The magneto-electric effect in molten salts—1. Visualization and measurement of the magneto-electric voltage in 1-ethyl-pyridinium bromide; comparison of results in the molten salt at 130 °C and in solutions in water and ethanol

The magneto-electric effect has been studied using 1-ethyl-pyridinium bromide in both the molten state and in solution in water or ethanol. The production of stable, coloured radical cations allows one to observe their movement in the cell. From the results it is possible to establish a relationship between the magneto-electric voltage and the type and behaviour of the electrolyte, to better understand the magneto-electric effect in ionic liquid media and to explain the apparent non-reproducibility of certain results. A Lorentz force causes a deviation in the trajectory of charge carriers. This deviation in current lines produces differences in charge concentration in the cell, particularly between the measurement probes. Thus the physical significance of the observed voltage is different from that of the Hall voltage described for electronic solid conductors.     

Full-building radiation shielding for climate control in desert regions

The efficacy of full-building radiation barriers for use in climate control has been analyzed both analytically and experimentally. The mutually reinforcing results suggest that heat transfer through corrugated metal roofs can be dramatically reduced through the use of inexpensive, highly reflective sheets. The experiments were performed on two types of structures, one with a single metal roof and the other fabricated with a dual-roof system. In both cases, it was found that the radiative barriers provide excellent insulation. The reduction of heat transfer from the roof to the building proper was determined both analytically and through experiment. The excellent agreement between the two solution methods suggest that either technique is sufficient for future use.     

Cobalt Carbonyl‐Based Catalyst for Hydrosilylation of Carboxamides

The cobalt carbonyl [Co₂(CO)₈] complex is employed as a useful catalyst for the reduction of tertiary amides to the corresponding tertiary amines using 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) and poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) as silane reagents under thermal (100 °C) or photo‐assisted conditions (UV, 350 nm at room temperature). Of particular interest, a low catalytic amount (0.5 mol%) of [Co₂(CO)₈] is used to perform the reaction with 2.2 equiv. of PMHS at 100 °C for 3 h. This reaction is the first example of a cobalt‐catalyzed hydrosilylation of amides.

     

The C-Terminal Domain of LRRK2 with the G2019S Substitution Increases Mutant A53T α-Synuclein Toxicity in Dopaminergic Neurons In Vivo

Alpha-synuclein (α-syn) and leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) play crucial roles in Parkinson’s disease (PD). They may functionally interact to induce the degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons via mechanisms that are not yet fully understood. We previously showed that the C-terminal portion of LRRK2 (ΔLRRK2) with the G2019S mutation (ΔLRRK2^G2019S) was sufficient to induce neurodegeneration of DA neurons in vivo, suggesting that mutated LRRK2 induces neurotoxicity through mechanisms that are (i) independent of the N-terminal domains and (ii) “cell-autonomous”. Here, we explored whether ΔLRRK2^G2019S could modify α-syn toxicity through these two mechanisms. We used a co-transduction approach in rats with AAV vectors encoding ΔLRRK2^G2019S or its “dead” kinase form, ΔLRRK2^DK, and human α-syn with the A53T mutation (AAV-α-syn^A53T). Behavioral and histological evaluations were performed at 6- and 15-weeks post-injection. Results showed that neither form of ΔLRRK2 alone induced the degeneration of neurons at these post-injection time points. By contrast, injection of AAV-α-syn^A53T alone resulted in motor signs and degeneration of DA neurons. Co-injection of AAV-α-syn^A53T with AAV-ΔLRRK2^G2019S induced DA neuron degeneration that was significantly higher than that induced by AAV-α-syn^A53T alone or with AAV-ΔLRRK2^DK. Thus, mutated α-syn neurotoxicity can be enhanced by the C-terminal domain of LRRK2^G2019 alone^, through cell-autonomous mechanisms.     

Grignard‐Type Arylation of Aldehydes via a Rhodium‐Catalyzed C?H Activation under Mild Conditions

An efficient Grignard‐type arylation of aldehydes via aryl C H activation was achieved under mild conditions catalyzed by rhodium. The reaction provides an easy access to a wide variety of benzyl alcohols and can tolerate various functional groups as well as air and water.     

Removal of ammonia from air on molybdenum and tungsten oxide modified activated carbons

Microporous coconut-based activated carbon was impregnated with solutions of ammonium metatungstate or ammonium molybdate and then calcined in air in order to convert the salts into their corresponding oxides. The surface of those materials was characterized using adsorption of nitrogen, potentiometric titration, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermal analysis. The results indicated a significant increase in surface acidity related to the presence of tungsten or molybdenum oxides. On the materials obtained, adsorption of ammonia from either dry or moist air was carried out. The oxides distributed on the surface provided Lewis and/or Br?nsted centers for interactions with ammonia molecules or ammonium ions. Water on the surface of carbon or in the gas phase increased the amount of ammonia adsorbed via involvement of Br?nsted-type interactions and/or by leading to the formation of molybdate or tungstate salts on the surface. Although the amount of ammonia adsorbed is closely related to the number of moles of oxides and their acidic centers, the carbon surface also contributes to the adsorption via providing small pores where ammonia can be dissolved in the water film.