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To understand and control key electrochemical processes-metal plating, corrosion, intercalation, etc.-requires molecular-scale details of the active species at electrochemical interfaces and their mechanisms for desolvation from the electrolyte. Using free energy sampling techniques we reveal the interfacial speciation of divalent cations in ether-based electrolytes and mechanisms for their delivery to an inert graphene electrode interface. Surprisingly, we find that anion solvophobicity drives a high population of anion-containing species to the interface that facilitate the delivery of divalent cations, even to negatively charged electrodes. Our simulations indicate that cation desolvation is greatly facilitated by cation-anion coupling. We propose anion solvophobicity as a molecular-level descriptor for rational design of electrolytes with increased efficiency for electrochemical processes limited by multivalent cation desolvation.

Recent experimental and computational evidence indicates that singlet oxygen (1O2) attacks the ethylene group (-CH2-CH2-) in ethylene carbonate (EC) leading to degradation in Li-ion batteries employing EC as the electrolyte solvent [J. Phys. Chem. A2018, 122, 8828-8839]. Here, we employ computational quantum chemistry to explore this mechanism in detail for a large set of organic molecules. Benchmark calculations comparing density functional theory to the complete active space second-order perturbation theory and internally contracted multireference configuration interaction indicate that the M11 functional adequately captures trends in the transition-state energies for this mechanism. Based on our results, we recommend that solvents which include the ethylene group should be avoided in Li-ion and Li-O2 batteries where 1O2 is generated unless neighboring functional groups raise the reaction barrier to avoid this decomposition pathway.

Nitrate-based molten salts have been the most stable electrolytes in Li–O2 electrochemical systems. While the high temperature of operation is a disadvantage, the molten-salt electrolytes offer a c...

The growth of lithium peroxide via Li–air batteries is investigated using an electrochemical cell-free energy model based on density functional theory. The model builds on previous work to incorpor...

In the lithium-O2 battery, redox mediators lower the charging overpotential while facilitating the oxidation of the discharge product (lithium peroxide, Li2O2) to molecular oxygen. Previous studies...

We employed bead-spring models of polymer single-ion conductors to study the impact of chain architecture on ionic aggregation and dynamics. In most simulations, the ionic aggregates were ordered a...

The abstraction of a proton by OH-, O2-, and XO2- from DME n···X+, where X is Li, Na, or K, is studied using density functional theory. Both the gas phase and the solution phase are studied. In general, when explicit solvent molecules are added, the difference between the gas-phase and solution results becomes rather small. While the DME n···X+ binding energies differ significantly for various alkali cations, the reaction energies and transition-state energies are far less sensitive to the choice of an alkali cation. XO2- has a lower barrier height than OH-, which, in turn, has a lower barrier height than O2-. The reaction energies follow the same trends.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials. Our prior work showed that transplacental exposure to BaP depletes ovarian follicles and increases prevalence of epithelial ovarian tumors later in life. We used the MutaMouse transgenic rodent model to address the hypothesis that ovarian mutations play a role in tumorigenesis caused by prenatal exposure to BaP. Pregnant MutaMouse females were treated with 0, 10, 20, or 40 mg/(kg day) BaP orally on gestational days 7-16, covering critical windows of ovarian development. Female offspring were euthanized at 10 weeks of age; some ovaries with oviducts were processed for follicle counting; other ovaries/oviducts and bone marrow were processed for determination of lacZ mutant frequency (MF). Mutant plaques were pooled within dose groups and sequenced to determine the mutation spectrum. BaP exposure caused highly significant dose-related decreases in ovarian follicles and increases in ovarian/oviductal and bone marrow mutant frequencies at all doses. Absence of follicles, cell packets, and epithelial tubular structures were observed with 20 and 40 mg/(kg day) BaP. Depletion of ovarian germ cells was inversely associated with ovarian MF. BaP induced primarily G > T and G > C transversions and deletions in ovaries/oviducts and bone marrow cells and produced a mutation signature highly consistent with that of tobacco smoking in human cancers. Overall, our results show that prenatal BaP exposure significantly depletes ovarian germ cells, causes histopathological abnormalities, and increases the burden of ovarian/oviductal mutations, which may be involved in pathogenesis of epithelial ovarian tumors. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 60:410-420, 2019. © 2018 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada.

We evaluate the influence of Li-salt doping on the dynamics, capacitance, and structure of three ionic liquid electrolytes, [pyr14][TFSI], [pyr13][FSI], and [EMIM][BF(4)], using molecular dynamics and polarizable force fields. In this respect, our focus is on the properties of the electric double layer (EDL) formed by the electrolytes at the electrode surface as a function of surface potential (Ψ). The rates of EDL formation are found to be on the order of hundreds of picoseconds and only slightly influenced by the addition of Li-salt. The EDLs of three electrolytes are shown to have different energy storage capacities, which we relate to the EDL formation free energy. The differential capacitance obtained from our computations exhibits asymmetry about the potential of zero charge and is consistent with the camel-like profiles noted from mean field theories and experiments on metallic electrodes. The introduction of Li-salt reduces the noted asymmetry in the differential capacitance profile. Complementary experimental capacitance measurements have been made on our three electrolytes in their neat forms and with Li-salt. The measurements, performed on glassy carbon electrodes, produce U-like profiles, and Li-salt doping is shown to strongly affect capacitance at high magnitudes of Ψ. Differences in the theoretical and experimental shapes and magnitudes of capacitance are rationalized in terms of the electrode surface and pseudocapacitive effects. In both neat and Li-doped liquids, the details of the computational capacitance profile are well described by Ψ-induced changes in the density and molecular orientation of ions in the molecular layer closest to the electrode. Our results suggest that the addition of Li(+) induces disorder in the EDL, which originates from the strong binding of anions to Li(+). An in-depth analysis of the distribution of Li(+) in the EDL reveals that it does not readily enter the molecular layer at the electrode surface, preferring instead to be localized farther away from the surface in the second molecular layer. This behavior is validated through an analysis of the free energy of Li(+) solvation as a function of distance from the electrode. Free energy wells are found to coincide with localized concentrations of Li(+), the depths of which increase with Ψ and suggest a source of impedance for Li(+) to reach the electrode. Finally, we make predictions of the specific energy at ideal graphite utilizing the computed capacitance and previously derived electrochemical windows of the liquids.

The structure and transport properties of electrolyte solutions of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) having salts of Li+ with bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([TFSI]-) or Na+ with [TFSI]- are investigated with polarizable molecular dynamics and experiments. Polarizable force fields for Li+ and Na+ with DME and [TFSI]- were developed based on quantum chemistry calculations, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, and thermodynamic liquid-state properties. Simulation results for density, viscosity, self-diffusion coefficient, and conductivity of the electrolytes all agree well with the trends and magnitudes of available experimental data for a wide range of salt concentrations. As the concentration of salt increases, the electrolytes become more viscous and molecular species become less mobile. Ionic conductivity does not change monotonically with salt concentration and exhibits a maximum between 0.5 and 1.0 M for both Li[TFSI] and Na[TFSI] electrolytes. Comparatively, both cations are solvated by 5-6 DME or [TFSI]- oxygen atoms and exhibit similar diffusivities and conductivities. The solvation shell of Na+ is found to be more weakly bound and to have a lower binding residence time than that of Li+. The transport of Li+ therefore is more vehicular, through the motion of the solvation shell, while the transport of Na+ is based more on exchange, through the replacement of solvating species. The atomistic insight provided by this work can be used as the basis for future rational design of improved electrolyte solvents for lithium-oxygen, sodium-oxygen, and lithium-sulfur batteries.

This is Part 2 of a two part series of papers on decomposition of two ionic liquids at lithium metal interfaces. In Part 1 of this series, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations were used to examine the stability and decomposition of two ionic liquids (ILs), [pyr14][TFSI] and [EMIM][BF4], on Li metal anodes. Here in Part 2, density functional calculations of ions and ion pairs in the gas phase are coupled with model electrode surface effects to provide an in-depth analysis of the results obtained from more computationally expensive AIMD simulations of electrolytes on the Li surface in Part 1. The gas phase approach is used to examine the cathodic and anodic stability, the electrochemical decomposition thermodynamics, and the kinetic barriers to the electrochemical decomposition of the ions on a Li surface. The states of the ILs are shown to mix with those of the Li surface, which leads to the reduction of the cations by one electron and a partial reduction of the anions. Upon reduction, many ion ...

This work is Part 1 in a two part series that investigates the interfacial decomposition chemistry of [pyr14][TFSI] and [EMIM][BF4] ionic liquids (IL) at Li metal interfaces. Here, the decomposition is probed primarily through ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. For single ion pairs adsorbed on a Li(100) surface, hybrid ion states are found to emerge about the Fermi level. Interestingly, these states have a significant contribution from both ions, which suggests that the cathodic (reductive) stability could in part be governed by the anions. Room temperature AIMD simulations reveal rapid decomposition of the TFSI anion initiated by C–S and/or S–N bond cleavage due to charge transfer from Li to the anion. The unusual phenomenon of reductive decomposition of the anion is supported by recent experimental reports. The reaction products observed included LiF, LiO, Li2F, Li2O, SO2, NSO2, NSO2CF3, etc., which are all in excellent agreement with the XPS results. Initial decomposition reactions for bo...

Metal–semiconductor contacts in silicon carbide (SiC) diodes endure damages at the interface when exposed to harsh radiation environments. Due to the rapid rise in temperature and ultrafast cooling that follows the radiation impact, the structural properties of the materials can be altered through melting, recrystallization, and amorphization. A detailed understanding of the material failure modes at the interface is lacking, specifically at the nanoscale. We use molecular simulations to investigate the ultrafast melting at tungsten (W)–SiC interfaces following radiation damage and apply deep learning techniques to track the transient evolution of the local molecular structures. We show that W near the radiation track undergoes melting and, eventually, most of it recrystallizes with a noticeable degree of undercooling, while SiC is rendered permanently amorphous. The observation of local undercooling in W films is important as it can affect the device performance even before the bulk melting temperature of the material is reached. We also show that at high temperatures, the interface undergoes a fracture-like failure. The results presented here are significant in understating the different failure modes of SiC diode materials.

Interactions between pre-cured phenolic polymer chains and a solvent have a significant impact on the structure and properties of the final post-cured phenolic resin. Developing an understanding of the nature of these interactions is important and will aid in the selection of the proper solvent that will lead to the desired final product. Here, we investigate the role of phenolic chain structure and solvent type on the overall solvation performance of the system through molecular dynamics simulations. Two types of solvents are considered, ethylene glycol (EGL) and H(2)O. In addition, three phenolic chain structures were considered including two novolac-type chains with either an ortho-ortho (OON) or ortho-para (OPN) backbone network and a resole-type (RES) chain with an ortho-ortho network. Each system is characterized through structural analysis of the solvation shell and hydrogen bonding environment as well as through quantification of the solvation free energy along with partitioned interaction energies between specific molecular species. The combination of the simulations and analyses indicate that EGL provides a larger solvation free energy than H(2)O due to more energetically favorable hydrophilic interactions as well as favorable hydrophobic interactions between CH element groups. In addition, phenolic chain structure significantly impacts solvation performance with OON having limited intermolecular hydrogen bond formations while OPN and RES interact more favorably with the solvent molecules. The results suggest that a resole-type phenolic chain with an ortho-para network should have the best solvation performance in EGL, H(2)O, and other similar solvents.

Ab initio techniques are used to study the interaction of ethylene glycol and water with a phenolic polymer. The water bonds more strongly with the phenolic OH than with the ring. The phenolic OH groups can form hydrogen bonds between themselves. For more than one water molecule, there is a competition between water-water and water-phenolic interactions. Ethylene glycol shows the same effects as those of water, but the potential energy surface is further complicated by CH2-phenolic interactions, different conformers of ethylene glycol, and two OH groups on each molecule. Thus, the ethylene glycol-phenolic potential is more complicated than the water-phenolic potential. The results of the ab initio calculations are compared to those obtained using a force field. These calibration studies show that the water system is easier to describe than the ethylene glycol system. The calibration studies confirm the reliability of force fields used in our companion molecular dynamics study of a phenolic polymer in water and ethylene solutions.

Introduction Although current techniques for accelerated tooth movement often involve invasive surgical procedures, micro-osteoperforations (MOPs) using mini-implants may facilitate orthodontic tooth movement without raising flaps, reduce surgical risks, and increase patient acceptance. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of mini-implant–facilitated MOPs in inducing accelerated tooth movement and investigated the potential risks for root resorption. Methods Five MOPs were placed on the left side around the maxillary first molars in 6 rats using an automated mini-implant driver, whereas the right side received no MOPs as the control. Closed-coiled springs were secured from incisors to first molars for orthodontic tooth movement. Tooth movement was measured, and samples underwent radiologic and histologic analyses. Results The MOP side exhibited a 1.86-fold increase in the rate of tooth movement with decreased bone density and bone volume around the first molars compared with the control side. Hematoxylin and eosin and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase analyses showed increased numbers of osteoclasts as well as new bone formation. Three-dimensional volumetric analysis of all 5 roots of the maxillary first molars demonstrated no statistically significant difference in root volumes. Conclusions Mini-implant–facilitated MOPs accelerated tooth movement without increased risk for root resorption and therefore may become a readily available and efficient treatment option to shorten orthodontic treatment time with improved patient acceptance.

Currently, there are several models in the literature, such as kinetic, microstructural, and mass transport, that describe a Li-oxygen battery’s discharge behavior. Many of these models are calibrated and tested at low current densities and are not easily transferable to higher current densities (local current density exceeding 1µA/cm2). Even at low current densities, there is no quantitative method for a researcher to choose a reaction kinetic model such as classical Butler-Volmer and its derivatives, or modified Marcus-Hush-Chidsey, a resistance model for lithium peroxide such as electron transport via tunneling or linear resistivity, a surface coverage model (lithium peroxide growth) such as partial coverage or full coverage, and mass transport model (a review of these models is discussed in Ref. [1]). Also, it is time-consuming to test different models at high current density (≥1C) due to a lack of well-tested models and well-calibrated model parameters. For this presentation, we will develop an analytical model, which acts as a surrogate model for a full finite element model to predict discharge time and discharge voltage. Next, we use an uncertainty quantifying technique called reduced-order stochastic optimization [2, 3] to determine the uncertainty in model parameters for rate kinetics, lithium peroxide resistivity, and parasitic resistance. Finally, a finite element simulation is performed to determine the error introduced by the surrogate model (from various assumptions and simplifications) and its influence on the uncertainty in the model parameters. Our preliminary polarization analysis (overvoltage vs. current density) shows that the resistance models, coupled with Butler-Volmer kinetics, cannot describe the voltage polarization observed in the experiments at high current densities. In order to quantify and rank models describing the lithium peroxide deposition, first, an analytical model is developed to account for discharge product distribution, concentration polarization, and voltage polarization as a function of time, based on the previous work on aqueous electrolytes, presented in Ref. [4]. The analytical model considers reaction kinetics, oxygen mass transport, voltage polarization from lithium peroxide deposition as a conformal coating, and the change in porosity, lithium peroxide thickness, and the active surface is assumed to be uniform throughout the cathode. In order to rank the kinetic and resistance models, the uncertainty in the model parameters is assumed using a probability distribution function, and the resulting statistics are gathered using the Stochastic Reduced Order Model (SROM) approach. SROM is a computationally lite approach that uses significantly less number of samples compared to Monte Carlo to represent the input distribution. Since the number of samples required for Monte Carlo increases with model complexity, which significantly increases the computational time and resources required for full finite element simulations. The SROM approach can reduce the computational requirement by at least ten times without introducing algorithm based error into the analysis. Although the analytical model incorporates the important aspects to simulate a battery, it neglects the complexity of spatial distribution and temporal variation of the discharge product and the complicated relationship between microstructure and mass transport of oxygen and lithium ions. These neglected interactions introduce a model error in the final parameter estimation and need to be accounted for in order to rank various models. The finite element model (FEM) is used to quantify the error in the surrogate model because of its low fidelity. The FEM model is implemented in COMSOL and considers porous electrode theory for the cathode, concentrated theory for the electrolyte, a resistance model for the discharge products, a kinetic model, Fickian diffusion for the oxygen transport, and an oxygen dissolution model [5]. References: 1. Tan, P., Kong, W., et al. (2017), Prog Energ Combust. (62) 155–189. 2. Wang, H. & Sheen, D. (2015), Prog Energ Combust. (47), 1-31. 3. Sarkar, S., Warner, J., et al. (2014), Corrosion Science (80), 257–268. 4. Mehta, M. & Andrei, P. (2015), J. Power Sources. (286), 299-308. 5. Mehta, M., Knudsen, K. et al. (2019), Meeting Abstracts MA2019-01. (2), 347–347.

The increase in student population has led to a corresponding increase in the generation of waste on the Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. Composting of the biodegradable portion of waste is seen as a better option to reduce the volume of waste and manage it at the same time. This study hence aimed to investigate the effect of some bulking materials on the quality of compost after the decomposition of the biodegradable portion of the waste generated. Bin composting was employed for this analysis. Composting was conducted over a 60 -day period at the sewage treatment plant on the KNUST Campus. Wastes comprising of food waste, sawdust, and grass clippings were mixed in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 2:1 (v/v) ratio for sawdust/food waste (SSD 1:1, SSD 1:2, SSD 2:1) and grass clipping/food waste (SGC 1:1, SGC 1:2, SGC 2:1). Turning of compost was done manually at three days interval during which the volume was also recorded. Temperatures were taken on daily basis, three times within a day at 8 am, 12 pm and 4 pm respectively. Volume of all bins reduced as percentage organic matter decreased leading to an increase in percentage ash to between 39. % and 64.5 %. Percent organic matter loss was highest in the grass clipping/food waste treatments compared to the sawdust/food waste treatments. By the end of eight weeks of analysis, the grass clipping/food (SGC 1:1, SGC 1:2, and SGC 2:1) waste formulations were seen to decompose faster than the sawdust/food (SSD 1:1, SSD 1:2, and SSD 2:1) waste formulation. The grass clipping/food waste ratios (especially the SGC 2:1) therefore gave better compost in terms of the quality since rate of decomposition was faster compared to the sawdust/food waste.

Details of the lithium (Li+), sodium (Na+), magnesium (Mg2+), and zinc (Zn2+) cation coordination and electrolyte transport properties are examined using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for the N-butyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethansulfonyl)imide (pyr14TFSI) ionic liquid (IL) doped with LiTFSI, NaTFSI, Mg(TFSI)2, and Zn(TFSI)2 salts. MD simulations are performed as a function of temperature using a polarizable force field (APPLE&P) that yields the Li+, Na+, Mg2+, and Zn2+ cation binding energies to the TFSI- anions in excellent agreement with quantum chemistry results. At 333 K, 4.7-4.8 TFSI- oxygen atoms from approximately three TFSI- anions coordinate Li+ and Na+, while Zn2+ and Mg2+ cations are instead coordinated by approximately six TFSI- oxygen atoms. Significant Na+ coordination with the fluorine atoms of the TFSI- anions is observed, unlike for Li+, Mg2+ and Zn2+. The cation-TFSI- binding motifs and the propensity of the salts to form large aggregates are temperature dependent with opposite trends noted for the electrolytes containing the Li and Na salts vs Mg salts. The MD simulations accurately predicted electrolyte transport properties including ionic conductivity, viscosity, and self-diffusion coefficients. A connection between the metal cation coordination, transport properties, and transport mechanisms is established for the different cations. The much longer cation-anion residence times for the divalent Zn2+- and Mg2+-containing electrolytes, as compared to those with monovalent Na+ and Li+, indicate the significantly slower desolvation kinetics of the divalent salts and the dominance of the vehicular cation transport mechanism relative to the anion exchange mechanism.

Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental measurements were used to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of cross-linked phenolic resins as a function of the degree of cross-linking, the chain motif (ortho–ortho versus ortho–para), and the chain length. The chain motif influenced the type (interchain or intrachain) as well as the amount of hydrogen bonding. Ortho–ortho chains favored internal hydrogen bonding whereas ortho–para favored hydrogen bonding between chains. Un-cross-linked ortho–para systems formed percolating 3D networks of hydrogen bonds, behaving effectively as “hydrogen gels”. This resulted in differing thermal and mechanical properties for these systems. As cross-linking increased, the chain motif, chain length, and hydrogen bonding networks became less important. Elastic moduli, thermal conductivity, and glass transition temperatures were characterized as a function of cross-linking and temperature. Both our own experimental data and literature values were used to valid...

Suboptimal antibiotic penetration into soft tissues can occur in patients with poor circulation due to peripheral vascular disease (PVD) or diabetes. We conducted a real-world analysis of antibiotic treatment, hospital resource use and clinical outcomes in patients with PVD and/or diabetes receiving linezolid or vancomycin for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus complicated skin and soft-tissue infections (MRSA cSSTIs) across Europe. This subgroup analysis evaluated data obtained from a retrospective, observational medical chart review study that captured patient data from 12 European countries. Data were obtained from the medical records of patients ≥ 18 years of age, hospitalized with an MRSA cSSTI between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011 and discharged alive by 31 July 2011. Hospital length of stay and length of treatment were compared between the treatment groups using inverse probability of treatment weights to adjust for clinical and demographic differences. A total of 485 patients had PVD or diabetes and received treatment with either vancomycin (n = 258) or linezolid (n = 227). After adjustment, patients treated with linezolid compared with vancomycin respectively had significantly shorter hospital stays (17.9 ± 13.6 vs. 22.6 ± 13.6 days; p

Li-O2batteries have traditionally used carbon based electrodes (graphite, buckypaper) as the cathode of choice due to its good electrical conductivity, stability against non-aqueous electrolytes like dimethoxyethane (DME) and ease of handling. But, the carbon cathode also leads to formation of carbonate by-products that increase overpotentials during charging leading to degradation of the cathode and reduction of cyclability. Recent investigations have focused on using metal-oxides like SnO2, TiO2 as viable cathodes-alternatives in Li-O2 systems. In this paper, we investigate transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) as cathodes with focus on the interface between the TCO surfaces and the discharge product, Li2O2, in the Li-O2battery using first principles computations. TCOs have found use as electrodes in photovoltaic cells and other semi-conductor applications due to their tunable conductivity via defects/doping, ease of synthesis of preferred surfaces and stability to environmental factors. These properties, along with their stability against ethers, make them a promising class of cathodes in Li-O2 battery. Using DFT computations and thermodynamic arguments, we predict the chemical and electrochemical stability of some of the well-known TCOs in a Li-O2 battery. Further, surface adsorption computations show that not all oxides promote formation of Li2O2 and different surfaces of same cathode material can behave differently. We also explore the role dopants can play in achieving a stable electrically conducting cathode that promotes discharge of Li2O2. We extend the analysis to suggest possible oxide chemistries that should be investigated as cathodes in Li-O2batteries.

A systematic comparison of atomistic modeling methods including density functional theory (DFT), the self-consistent charge density-functional tight-binding (SCC-DFTB), and ReaxFF is presented for simulating the initial stages of phenolic polymer pyrolysis. A phenolic polymer system is simulated for several hundred picoseconds within a temperature range of 2500 to 3500 K. The time evolution of major pyrolysis products including small-molecule species and char is examined. Two temperature zones are observed which demark cross-linking versus fragmentation. The dominant chemical products for all methods are similar, but the yields for each product differ. At 3500 K, DFTB overestimates CO production (300-400%) and underestimates free H (~30%) and small C(m)H(n)O molecules (~70%) compared with DFT. At 3500 K, ReaxFF underestimates free H (~60%) and fused carbon rings (~70%) relative to DFT. Heterocyclic oxygen-containing five- and six-membered carbon rings are observed at 2500 K. Formation mechanisms for H2O, CO, and char are discussed. Additional calculations using a semiclassical method for incorporating quantum nuclear energies of molecules were also performed. These results suggest that chemical equilibrium can be affected by quantum nuclear effects at temperatures of 2500 K and below. Pyrolysis reaction mechanisms and energetics are examined in detail in a companion manuscript.

Reaction paths for the loss of CO, H2, and H2O from atomistic models of phenolic resin are determined using the hybrid B3LYP approach. B3LYP energetics are confirmed using CCSD(T). The energetics along the B3LYP paths are also evaluated using the PW91 generalized gradient approximation (GGA), the more approximate self-consistent charge density functional tight binding (SCC-DFTB), and the reactive force field (ReaxFF). Compared with the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level for bond and reaction energies and barrier heights, the B3LYP, PW91, DFTB(mio), DFTB(pbc), and ReaxFF have average absolute errors of 3.8, 5.1, 17.4, 13.2, and 19.6 kcal/mol, respectively. The PW91 is only slightly less accurate than the B3LYP approach, while the more approximate approaches yield somewhat larger errors. The SCC-DFTB paths are in better agreement with B3LYP than are those obtained with ReaxFF.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in tobacco smoke, air pollution, and grilled foods. Prenatal exposure to BaP causes premature reproductive senescence in mice, and other PAHs are transplacental ovarian carcinogens. Glutathione (GSH) is critical for detoxification of the reactive metabolites of PAHs. Therefore, we hypothesized that mice that are genetically deficient in GSH synthesis, due to deletion of the modifier subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclm), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, have increased destruction of oogonia, premature ovarian failure, and ovarian tumorigenesis after transplacental BaP exposure compared with Gclm+/+ females. Gclm+/− female and male mice were mated, and dams were treated with 0, 2, or 10 mg/kg/d BaP in sesame oil by gavage from gestational days 7 to 16. Compared with oil-treated F1 females of the same genotype, Gclm−/− prenatally BaP-treated females had significantly greater decrements in offspring production than Gclm+/+ BaP-treated females. Similarly, we observed significant BaP dose × Gclm genotype interactions on ovarian follicle counts and ovarian tumor multiplicity at 7.5 months of age, with Gclm−/− females having greater decrements in follicle numbers and more ovarian tumors in response to prenatal BaP exposure than Gclm+/+ females. The ovarian tumors were positive for the epithelial marker cytokeratin. Our results show that prenatal exposure of females to BaP causes premature ovarian failure and ovarian tumorigenesis and that embryonic GSH deficiency due to deletion of Gclm increases sensitivity to these transplacental ovarian effects of BaP. Cancer Res; 73(2); 908–17. ©2012 AACR.

We investigate how systematically increasing the accuracy of various molecular dynamics modeling techniques influences the structure and capacitance of ionic liquid electric double layers (EDLs). The techniques probed concern long-range electrostatic interactions, electrode charging (constant charge versus constant potential conditions), and electrolyte polarizability. Our simulations are performed on a quasi-two-dimensional, or slab-like, model capacitor, which is composed of a polarizable ionic liquid electrolyte, [EMIM][BF4], interfaced between two graphite electrodes. To ensure an accurate representation of EDL differential capacitance, we derive new fluctuation formulas that resolve the differential capacitance as a function of electrode charge or electrode potential. The magnitude of differential capacitance shows sensitivity to different long-range electrostatic summation techniques, while the shape of differential capacitance is affected by charging technique and the polarizability of the electrolyte. For long-range summation techniques, errors in magnitude can be mitigated by employing two-dimensional or corrected three dimensional electrostatic summations, which led to electric fields that conform to those of a classical electrostatic parallel plate capacitor. With respect to charging, the changes in shape are a result of ions in the Stern layer (i.e., ions at the electrode surface) having a higher electrostatic affinity to constant potential electrodes than to constant charge electrodes. For electrolyte polarizability, shape changes originate from induced dipoles that soften the interaction of Stern layer ions with the electrode. The softening is traced to ion correlations vertical to the electrode surface that induce dipoles that oppose double layer formation. In general, our analysis indicates an accuracy dependent differential capacitance profile that transitions from the characteristic camel shape with coarser representations to a more diffuse profile with finer representations.

Test calculations show that the diamond surface binding energy of C13H11O2, the simplest model for phenolic, is virtually the same as that of C6H5. Using the C6H5 model, we compare the binding to a diamond surface, a graphene sheet, a (10, 0) nanotube, and a silica surface. The binding energy is more than 5 eV for the silica and 2.85 eV for the diamond surface. As expected, the binding energy of a second molecule at a site adjacent to the first molecule is larger than the first binding energy for the graphene sheet and the carbon nanotube, since the first C6H5 bond breaks a π bond and the second molecule bonds to the unpaired π electron created by adding the first molecule. For all of the systems, adding a C2 unit between the surface and the C6H5 group increases the binding by at least 0.51 eV and up to 2.3 eV. Part of this increase is due to the intrinsically stronger bonding for the sp hybridization and part due to a decrease in the surface–C6H5 repulsion.

A study was performed to investigate the value of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) as an alternate method to analytical techniques for identifying QTL associated with feed quality traits. Milled samples from an F6-derived recombinant inbred Tallon/Scarlett population were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle, recovered, washed and dried to determine the in-situ dry matter digestibility (DMD). Both pre- and post-digestion samples were analysed using NIRS to quantify key quality components relating to acid detergent fibre, starch and protein. This phenotypic data was used to identify trait associated QTL and compare them to previously identified QTL. Though a number of genetic correlations were identified between the phenotypic data sets, the only correlation of most interest was between DMD and starch digested (r = -0.382). The significance of this genetic correlation was that the NIRS data set identified a putative QTL on chromosomes 7H (LOD = 3.3) associated with starch digested. A QTL for DMD occurred in the same region of chromosome 7H, with flanking markers fAG/CAT63 and bPb-0758. The significant correlation and identification of this putative QTL, highlights the potential of technologies like NIRS in QTL analysis.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), are ubiquitous environmental pollutants formed by the incomplete combustion of organic materials. The tripeptide glutathione (GSH) is a major antioxidant and is important in detoxification of PAH metabolites. Mice null for the modifier subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclm), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, have decreased GSH concentrations. We investigated the effects of Gclm deletion alone on male fertility and spermatogenesis and its effect on the sensitivity of male embryos to the transplacental testicular toxicity of BaP. Gclm-/- males had dramatically decreased testicular and epididymal GCL enzymatic activity and total GSH concentrations compared with Gclm+/+ littermates. Ratios of reduced to oxidized GSH were significantly increased in Gclm-/- testes. GSH reductase enzymatic activity was increased in Gclm-/- epididymides. We observed no changes in fertility, testicular weights, testicular sperm head counts, or testicular histology and subtle changes in cauda epididymal sperm counts, motility, and morphology in Gclm-/- compared with Gclm+/+ males. Prenatal exposure to BaP from gestational day 7 to 16 was dose dependently associated with significantly decreased testicular and epididymal weights, testicular and epididymal sperm counts, and with vacuolated seminiferous tubules at 10 weeks of age. Gclm-/- males exposed prenatally to BaP had greater decreases in testicular weights, testicular sperm head counts, epididymal sperm counts, and epididymal sperm motility than Gclm+/+ littermates. These results show no effects of Gclm deletion alone on male fertility and testicular spermatogenesis and subtle epididymal effects but support increased sensitivity of Gclm-/- males to the transplacental testicular toxicity of BaP. © The Author 2012. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology. All rights reserved.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a major feed source for the intensive livestock industry. Competitiveness against other cereal grains depends largely on the price per unit of expressed feed quality. The traits which contribute to feed quality in barley are largely quantitative in nature but little is known about their genetic control. A study to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with feed quality was performed using a F6-derived recombinant inbred barley population. Samples from each line were incubated in the rumen of fistulated cattle, recovered, washed and dried for determination of in situ dry matter digestibility. Additionally, both pre- and post-digestion samples were analysed to quantify the content of key quality components relating to acid detergent fibre, total starch and protein. The data was used to identify trait-associated QTLs. Genetic analysis identified significant QTLs on chromosomes 2H, 5H and 7H. Genetic markers linked to these QTL should provide an effective tool for the selection and improvement of feed barley in the future.

Neurotensin receptor-1 (NTR-1) is overexpressed in colon cancers and colon cancer cell lines. Signaling through this receptor stimulates proliferation of colonocyte-derived cell lines and promotes inflammation and mucosal healing in animal models of colitis. Given the causal role of this signaling pathway in mediating colitis and the importance of inflammation in cancer development, we tested the effects of NTR-1 in mouse models of inflammation-associated and sporadic colon cancer using NTR-1-deficient (Ntsr1(-) (/-)) and wild-type (Ntsr1(+/+)) mice. In mice treated with azoxymethane (AOM) to model sporadic cancer, NTR-1 had a significant effect on tumor development with Ntsr1(+/+) mice developing over twofold more tumors than Ntsr1(-) (/-) mice (p = 0.04). There was no effect of NTR-1 on the number of aberrant crypt foci or tumor size, suggesting that NT/NTR-1 signaling promotes the conversion of precancerous cells to adenomas. Interestingly, NTR-1 status did not affect tumor development in an inflammation-associated cancer model where mice were treated with AOM followed by two cycles of 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). In addition, colonic molecular and histopathologic analyses were performed shortly after a single cycle of DSS. NTR-1 status did not affect colonic myeloperoxidase activity or histopathologic scores for damage and inflammation. However, Ntsr1(-) (/-) mice were more resistant to DSS-induced mortality (p = 0.01) and had over twofold higher colonic expression levels of Il6 and Cxcl2 (p < 0.04), cytokines known to promote tumor development. These results represent the first direct demonstration that targeted disruption of the Ntsr1 gene reduces susceptibility to colon tumorigenesis.

We report on the first interatomic potentials for Zirconium Diboride and Hafnium Diboride. The potentials are of the Tersoff form, and are obtained by fitting to a first-principles database of basic properties of elemental Zr, Hf, B, and the compounds ZrB2 and HfB2. Two variants of the Zr–B potentials have been obtained, and one for Hf–B. The potentials have been tested against a variety of properties of the compound, with the conclusion that they are stable and provide a reasonable representation of the desired properties of the two diborides.

A comprehensive ab initio analysis of the ultra high temperature ceramics ZrB2 and HfB2 is presented. Density functional theory (DFT) computations were performed for the electronic, mechanical, thermal, and point defect properties of these materials. Lattice constants and elastic constants were determined. Computations of the electronic density of states, band structure, electron localization function, etc. show the diverse bonding types that exist in these materials. They also suggest the connection between the electronic structure and the superior mechanical properties. Lattice dynamical effects were considered, including phonon dispersions, vibrational densities of states, and specific heat curves. Point defect (vacancies and antisites) structures and energetics are also presented.

Tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) inhibits factor XIa, plasma kallikrein, and factor VIIa/tissue factor; accordingly, it has been proposed for use as an anticoagulant. Full-length TFPI-2 or its isolated first Kunitz domain (KD1) also inhibits plasmin; therefore, it has been proposed for use as an antifibrinolytic agent. However, the anticoagulant properties of TFPI-2 or KD1 would diminish its antifibrinolytic function. In this study, structure-based investigations and analysis of the serine protease profiles revealed that coagulation enzymes prefer a hydrophobic residue at the P2′ position in their substrates/inhibitors, whereas plasmin prefers a positively charged arginine residue at the corresponding position in its substrates/inhibitors. Based upon this observation, we changed the P2′ residue Leu-17 in KD1 to Arg (KD1-L17R) and compared its inhibitory properties with wild-type KD1 (KD1-WT). Both WT and KD1-L17R were expressed in Escherichia coli, folded, and purified to homogeneity. N-terminal sequences and mass spectra confirmed proper expression of KD1-WT and KD1-L17R. Compared with KD1-WT, the KD1-L17R did not inhibit factor XIa, plasma kallikrein, or factor VIIa/tissue factor. Furthermore, KD1-L17R inhibited plasmin with ∼6-fold increased affinity and effectively prevented plasma clot fibrinolysis induced by tissue plasminogen activator. Similarly, in a mouse liver laceration bleeding model, KD1-L17R was ∼8-fold more effective than KD1-WT in preventing blood loss. Importantly, in this bleeding model, KD1-L17R was equally or more effective than aprotinin or tranexamic acid, which have been used as antifibrinolytic agents to prevent blood loss during major surgery/trauma. Furthermore, as compared with aprotinin, renal toxicity was not observed with KD1-L17R.

Reactive molecular dynamics simulations are used to study the initial stage of pyrolysis of phenolic polymers with carbon nanotube and carbon fiber. The products formed are characterized and water is found to be the primary product in all cases. The water formation mechanisms are analyzed and the value of the activation energy for water formation is estimated. A detailed study of graphitic precursor formation reveals the presence of two temperature zones. In the lower temperature zone ( 2000 K) polymer scission results in formation of short polymer chains/molecules. Simulations performed in the high temperature zone of the phenolic resin (with carbon nanotubes and carbon fibers) show that the presence of interfaces does not have a substantial effect on the chain scission rate or the activation energy value for water formation.

We have investigated bulk amorphous carbon at three densities (3.2, 2.6, and 2.0 g/cm3) using density functional theory (DFT). The variation in the structure with density is discussed. The bulk structures are used to create surface structures. If the surfaces are relaxed at 700 K, the surface structures, as a function of density, are more similar than the analogous bulk structures. The relaxed surfaces appear to be graphene sheets with defects, sizable distortions, and have covalently bonded carbon chains holding the sheets together.

Previous calculations on model systems for the cooperative binding of two NO2 molecules to carbon nanotubes using density functional theory and second order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory gave results differing by 30 kcal/mol. Quantum Monte Carlo calculations are performed to study the role of electronic correlations in these systems and resolve the discrepancy between these previous calculations. Compared to QMC binding energies, MP2 and LDA are shown to overbind, while B3LYP and BPW91 underbind. PW91 gives the best agreement with QMC with a binding energy differing by only 3 kcal/mol. Basis set effects are also shown to be important.

We present current–voltage (I–V) curves for a chain of six Au atoms and for benzene-1,4-dithiol between two Au (111) surfaces computed using a self-consistent, non-equilibrium, Green’s Functions approach in conjunction with a density functional theory (DFT) description of the extended molecule. The solutions are expanded in Gaussian basis sets. In an attempt to improve the description of the molecule-surface bond, we consider one- and two-layer clusters of metal atoms in the extended molecule. To avoid non-physical charging of the bulk metal clusters we add a shift to the diagonal elements of the Fock Matrix of the metal atoms in the DFT treatment; this can be viewed as correcting the self-energies or shifting the Fermi level. The Au6 cluster with the full minimal basis set represents a compromise between accuracy and cost. The Au31(12/19) two-layer cluster results are of about the same quality as the one-layer Au21 cluster, but allows one to study more binding sites. Using a double zeta basis set for three of the top-layer Au atoms of the Au31(12/19) cluster yields result similar to the all minimal basis set, while using all double zeta atoms yields inferior results.

Density functional theory (DFT), density functional theory molecular dynamics (DFT-MD), and classical molecular dynamics using polarizable force fields (PFF-MD) are employed to evaluate the influence of Li(+) on the structure, transport, and electrochemical stability of three potential ionic liquid electrolytes: N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]). We characterize the Li(+) solvation shell through DFT computations of [Li(Anion)n]((n-1)-) clusters, DFT-MD simulations of isolated Li(+) in small ionic liquid systems, and PFF-MD simulations with high Li-doping levels in large ionic liquid systems. At low levels of Li-salt doping, highly stable solvation shells having two to three anions are seen in both [pyr14][TFSI] and [pyr13][FSI], whereas solvation shells with four anions dominate in [EMIM][BF4]. At higher levels of doping, we find the formation of complex Li-network structures that increase the frequency of four anion-coordinated solvation shells. A comparison of computational and experimental Raman spectra for a wide range of [Li(Anion)n]((n-1)-) clusters shows that our proposed structures are consistent with experiment. We then compute the ion diffusion coefficients and find measures from small-cell DFT-MD simulations to be the correct order of magnitude, but influenced by small system size and short simulation length. Correcting for these errors with complementary PFF-MD simulations, we find DFT-MD measures to be in close agreement with experiment. Finally, we compute electrochemical windows from DFT computations on isolated ions, interacting cation/anion pairs, and liquid-phase systems with Li-doping. For the molecular-level computations, we generally find the difference between ionization energy and electron affinity from isolated ions and interacting cation/anion pairs to provide upper and lower bounds, respectively, to experiment. In the liquid phase, we find the difference between the lowest unoccupied and highest occupied electronic levels in pure and hybrid functionals to provide lower and upper bounds, respectively, to experiment. Li-doping in the liquid-phase systems results in electrochemical windows little changed from the neat systems.

We present current–voltage (I–V) curves computed using all-electron basis sets on the conducting molecule. The all-electron results are very similar to previous results obtained using effective core potentials (ECP). A hybrid integration scheme is used that keeps the all-electron calculations cost competitive with respect to the ECP calculations. By neglecting the coupling of states to the contacts below a fixed energy cutoff, the density matrix for the core electrons can be evaluated analytically. The full density matrix is formed by adding this core contribution to the valence part that is evaluated numerically. Expanding the definition of the core in the all-electron calculations significantly reduces the computational effort and, up to biases of about 2 V, the results are very similar to those obtained using more rigorous approaches. The convergence of the I–V curves and transmission coefficients with respect to basis set is discussed. The addition of diffuse functions is critical in approaching basis set completeness.

The current flow for a benzene-1,4-dithiol molecule between two Au contacts is computed. For most configurations considered, the computed current is an order of magnitude larger than experiment, as found by other groups. When the benzene-1,4-dithiol is bonded to the top of an fcc cluster of Au atoms, the current flow is significantly reduced, bringing it into better agreement with experiment. This represents an alternative to the previously proposed two molecule mechanism, as explanation of the experimental results.

We employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiment to investigate the structure, thermodynamics, and transport of N-methyl-N-butylpyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsufonyl)imide ([pyr14][TFSI]), N-methyl-N-propylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosufonyl)imide ([pyr13][FSI]), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium boron tetrafluoride ([EMIM][BF4]), as a function of Li-salt mole fraction (0.05 ≤ xLi(+) ≤ 0.33) and temperature (298 K ≤ T ≤ 393 K). Structurally, Li(+) is shown to be solvated by three anion neighbors in [pyr14][TFSI] and four anion neighbors in both [pyr13][FSI] and [EMIM][BF4], and at all levels of xLi(+) we find the presence of lithium aggregates. Pulsed field gradient spin-echo NMR measurements of diffusion and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements of ionic conductivity are made for the neat ionic liquids as well as 0.5 molal solutions of Li-salt in the ionic liquids. Bulk ionic liquid properties (density, diffusion, viscosity, and ionic conductivity) are obtained with MD simulations and show excellent agreement with experiment. While the diffusion exhibits a systematic decrease with increasing xLi(+), the contribution of Li(+) to ionic conductivity increases until reaching a saturation doping level of xLi(+) = 0.10. Comparatively, the Li(+) conductivity of [pyr14][TFSI] is an order of magnitude lower than that of the other liquids, which range between 0.1 and 0.3 mS/cm. Our transport results also demonstrate the necessity of long MD simulation runs (∼200 ns) to converge transport properties at room temperature. The differences in Li(+) transport are reflected in the residence times of Li(+) with the anions (τ(Li/-)), which are revealed to be much larger for [pyr14][TFSI] (up to 100 ns at the highest doping levels) than in either [EMIM][BF4] or [pyr13][FSI]. Finally, to comment on the relative kinetics of Li(+) transport in each liquid, we find that while the net motion of Li(+) with its solvation shell (vehicular) significantly contributes to net diffusion in all liquids, the importance of transport through anion exchange increases at high xLi(+) and in liquids with large anions.

We describe how pathway engineering can be used to convert a single intermediate derived from lipid biosynthesis, fatty aldehydes, into a variety of biofuel precursors including alkanes, free fatty acids and wax esters. In cyanobacteria, long-chain acyl-ACPs can be reduced to fatty aldehydes, and then decarbonylated to alkanes. We discovered a cyanobacteria class-3 aldehyde-dehydrogenase, AldE, that was necessary and sufficient to instead oxidize fatty aldehyde precursors into fatty acids. Overexpression of enzymes in this pathway resulted in production of 50 to 100 fold more fatty acids than alkanes, and the fatty acids were secreted from the cell. Co-expression of acyl-ACP reductase, an alcohol-dehydrogenase and a wax-ester-synthase resulted in a third fate for fatty aldehydes: conversion to wax esters, which accumulated as intracellular lipid bodies. Conversion of acyl-ACP to fatty acids using endogenous cyanobacterial enzymes may allow biofuel production without transgenesis.

Pure water direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) experiments were used to measure the permeability parameter associated with the molecular diffusion in membrane distillation (MD). The fluxes given by a recently reported MD model, which is based on the dusty-gas model of gas transport through porous media, showed good agreement with the experimental results over the entire range of feed temperatures studied. The model was also capable of predicting flux as a function of the difference between bulk feed and permeate temperatures for the limiting case in which only molecular diffusion contributes to flow. The DCMD experiments were performed in this work with a new laboratory-scale module that does not require a support for flat-sheet membranes. The resulting DCMD fluxes were two to three times higher than those reported in the literature for either DCMD or reverse osmosis. The MD model was also used to predict the performance of DCMD desalination, and the results were compared to those of reverse osmosis, in terms of both water production rates and NaCl rejection.

Current–voltage characteristics of gold-benzene-1,4-dithiol-gold junctions are calculated using a combined density functional theory/non-equilibrium Green's functions approach with local atomic basis sets. Improving the basis set with the addition of polarization or diffuse functions has some effect on the computed I – V curves, but even the small valence double zeta sets yield reasonable results. The results obtained using the hybrid B3LYP functional give slightly smaller conductance than those obtained using the pure BPW91 approach. Substituting Cl for H on the bridging molecule has only a small effect on the I – V curves.

Membrane compaction effects are well documented in RO, UF, and gas separation, but little attention is paid to compaction effects in microporous membrane processes. This paper examines the effects of compaction on the gas permeability of microporous membranes to be used in MD. Contrary to what is observed in RO and UF systems where membrane permeability is reduced by compaction, limited compaction of microporous membranes can result in enhanced permeability. This enhancement is the result of decreased membrane thickness, which increases the pressure gradient across the membrane. An experimental method is devised to determine the effects of membrane compaction on permeability, and a theory for modifying flux equations to include a parameter for membrane compaction is introduced.

Ablative materials are employed as thermal insulators in hypersonic space vehicles and for fire proofing in commercial applications. However, the chemical reactions involved in the transformation of ablative materials to char during pyrolysis are not well understood. Reactive molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the initial stage of the pyrolysis of crosslinked aromatic hydrocarbon polymers. The products formed were characterized and acetylene was found to be the primary product. The value of the activation energy for acetylene formation was estimated. The acetylene formation mechanisms were analyzed at different degrees of crosslinking and the graphitic precursor formation mechanism was studied.Copyright © 2012 by ASME

The addition of iron or boron and/or nitrogen, up to 20 %, to amorphous carbon with a density of about 2.0 gm/cm3 was studied using density functional theory. The bulk cohesive energy decreases with increasing iron, nitrogen, or boron concentration. The decrease is largest for iron and smallest for boron. The trends in the bulk moduli are consistent with the cohesive energies. The optical properties (absorbance and reflectivity) of the samples with nitrogen and/or boron added are very similar to those of the original amorphous carbon. Addition of iron results in larger, energy dependent, changes when compared with either boron or nitrogen. The effect of dopants on low-density amorphous carbon shows some differences with those for higher density amorphous carbon.

The potential role of phospholipases in mediating melatonin-dependent inhibition of adenylyl cyclase was investigated in pars tuberalis (PT) cultures. The phorbol ester 12- O -tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA) stimulated the release of choline metabolites and increased the transphosphatidylation reaction. The calcium ionophore A23187 stimulated the release of arachidonic acid from cultures. These observations demonstrate phospholipase A and D activities within PT. Phosphatidic acid inhibited forskolin-stimulated production of cyclic AMP both in PT cells and in membrane preparations. This indicates that melatonin could inhibit adenylyl cyclase by increasing Phosphatidic acid levels through activation of cellular phospholipases. Melatonin did not stimulate the release of arachidonic acid or choline from PT cultures, nor did it increase intracellular levels of hydrophobic second messengers or stimulate transphosphatidylation. Therefore melatonin does not stimulate phospholipase A and D pathways in PT cells. However, these pathways are present in the PT and their activation could potentially modulate the cellular actions of melatonin.