Proteomics was used to identify a protein encoded by ORF 3a in a SARS-associated coronavirus (SARS-CoV). Immuno-blotting revealed that interchain disulfide bonds might be formed between this protein and the spike protein. ELISA indicated that sera from SARS patients have significant positive reactions with synthesized peptides derived from the 3a protein. These results are concordant with that of a spike protein-derived peptide. A tendency exists for co-mutation between the 3a protein and the spike protein of SARS-CoV isolates, suggesting that the function of the 3a protein correlates with the spike protein. Taken together, the 3a protein might be tightly correlated to the spike protein in the SARS-CoV functions. The 3a protein may serve as a new clinical marker or drug target for SARS treatment.
Fluorescent temperature sensing has received increasing interest in a wide range of fields, including fluid dynamics, micromechanics, and molecular cell biology. Here, a novel series of triarylboron compounds with significant thermosensitive hue transformation and high fluorescent quantum efficiency in wide temperature range is described. It is then demonstrated that fluorescent core/shell microcapsules based on one of the compounds exhibit outstanding temperature response. The microcapsules, dispersed in different liquid or solid media, can serve as highly robust, reliable, and sensitive fluorescent temperature sensors. The sensors are the first example containing a single organic luminophor with a self‐reference feature that can detect on the micro‐ and macroscale from −30 to 140 °C. This finding may open a new avenue to the development of novel fluorescent temperature sensors.
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