Al-alkyls as acceptor dopant precursors for atomic-scale devices.

Atomically precise ultradoping of silicon is possible with atomic resists, area-selective surface chemistry, and a limited set of hydride and halide precursor molecules, in a process known as atomic precision advanced manufacturing (APAM). It is desirable to expand this set of precursors to include dopants with organic functional groups and here we consider aluminium alkyls, to expand the applicability of APAM. We explore the impurity content and selectivity that results from using trimethyl aluminium and triethyl aluminium precursors on Si(001) to ultradope with aluminium through a hydrogen mask.

Correlated Energy-Level Alignment Effects Determine Substituent-Tuned Single-Molecule Conductance.

The rational design of single-molecule electrical components requires a deep and predictive understanding of structure-function relationships. Here, we explore the relationship between chemical substituents and the conductance of metal-single-molecule-metal junctions, using functionalized oligophenylenevinylenes as a model system. Using a combination of mechanically controlled break-junction experiments and various levels of theory including non-equilibrium Green's functions, we demonstrate that the connection between gas-phase molecular electronic structure and in-junction molecular conductance is complicated by the involvement of multiple mutually correlated and opposing effects that contribute to energy-level alignment in the junction.

Cytokeratin 5 alters β-catenin dynamics in breast cancer cells.

Estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancers often contain subpopulations of cells that express the intermediate filament protein cytokeratin 5 (CK5). CK5+ cells are enriched in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, can be induced by progestins, and predict poor prognosis in ER+ breast cancer. We established through CK5 knockout and overexpression in ER+ breast cancer cell lines that CK5 is important for tumorsphere formation, prompting us to speculate that CK5 has regulatory activity in CSCs.

Breast Cancer Suppression by Progesterone Receptors Is Mediated by Their Modulation of Estrogen Receptors and RNA Polymerase III.

Greater than 50% of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancers coexpress the progesterone receptor (PR), which can directly and globally modify ER action to attenuate tumor growth. However, whether this attenuation is mediated only through PR-ER interaction remains unknown. To address this question, we assessed tumor growth in ER/PR-positive patient-derived xenograft models of breast cancer, where both natural and synthetic progestins were found to antagonize the mitogenic effects of estrogens.

Fast sensitive amplifier for two-probe conductance measurements in single molecule break junctions.

We demonstrate an amplifier based on the Wheatstone bridge designed specifically for use in single molecule break junctions. This amplifier exhibits superior performance due to its large bandwidth, flat frequency response, and high sensitivity. The amplifier is capable of measuring conductance values from 10 to 10G (G = 2e/h), while maintaining a bandwidth in excess of 20 kHz, and shows remarkable resolution in the molecular conductance regime of 10 to 10 G.

Water oxidation by mononuclear ruthenium complexes with TPA-based ligands.

The synthesis, characterization, and water oxidation activity of mononuclear ruthenium complexes with tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA), tris(6-methyl-2-pyridylmethyl)amine (Me(3)TPA), and a new pentadentate ligand N,N-bis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2,2'-bipyridine-6-methanamine (DPA-Bpy) have been described. The electrochemical properties of these mononuclear Ru complexes have been investigated by both experimental and computational methods. Using Ce(IV) as oxidant, stoichiometric oxidation of water by [Ru(TPA)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) was observed, while Ru(Me(3)TPA)(H(2)O)(2)](2+) has much less activity for water oxidation.

Minimization of free radical damage by metal catalysis of multivitamin/multimineral supplements.

Multivitamin/multimineral complexes are the most common dietary supplements. Unlike minerals in foods that are incorporated in bioorganic structures, minerals in dietary supplements are typically in an inorganic form. These minerals can catalyze the generation of free radicals, thereby oxidizing antioxidants during digestion.

Developing an in-house resource for clinical social work services in the dialysis setting: a pilot program.

In 2005, the Renal Care Group's social work department in Arizona launched a pilot program to show the viability of an in-house resource for clinical social work services to address depression and treatment adherence among hemodialysis patients. Sixty-three participants were divided into an intervention group that was counseled by a licensed clinical social worker over a span of 3 months and a comparison group that received no additional services. Quantitative data were collected by using the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, the short form of the Kidney Disease Quality of Life survey, and attendance records.