Perineuronal nets affect memory and learning after synapse withdrawal.

Perineuronal nets (PNNs) enwrap mature neurons, playing a role in the control of plasticity and synapse dynamics. PNNs have been shown to have effects on memory formation, retention and extinction in a variety of animal models. It has been proposed that the cavities in PNNs, which contain synapses, can act as a memory store and that they remain stable after events that cause synaptic withdrawal such as anoxia or hibernation.

Thermal Behaviour of Metakaolin/Fly Ash Geopolymers with Chamotte Aggregate.

Geopolymers are generally appreciated for their good resistance against high temperatures. This paper compares the influence of thermal treatment with temperatures ranging from 200 to 1200 °C on the mechanical properties and microstructure of geopolymers based on two different aluminosilicate precursors, metakaolin and fly ash. Moreover, the paper is also aimed at characterizing the effect of chamotte aggregate on the performance of geopolymers subjected to high temperatures.