Magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals exhibiting photomultiferroicity.

Growing crystallographically incommensurate and dissimilar organic materials is fundamentally intriguing but challenging for the prominent cross-correlation phenomenon enabling unique magnetic, electronic, and optical functionalities. Here, we report the growth of molecular layered magnet-in-ferroelectric crystals, demonstrating photomanipulation of interfacial ferroic coupling. The heterocrystals exhibit striking photomagnetization and magnetoelectricity, resulting in photomultiferroic coupling and complete change of their color while inheriting ferroelectricity and magnetism from the parent phases. Under a light illumination, ferromagnetic resonance shifts of 910 Oe are observed in heterocrystals while showing a magnetization change of 0.015 emu/g. In addition, a noticeable magnetization change (8% of magnetization at a 1,000 Oe external field) in the vicinity of ferro-to-paraelectric transition is observed. The mechanistic electric-field-dependent studies suggest the photoinduced ferroelectric field effect responsible for the tailoring of photo-piezo-magnetism. The crystallographic analyses further evidence the lattice coupling of a magnet-in-ferroelectric heterocrystal system.

Printing conformal and flexible copper networks for multimodal pressure and flow sensing.

Flexible multimodal sensors with ultrasensitive detection capabilities are an indispensable component of wearable electronics and are highly sought-after involving a wide range of signal monitoring such as artificial skin and soft robotics. Here we report a flexible and wireless multimodal sensor using low-temperature additive manufacturing of copper nanoplates on elastic polyurethane substrates for temperature, pressure, and flow monitoring. The positive temperature coefficient and piezoresistive performance of the copper nanoplate network translates to a reliable temperature, steady-state and dynamic pressure/flow sensing for detecting pressures as small as 0.64 Pa with a response time of 130 ms, as well as velocity detection ranging from 2.5-6.8 m s-1. Additionally, by incorporating a printed antenna, it enables a self-powered, battery-free system, offering a wireless readout of printed multimodal sensors with superior real-time sensing performance in conjunction with wearable flexibility.

Physiological association of the breakpoint with the duration of hyperventilation.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the relationship of body mass index (BMI) with breath-holding time (BHT) as well as that of BHT with the duration of hyperventilation (DOH) in young healthy adults. METHODS: An observational study was performed at Shalamar Medical and Dental College, Lahore, Pakistan, between May 2021 and June 2022. Healthy first-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery students aged 18-22 years, with a normal BMI were included. Spirometric measurements were taken through a spirometer pod connected to a pneumotachometer (model: Power Lab 26T). Body mass index was calculated as the weight (kg) to height (m2) ratio. Pearson correlation, linear regression, and t tests were applied using SPSS. RESULTS: A total of 101 subjects participated, comprising of 44 men and 57 women. A weak negative association was found between BMI and BHT in all subjects (r= -0.08, p=0.34), in men (r= -0.24, p=0.11), and in women (r= -0.092, p=0.497). Furthermore, a strong association was observed between BHT and DOH in all subjects (r=0.64, p=0.000), in men (r=0.604, p=0.000), and in women (r=0.518, p=0.000). Moreover, a nonsignificant weak inverse linear regression was found between the BMI and BHT of all subjects (ß= -0.087, p=0.38), of men (ß= -0.241, p=0.11), and of women (ß= -0.092, p=0.49). Lastly, a significantly strong positive regression was observed between the BHT and DOH of all subjects (ß=0.637, p=0.000), of men (ß=0.604, p=0.000), and of women (ß=0.518, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: No association was found between BMI and BHT. A strong positive association was observed between BHT and DOH in all healthy young people.

The pathway for coenzyme M biosynthesis in bacteria.

Mercaptoethane sulfonate or coenzyme M (CoM) is the smallest known organic cofactor and is most commonly associated with the methane-forming step in all methanogenic archaea but is also associated with the anaerobic oxidation of methane to CO2 in anaerobic methanotrophic archaea and the oxidation of short-chain alkanes in Syntrophoarchaeum species. It has also been found in a small number of bacteria capable of the metabolism of small organics. Although many of the steps for CoM biosynthesis in methanogenic archaea have been elucidated, a complete pathway for the biosynthesis of CoM in archaea or bacteria has not been reported. Here, we present the complete CoM biosynthesis pathway in bacteria, revealing distinct chemical steps relative to CoM biosynthesis in methanogenic archaea. The existence of different pathways represents a profound instance of convergent evolution. The five-step pathway involves the addition of sulfite, the elimination of phosphate, decarboxylation, thiolation, and the reduction to affect the sequential conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to CoM. The salient features of the pathway demonstrate reactivities for members of large aspartase/fumarase and pyridoxal 5'-phosphate-dependent enzyme families.

Molecular copper decomposition ink for printable electronics.

Nanostructured metal materials are the frontrunners of numerous electronic advancements. While realizing such potential, it is indispensable to address their oxidation and stability drawbacks, which are due to their high surface energies. Here, we report printable and air-stable molecular metal ink materials from metal-organic decomposition by using copper ions, including both copper formate and aqueous copper-amine complexes. By complexing copper formate with amines, the decomposition temperature of the printed molecular copper ink can be achieved at 100 °C, while maintaining its electric conductivity. The printed copper conductors exhibit a high electric conductivity of 35 MS m-1 (>50% of bulk copper's electric conductivity at room temperature) and an electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of 63 dB. The findings shown here of the molecular decomposition ink are promising for applications in printable electronics.

Printed copper-nanoplate conductor for electro-magnetic interference.

As one of the conductive ink materials with high electric conductivity, elemental copper (Cu) based nanocrystals promise for printable electronics. Here, single crystalline Cu nanoplates were synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method. Size engineering of Cu nanoplates can be rationalized by using the LaMer model and the versatile Cu conductive ink materials are suitable for different printing technologies. The printed Cu traces show high electric conductivity of 6 MS m-1, exhibiting electro-magnetic interference shielding efficiency value of 75 dB at an average thicknesses of 11µm. Together with flexible alumina ceramic aerogel substrates, it kept 87% conductivity at the environmental temperature of 400 °C, demonstrating the potential of Cu conductive ink for high-temperature printable electronics applications.