Abstract sentence meanings are grounded in the sensory-motor regions in a context-dependent fashion.

Sentences conveying abstract meanings are crucial tools for high-level thinking and communication. Previous research has sparked a debate on whether abstract concepts rely on the representation of the sensory-motor brain areas. We explored this issue with the assumption that abstract meanings at the sentence level could invoke the sensory-motor regions a context-dependent fashion.

Improved synthesis of chalconoid-like compounds under ultrasound irradiation.

Claisen-Schmidt condensation of various substituted acetophenones with cinnamaldehyde catalyzed by KF-Al2O3 results chalconoid-like compounds, (2E,4E)-1,5-diarylpenta-2,4-dien-1-ones, in 67-92% yields in 5-60 min under ultrasound irradiation.