and (c) studying the behaviour of 1115 × 1115 × 215 mm masonry walls. The finite element models developed are based on a micromodel technique developed in ABAQUS and demonstrated to adequately capture the behaviour of both plain and retrofitted models to the ultimate load. The models also show an excellent correlation of the compressive damage and tensile damage with the experimental failure pattern. Generally, the model predicted the peak load and the corresponding failure and toughness to within less than 10% of the average test results.

Clinical Environment to Improve Operations, Medical and Surgical Applications: Study of Alternative Model of Carbon Connection of Diamond

Carbon Materials, especially interesting for practical application in the different areas of science andtechnique, by virtue of the numerous unique physical and chemical properties. The popular object ofresearches presently is allotropic modification of carbon – diamond that is examined as a classic modelcrystal. One of the most effective going near research of physical and chemical properties of diamondis his study by means of preliminary computer design of the studied dielectric descriptions. The authorsof the article examine the traditional and alternative mathematical models of the electronic configurationof nonpolar valency chemical connection of diamond. Results over of design of dielectric descriptionsof resilient electronic polarization of the examined material are brought on the basis of an offer physicalinterpretation of electronic structure.

Biobased dynamic hydrogels by reversible imine bonding for controlled release of thymopentin

Thymopentin (TP5) is widely used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, but the short in vivo half-life of TP5 strongly restricts its clinical applications. A series of blank and TP5 loaded hydrogels were synthesized via reversible dual imine bonding by mixing water soluble O-carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) with a dynamer (Dy) prepared from Jeffamine and benzene-1,3,5-tricarbaldehyde. TP5 release from hydrogels was studied at 37 °C under in vitro conditions. The molar mass of CMCS, drug loading conditions and drug content were varied to elucidate their effects on hydrogel properties and drug release behaviors. Density functional theory was applied to theoretically confirm the chemical connections between TP5 or CMCS with Dy. All hydrogels exhibited interpenetrating porous architecture with average pore size from 59 to 83 μm, and pH-sensitive swelling up to 10,000% at pH 8. TP5 encapsulation affected the rheological properties of hydrogels as TP5 was partially attached to the network via imine bonding. Higher TP5 loading led to higher release rates. Faster release was observed at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.4 due to lower stability of imine bonds in acidic media. Fitting of release data using Higuchi model showed that initial TP5 release was essentially diffusion controlled. All these findings proved that the dynamic hydrogels are promising carriers for controlled delivery of hydrophilic drugs, and shed new light on the design of drug release systems by both physical mixing and reversible covalent bonding.

Enhancement mechanism of the organic nano-montmorillonite and its effect on the properties of wood fiber/HDPE composite

Wood-plastic-composite (WPC) is a green environmentally friendly material, however, its relative low mechanical strength and weak thermal stability prohibited its wide application. In this study, the nano-montmorillonite (MMT) modified with silane and reinforced the HDPE/wood fiber (Populus tometosa Carr., 40–100 mesh) composite were prepared by injection molding technique for the performance enhancing of the WPC. The mechanism of the silane surface grafting, nano-OMMT intercalation, and its effects on the physical and mechanical properties of the WPC were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical tests, respectively. The results show that during the melting process, the nano-OMMT was completely stratified and dispersed in the plastic matrix, silane formed an effective chemical bond with wood fiber and established a chemical connection with the OMMT surface, which significantly improved their interfacial compatibility. With the increase of the nano-OMMT, the mechanical properties of the composite first increased and then decreased with the amount of the added nano-OMMT, while the properties of flame retardant, thermal stability, mechanics, and hydrophobicity all increased significantly with the increase of the nano-OMMT content. Specifically, the optimal value for the impact, tensile, and flexural strength properties (38.1 MPa, 21.4 KJ.m−2, and 60.8 MPa) are achieved at the nano-OMMT amount of 10 %, the HRR and MLR of the prepared composite decreased by 17.7 % and 12.19 %, respectively. This study can contribute to the wide application of the high-performance WPC.