An improved method for the synthesis and formation mechanism of M2B10H14 based on the reactions of B10H14 with MNH2BH3 (M = Na, K).

An efficient method for the synthesis of M2B10H14 (M = Na and K) has been developed. The two possible formation mechanisms of the B10H142- anion are proposed, in which the NH2BH3- anion acts as a proton abstractor and a hydride donor. Furthermore, the B10H13- and B10H15- intermediates were detected.

Genome-wide identification and expression of SAUR gene family in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and functional identification of AhSAUR3 in drought tolerance.

BACKGROUND: Small auxin-upregulated RNAs (SAURs) gene family plays important roles in plant growth, development, and stress responses. However, the function of few SAUR genes is known in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), one of the world's major food legume crops. This study aimed to perform a comprehensive identification of the SAUR gene family from the peanut genome. RESULTS: The genome-wide analysis revealed that a total of 162 SAUR genes were identified in the peanut genome. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the SAUR proteins were classified into eight subfamilies. The SAUR gene family experienced a remarkable expansion after tetraploidization, which contributed to the tandem duplication events first occurring in subgenome A and then segmental duplication events occurring between A and B subgenomes. The expression profiles based on transcriptomic data showed that SAUR genes were dominantly expressed in the leaves, pistils, perianth, and peg tips, and were widely involved in tolerance against abiotic stresses. A total of 18 AhSAUR genes selected from different subfamilies randomly presented 4 major expression patterns according to their expression characteristics in response to indole-3-acetic acid. The members from the same subfamily showed a similar expression pattern. Furthermore, the functional analysis revealed that AhSAUR3 played a negative role in response to drought tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided insights into the evolution and function of the SAUR gene family and may serve as a resource for further functional research on AhSAUR genes.

Fluorinated Ionic Liquid Based Multicolor 19 F MRI Nanoprobes for In Vivo Sensing of Multiple Biological Targets.

Multicolor imaging, which maps the distribution of different targets, is important for in vivo molecular imaging and clinical diagnosis. Fluorine 19 magnetic resonance imaging (19 F MRI) is a promising technique because of unique insights without endogenous background or tissue penetration limit. Thus multicolor 19 F MRI probes, which can sense a wide variety of molecular species, are expected to help elucidate the biomolecular networks in complex biological systems. Here, a versatile model of activatable probes based on fluorinated ionic liquids (ILs) for multicolor 19 F MRI is reported. Three types of ILs at different chemical shifts are loaded in nanocarriers and sealed by three stimuli-sensitive copolymers, leading to "off" 19 F signals. The coating polymers specifically respond to their environmental stimuli, then degrade to release the loaded ILs, causing 19 F signals recovery. The nanoprobes are utilized for non-invasive detection of tumor hallmarks, which are distinguished by their individual colors in one living mouse, without interference between each other. This multicolor imaging strategy, which adopts modular construction of various ILs and stimuli-responsive polymers, will allow more comprehensive sensing of multiple biological targets, thus, opening a new realm in mechanistic understanding of complex pathophysiologic processes in vivo.