Identification and analysis of MATE protein family in Gleditsia sinensis.

Many studies have shown that multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) is a new secondary transporter family that plays a key role in secondary metabolite transport, the transport of plant hormones and disease resistance in plants. However, detailed information on this family in Gleditsia sinensis has not yet been reported. In the present study, a total of 45 GsMATE protein members were identified and analysed in detail, including with gene classification, phylogenetic evaluation and conserved motif determination. Phylogenetic analysis showed that GsMATE proteins were divided into six subfamilies. Additionally, in order to understand these members' regulatory roles in growth and development in G. sinensis , the GsMATEs expression profiles in different tissues and different developmental stages of thorn were examined in transcriptome data. The results of this study demonstrated that the expression of all MATE genes varies in roots, stems and leaves. Notably, the expression levels of GsMATE26 , GsMATE32 and GsMATE43 differ most in the early stages of thorn development, peaking at higher levels than in later stages. Our results provide a foundation for further functional characterisation of this important class of transporter family in G. sinensis .

Synthesis of single crystalline two-dimensional transition-metal phosphides via a salt-templating method.

Transition-metal phosphides (TMPs) are considered as promising non-noble electrochemical catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Their highly active sites are located on certain facets, and single crystalline two-dimensional (2D) structures enable them to expose the most active facets for HER. However, the synthesis of single crystalline 2D TMPs is still a challenge owing to their intrinsically non-layered structures. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of various single crystalline 2D TMPs (Co2P, MoP2, Ni12P5 and WP2) by a salt-templating method. The as-synthesized 2D Co2P exhibited efficient electrocatalytic ability for HER with an overpotential of 41 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 35 mV dec-1 in 0.5 M H2SO4 solution. We expect that the synthesis of 2D TMPs reported here will open the way to expand the family of 2D materials for electrocatalysis and beyond.

Rapid mass production of two-dimensional metal oxides and hydroxides via the molten salts method.

Because of their exotic electronic properties and abundant active sites, two-dimensional (2D) materials have potential in various fields. Pursuing a general synthesis methodology of 2D materials and advancing it from the laboratory to industry is of great importance. This type of method should be low cost, rapid and highly efficient. Here, we report the high-yield synthesis of 2D metal oxides and hydroxides via a molten salts method. We obtained a high-yield of 2D ion-intercalated metal oxides and hydroxides, such as cation-intercalated manganese oxides (Na0.55Mn2O4·1.5H2O and K0.27MnO2·0.54H2O), cation-intercalated tungsten oxides (Li2WO4 and Na2W4O13), and anion-intercalated metal hydroxides (Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2·2H2O and Cu2(OH)3NO3), with a large lateral size and nanometre thickness in a short time. Using 2D Na2W4O13 as an electrode, a high performance electrochemical supercapacitor is achieved. We anticipate that our method will enable new path to the high-yield synthesis of 2D materials for applications in energy-related fields and beyond.

Pyrimidinyl-substituted amides and thioureas: syntheses, crystal structure and herbicidal activities.

BACKGROUND: The high herbicidal activities of [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-c]pyrimidine and 2H-1,2,4-thiadiazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidine derivatives suggested the development of new fused heterocyclic compounds for application as herbicides. RESULTS: Three series of pyrimidinyl-substituted thioureas (4) and amides (5, 6) were synthesized, and the typical crystal structure of a 2H-1,2,4-thiadiazolo[2,3-a]pyrimidine derivative (5a) was determined by X-ray diffraction. All the compounds were tested for herbicidal activity against selected weeds. CONCLUSION: The series of fused heterocyclic amides 5a to 5d exhibited high herbicidal activities both against monocotyledonous weeds (Echinochloa crus-galli L., Sorghum bicolor (L.) Mönch., Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop) and against dicotyledonous weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus L. and Brassica campestris L.) in pre-emergence treatments. In particular, compound 5b at low concentration still showed high inhibitory activity against A. retroflexus in pre-emergence treatment. Different substituents at the meta positions of the pyrimidine ring were found to affect the herbicidal activity.