Mo doping of layered Li (NixMnyCo1‐x‐y‐zMz)O2 cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries

We systematically investigated the effects of Mo doping on the structure, morphology, and the electrochemical performance of Li (Ni_xMn_yCo_{1‐x‐y‐z}M_z)O₂ (NMC) cathode materials for Li‐ion batteries. Layered NMC cathodes were synthesized with the ratio of 111, 622, and 226 via spray pyrolysis yielding submicron‐sized aggregates in the shape of hollow spherical particles. We performed X‐ray diffraction analyses to determine the present phases and the ordering in structure. X‐ray diffraction pattern of Mo‐doped 111, 226, and 622 cathodes showed well‐defined [006]/[102] and [108]/[110] doublets, indicating the layered structure, and good hexagonal ordering. Galvanostatic charge/discharge and electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements were carried out to reveal the effect of Mo doping on the electrochemical performance of the cathodes. Charge/discharge measurements after 20 cycles indicated that the Mo‐doped 111 and 622 NMC cathodes performed a capacity retention of 80% and 81% respectively. Present findings reveal the stabilization effect of Mo in layered NMC structure, especially in the case of Ni‐rich NMC cathodes.     

Predictive simulation of damping effects in machine tools

A predictive simulation of the different damping effects in machine tools is required to optimize the dynamic behavior and thus increase their performance and working accuracy. Previously, holistic optimization based on damping was not possible due to non-predictive damping models and the lack of adequate modeling approaches. This paper presents a modeling approach, which allows the efficient simulation of the dynamic behavior. By applying this procedure and suitable damping and friction models, the dynamic behavior of a four-axes machining center was simulated with high accuracy – FRAC values above 95% were achieved.     

The Anthelmintic Drug Niclosamide and Its Analogues Activate the Parkinson's Disease Associated Protein Kinase PINK1

Mutations in PINK1, which impair its catalytic kinase activity, are causal for autosomal recessive early‐onset Parkinson's disease (PD). Various studies have indicated that the activation of PINK1 could be a useful strategy in treating neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD. Herein, it is shown that the anthelmintic drug niclosamide and its analogues are capable of activating PINK1 in cells through the reversible impairment of the mitochondrial membrane potential. With these compounds, for the first time, it is demonstrated that the PINK1 pathway is active and detectable in primary neurons. These findings suggest that niclosamide and its analogues are robust compounds for the study of the PINK1 pathway and may hold promise as a therapeutic strategy in PD and related disorders.     

Niclosamide,a Drug with Many (Re)purposes

Niclosamide is an anthelmintic drug that has been used for over 50 years mainly to treat tapeworm infections. However, with the increase in drug repurposing initiatives, niclosamide has emerged as a true hit in many screens against various diseases. Indeed, from being an anthelmintic drug, it has now shown potential in treating Parkinson's disease, diabetes, viral and microbial infections, as well as various cancers. Such diverse pharmacological activities are a result of niclosamide's ability to uncouple mitochondrial phosphorylation and modulate a selection of signaling pathways, such as Wnt/β‐catenin, mTOR and JAK/STAT3, which are implicated in many diseases. In this highlight, we discuss the plethora of diseases that niclosamide has shown promise in treating.     

Characterization and Mechanical Properties of Calcium Silicate/Citric Acid–Based Polymer Composite Materials

Optimal implants for bone tissue engineering require sufficient mechanical strength as well as apt bioactivity and biodegradability. Calcium silicate (CaSiO₃ ‐ CS) ceramics have been studied for tissue engineering and implantation for their good bioactivity properties. Elastomer poly (1.8‐octanediol citrate) (POC), one of the most biocompatible polymer, is used for biomedical application. The objective of this study is to fabricate a novel composite of calcium silicate with different ratios of POC to enhance the mechanical properties. The results showed that the compressive and the bending strengths of calcium silicate/POC biocomposite were improved remarkably at 40 wt% POC.     

Formulation and rheology of eco-self-compacting concrete (Eco-SCC)

This article presents the results of an experimental study on the rheology of eco-SCC, formulated on the basis of the modified Chinese method and on the new standard EN206/CN. The studied ecological concretes consist of Portland pozzolana cement, containing large amounts of limestone filler or natural pozzolana, which can replace cement up to 50%. In addition, the compactness of the granular mixture is optimized; therefore, the total amount of the incorporated binder is further reduced in the body of concrete. The study of the rheological behavior of these fluid concretes was carried out in the laboratory, using a coaxial vane-type rheometer. The results showed that both rheological models, i.e. modified Bingham and Herschel–Bulkley, describe satisfactorily the shear-thinning character of the formulations tested. However, the rheological parameters obtained with the modified Bingham model seem to have better correlations with the measurements of the slump test. These same results also indicated that replacing 30% of cement by one of the additions selected for our study, resulted in mixtures with yield stress and plastic viscosities that are within the validity range of SCC. This allowed reducing CO₂ emissions by about 40% for each cubic meter of concrete produced.     

Structure of polycondensates from hydroxymethylphenols

The structure of oligomers obtained from mono‐hydroxymethylphenols in melt condensation at 120°C was determined using ¹³C NMR spectra in CD₃OD solution. Alongside of methylene region of spectrum, valuable information was obtained from signals of aromatic carbons. Noncatalytic conditions promote the formation of dihydroxydibenzyl ethers in equilibrium with ortho‐ and para‐benzoquinones of oxymethylene derivatives. The final methylene linked oligomers are formed, mainly, by splitting the ether intermediates with free aromatic positions. In alkaline conditions, highly nucleophilic phenoxide ions of ortho‐hydroxymethyl compounds are responsible for substitution in free aromatic positions. The most favored reaction in the mixture of both hydroxymethylphenols is the formation of p,p′‐methylene. In condensation of para‐hydroxymethylphenol, formation of p,p′‐methylene groups occurs with simultaneous release of formaldehyde. High content of alkali stabilized ortho‐hydroxymethyl groups of fully substituted methylene linked oligomers determines the curing behavior of resol phenol–formaldehyde resins. The role of hemiformals in reactions was insignificant. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008