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To alleviate resource shortage and environmental pollution, solar energy can be converted into thermal energy stored in phase change materials and in turn generate electrical energy. To enhance the solar energy utilization efficiency of solar‐thermal‐electrical conversion devices and prevent the heat loss to the environment at night, an intelligent solar‐responsive phase‐change system is innovatively designed consisting of a graphene aerogel film/paraffin wax stamen with an ultra‐high thermal conductivity of 46.7 W m−1 K−1, and thermally preserving aerogel film/liquid crystal elastomer bilayer petals that can bend solar‐responsively by the synergistic effect of solar‐thermal energy conversion and heat‐induced contraction. The solar‐responsive phase‐change system achieves daytime blooming for solar‐thermal conversion with simultaneous energy storage and nighttime closing for minimizing heat loss to the environment, exhibiting a high solar‐thermal conversion and energy storage efficiency of 89.4% and delaying its temperature drop by the thermal preservation effect of the petals. The assembled solar‐responsive solar‐thermal‐electric generator can reach an output voltage of 1033.8 mV at a light intensity of 500 mW cm−2 and continue to generate electrical energy during nighttime, holding tremendous promise in efficient solar energy conversion, storage, and utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A self‐powered and sustainable traffic monitoring system is highly required for future urban development. Herein, self‐healable piezoresistive sensors and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are constructed by in situ polymerization of polyvinyl alcohol‐polyacrylamide double network hydrogel in the presence of sodium alginate and tannic acid‐modified cellulose nanocrystals (denoted as PPC) for all‐weather self‐powered intelligent traffic monitoring applications. Because of hydrogen bonding and boron ester bonding, the resultant PPC‐based strain sensor can rapidly self‐heal and restore its sensing ability within 1 min with a self‐healing efficiency of 97.4%. Based on piezoresistive effect, the ions in sodium alginate endow the PPC‐based strain sensor with a relatively high gauge factor of 8.39, which can monitor the motion and fatigue of drivers. Based on triboelectrification effect, the PPC‐based TENG sensor can detect instantaneous vehicle speed, judge traffic accident liability, evaluate vehicle weight, and alert the driver to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving. After partially replacing water in the PPC with glycerin, the resulting PPC‐based TENG sensor exhibits stable performance at temperatures ranging from ‐30 to 40 °C, ensuring its all‐weather monitoring ability. The all‐weather and self‐powered intelligent traffic monitoring system is promising for ensuring the security of future cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although passive radiative cooling and active heating are becoming two essential functions for next-generation smart personal thermal management textiles, the integration of opposite cooling and heating into one metafabric with great wear comfort and multi-environmental adaptability is still challenging. Herein, a dual-functional reduced graphene oxide (RGO) decorated nanoporous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) metafabric with a unique sandwich structure is designed for multi-scenario personal thermal management. By assembling a spectrum-selective nanoporous PTFE radiative cooling substrate with a solar-thermal and highly emissive RGO layer and a visibly transparent polydimethylsiloxane supporting coating, opposite cooling and heating functions are integrated into the sandwich-structured metafabric. The resultant metafabric exhibits spectrum-selective properties with both high solar spectrum reflectivity (>90%, 0.25–2.5 μm) and high transparency in the human body infrared radiation range (>90%, 7–14 μm). For radiative cooling at an ambient temperature of 36 °C, the metafabric can dissipate thermal radiation from the skin and prevent solar radiation heat through the outermost visible reflective nanoporous PTFE layer, achieving radiative cooling with a 3.2 °C temperature drop compared to traditional cotton cloth. Whereas for solar heating, the metafabric can convert solar radiation to heat through the outside RGO layer, keeping a warmer surface microclimate, which is 17.0 °C higher than that of traditional cotton cloth in a 0 °C cold environment. By flipping the obverse and reverse sides of the metafabric, the radiative cooling and the solar-heating modes can be easily switched to adapt to various scenarios. Meanwhile, the dual-functional metafabric exhibits remarkable wearable performances because of its flexibility, moisture permeability, water-proofness, anti-fouling, and flame-retardancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To remedy the drawbacks of weak solar‐thermal conversion capability, low thermal conductivity, and poor structural stability of phase change materials, pyramidal graphitized chitosan/graphene aerogels (G‐CGAs) with numerous radially oriented layers are constructed, in which the long‐range radial alignment of graphene sheets is achieved by a novel directional‐freezing strategy. A G‐CGA/polyethylene glycol phase change composite exhibits a thermal conductivity of 2.90 W m−1 K−1 with a latent heat of 178.8 J g−1, and achieves a superior solar‐thermal energy conversion and storage efficiency of 90.4% and an attractive maximum temperature of 99.7 °C under a light intensity of 200 mW cm−2. Inspired by waterlilies, solar‐responsive phase change composites (SPCCs) are designed for the first time by assembling the G‐CGA/polyethylene glycol phase change composites with solar‐driven bilayer films, which bloom by day and close by night. The heat preservation effect of the solar‐driven films leads to a higher temperature of SPCC for a longer period at night. The SPCC‐based solar–thermal–electric generator achieves output voltages of 499.2 and 1034.9 mV under light intensities of 200 and 500 mW cm−2, respectively. Even after stopping the solar irradiation, the voltage output still occurs because of the latent heat release and the heat preservation of the films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although personal thermal management (PTM) materials for daily routine environments are widely investigated, the exploration of multifunctional PTM materials with excellent feasibility in complex and outdoor scenarios is still in its infancy. Herein, inspired by the temperature regulation effect of the atmosphere, a novel design for fabricating solar‐thermal gradient reduced graphene oxide (RGO) aerogel‐based bilayer phase change composite (GRGC) featuring "energy regulation" and "energy inverse compensation" is proposed for self‐adaptive PTM applications. By integrating the solar‐thermal energy conversion ability of RGO, the heat regulation of the aerogel/octadecane bilayer structure with the unique gradient RGO framework inside, and the latent‐heat compensation of octadecane, the bilayer GRGC can serve as an efficient PTM device to mitigate drastic temperature changes of human skin in harsh environments. This multifunctional PTM device can not only keep a warm skin surface microclimate in a frigid environment of −5 °C via the synergistic effect of the solar‐thermal conversion, the aerogel thermal insulation, and the phase‐change latent heat release, but also provide efficient thermal buffering to prevent hyperthermia in hot environments through its phase‐change behavior and its thermal insulation. This gradient and bilayer design opens a new avenue for fabricating self‐adaptive PTM devices for applications in harsh environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four novel indane derivatives, anisotindans A–D (1–4), were isolated from the roots of Anisodus tanguticus. Their structures were established using comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, and their absolute configurations were determined by electronic circular dichroism (ECD) calculations and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Anisotindans C and D (3 and 4) are two unusual indenofuran analogs. ABTS•+ and DPPH•+ assays of radical scavenging activity reveal that all compounds (1–4) are active. Specifically, the ABTS•+ assay results show that anisotindan A (1) exhibits the best antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 15.62 ± 1.85 μM (vitamin C, IC50 = 22.54 ± 5.18 μM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although short bamboo nodes function in mechanical support and fluid exchange for bamboo survival, their structures are not fully understood compared to unidirectional fibrous internodes. Here, we identify the spatial heterostructure of the bamboo node via multiscale imaging strategies and investigate its mechanical properties by multimodal mechanical tests. We find three kinds of hierarchical fiber reinforcement schemes that originate from the bamboo node, including spatially tightened interlocking, triaxial interconnected scaffolding and isotropic intertwining. These reinforcement schemes, built on porous vascular bundles, microfibers and more-refined twist-aligned nanofibers, govern the structural stability of the bamboo via hierarchical toughening. In addition, the spatial liquid transport associated with these multiscale fibers within the bamboo node is experimentally verified, which gives perceptible evidence for life-indispensable multidirectional fluid exchange. The functional integration of mechanical reinforcement and liquid transport reflects the fact that the bamboo node has opted for elaborate structural optimization rather than ingredient richness. This study will advance our understanding of biological materials and provide insight into the design of fiber-reinforced structures and biomass utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although organic phase change materials can reversibly store and release latent heat during their phase change processes, their weak solar–thermal conversion ability, low thermal conduction, and poor structural stability seriously hinder their applications for solar–thermal energy conversion as well as thermal energy utilization. Herein, anisotropic high-quality conical graphene aerogels (HCGAs) with concentric annular structures are constructed to enhance thermal conduction, solar–thermal energy conversion, and shape stability of phase change materials for solar–thermal–electric energy conversion applications. By regulating the orientation of graphene oxide liquid crystals, the resultant graphene sheets are aligned from the apex to the bottom of the cone, providing efficient heat transfer along the vertical direction of the phase change composites. An optimal HCGA/tetradecanol phase change composite with 7.05 wt% of graphene achieves a high through-plane thermal conductivity of 4.54 W m−1 K−1 with a high latent heat of 206.1 J g−1. Benefiting from the larger solar light-absorption surface than conventional square/cylindrical phase change composites and the rapid heat transfer of the anisotropic high-quality graphene conduction network, the conical phase change composite achieves a high solar–thermal energy conversion and storage efficiency of 84.0%. Furthermore, a solar–thermal–electric generator is assembled with the conical phase change composite array, exhibiting maximum output voltages of 261 and 1214 mV under solar light intensities of 100 and 500 mW cm−2, respectively. Even after the removal of the solar light, the voltage output can still be continued by releasing the stored thermal energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Anisotanols A—D (1—4), four new compounds possessing an unprecedented sesquiterpenoid skeleton with a congested tricyclic 6/3/5 ring system, were obtained from Anisodus tanguticus. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, and the absolute configurations were confirmed via ECD calculations and single‐crystal X‐ray diffractions. A putative biosynthetic pathway for these compounds was proposed. Biological evaluation disclosed that compound 3 showed anti‐angiogenic activity by inhibiting the viability, migration, and tube formation in HUVECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Anisotanols A—D (1—4), four new compounds possessing an unprecedented sesquiterpenoid skeleton with a congested tricyclic 6/3/5 ring system, were obtained from Anisodus tanguticus. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic techniques, and the absolute configurations were confirmed via ECD calculations and single‐crystal X‐ray diffractions. A putative biosynthetic pathway for these compounds was proposed. Biological evaluation disclosed that compound 3 showed anti‐angiogenic activity by inhibiting the viability, migration, and tube formation in HUVECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single event effects (SEEs) in a 28-nm system-on-chip (SoC) were assessed using heavy ion irradiations, and susceptibilities in different processor configurations with data accessing patterns were investigated. The patterns included the sole processor (SP) and asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP) patterns with static and dynamic data accessing. Single event upset (SEU) cross sections in static accessing can be more than twice as high as those of the dynamic accessing, and processor configuration pattern is not a critical factor for the SEU cross sections. Cross section interval of upset events was evaluated and the soft error rates in aerospace environment were predicted for the SoC. The tests also indicated that ultra-high linear energy transfer (LET) particle can cause exception currents in the 28-nm SoC, and some even are lower than the normal case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new trinuclear Pt(II) complexes {[Pt(dien)]3(tib)}(NO3)6 (1) and {[Pt(dpa)]3(tib)}(NO3)6 (2) (dien: diethylenetriamine, dpa: bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine, tib: 1,3,5-tris(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene) have been designed, synthesized, characterized and applied to a series of biochemical studies. We found that both of the Pt(II) complexes exhibited much better selectivity for human telomeric G-quadruplex sequence than promoter G-quadruplexes (c-kit, c-myc, and bcl2) or duplex DNA. Both complexes displayed comparative stability and affinity towards human telomeric G-quadruplex by the studies from surface plasmon resonance, fluorescence resonance energy transfer and polymerase chain reaction stop assays. The circular dichroism indicated that both complexes could induce and stabilize anti-parallel G-quadruplex structures. Molecule docking presented that Pt(II) complex intercalated into the large groove of human telomeric G-quadruplex (PDB ID: 143D). Furthermore, telomeric repeat amplification protocol assays quantitatively evaluated the inhibition of telomerase activity caused by the Pt(II) complexes. The obtained IC50 values of 6.41 ± 0.042 μM and 2.67 ± 0.035 μM for 1 and 2, respectively, exhibited strong telomerase inhibitions. All results suggest that such fan-shaped trinuclear Pt(II) complexes are effective and selective G-quadruplex binders, as well as strong telomerase inhibitors. This study provides insight into the development of human telomeric G-quadruplex targeted anticancer drugs based on the metal complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar steam generation is an emerging research field to approach the challenge of water shortages all around the world. Abundant light absorber materials have been developed to improve the broadband absorption of sunlight in the past few years, but the thermal insulating layers that often make a significant improvement in the photothermal conversion performance of the device have rarely been researched. A material that has both excellent heat insulation property and high light absorption is also uncommon. Bioinspired by the hollow hair of polar bears, here we demonstrate difunctional carbon-nanotube-based aerogels (DCTAs), which not only can be used as the thermal insulating layer that helps to resist heat loss from the surface to bulk water but also serve as the absorber layer. The hollow carbon nanofiber network structure can effectively resist thermal transport so that the carbon-nanotube-based aerogel shows great thermal insulating properties. Besides, the aerogel can self-float on the surface of water because of its lightweight and hydrophobic nature. By further compositing with Au nanoparticles, the broadband absorption of aerogel is up to 98% in the wavelength range of 250–2000 nm. This rational design endows the DCTAs with a good solar thermal conversion performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Seven pairs of new enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids were isolated from Curcuma phaeocaulis. • (+)/(−)- 1 showed anti-platelet aggregative activity. • (+)/(−)- 3 – 5 exhibited vasorelaxant effects against KCl-induced contraction of rat aortic rings. • This study enriched the enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids in the genus Curcuma. Seven pairs of new enantiomeric sesquiterpenoids, (+)/(−)-phaeocauline A − G [(+)/(−)- 1 – 7 , were isolated from the rhizomes of Curcuma phaeocaulis by chiral HPLC separation. Their structures, including absolute configurations, were determined by spectroscopic analyses and ECD data. The isolates were assessed for vasorelaxant, anti-platelet aggregative, and neuroprotective activities. Enantiomers (+)- 1 and (−)- 1 showed similar activity against abnormal platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid, while their C-4 epimers (+)- 2 and (−)- 2 were inactive, which indicated that those effects were stereoselective, but not enantioselective. Compounds (+)/(−)- 3 – 5 exhibited vasorelaxant effects against KCl-induced contraction of rat aortic rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the emerging interfacial solar steam generation technology is sustainable and eco-friendly for generating clean water by desalinating seawater and purifying wastewaters, salt deposition on the evaporation surface during solar-driven evaporation severely degrades the purification performances and adversely affect the long-term performance stability of solar steam generation devices. Herein, to construct solar steam generators for efficient solar steam generation and seawater desalination, three-dimensional (3D) natural loofah sponges with both macropores of the sponge and microchannels of the loofah fibers are hydrothermally decorated with molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) sheets and carbon particles. Benefiting from fast upward transport of water, rapid steam extraction, and effective salt-resistant capacity, the 3D hydrothermally decorated loofah sponge with MoS 2 sheets and carbon particles (HLMC) with an exposed height of 4 cm can not only obtain heat by its top surface under the downward solar light irradiation based on the solar-thermal energy conversion but also gain environmental energy by its porous sidewall surface, achieving a competitive water evaporation rate of 3.45 kg m -2 h -1 under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, the 3D HLMC evaporator exhibits long-term desalination stability during the solar-driven desalination of an aqueous salt solution with 3.5 wt % NaCl for 120 h without apparent salt deposition because of its dual type of pores and uneven structure distribution.