We have developed a new computer algorithm for determining the backbone resonance assignments for biopolymers. The approach we have taken, relative hypothesis prioritization, is implemented as a Lua program interfaced to the recently developed computer-aided resonance assignment (CARA) program. Our program can work with virtually any spectrum type, and is especially good with NOESY data. The results of the program are displayed in an easy-to-read, color-coded, graphic representation, allowing users to assess the quality of the results in minutes. Here we report the application of the program to two RNA recognition motifs of Apobec-1 Complementation Factor. The assignment of these domains demonstrates AutoLinkÕs ability to deliver accurate resonance assignments from very minimal data and with minimal user intervention.

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Spin-state selective off-resonance decoupling (SITAR) is applied to the amide proton-to-nitrogen-to-alpha-carbon correlation (HNCA) triple-resonance experiment by measuring the 15N chemical shift during the acquisition simultaneously with the 1H chemical shift. The simultaneous detection of both 1H and 15N chemical shifts in SITAR reduces the dimensionality of the HNCA-type experiment from three dimensions to two dimensions with a 15N chemical shift resolution of approximately 0.4 ppm. This enables the recording of triple-resonance experiments in several minutes. SITAR is furthermore applied to the amide proton-to-nitrogen-to-alpha-carbon-and-beta-carbon correlation (HNCACB) triple-resonance experiment and the 15N-resolved [1H,1H]-nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY) experiment with similar success. The accompanied peak crowding and chemical shift degeneracy of the amide protons in the SITAR two-dimensional (2D) spectra, which are inherent properties of pseudo-dimensional experiments, are resolved by local correlation of the two sub-spectra. With this procedure a 13C--1H strip for each 15N--1H moiety is generated resulting in a three-dimensional (3D) strip list known from the conventional 3D spectra. The quality of the strip list in terms of peak crowding and chemical shift degeneracy is comparable to their corresponding 3D counterparts. An analysis-software within the CARA package is presented, which generates, visualizes and manages the SITAR spectra, the corresponding strip lists and the assignment process.

Many mixtures of phenols in hexamethylphosphoramide were found to give NMR spectra containing a well resolved hydroxyl peak for each component. These peaks occur in the region 8 to 13 p.p.m. and are free from interference due to aromatic proton absorption. The chemical shift of a particular phenol is not affected

Bar graphs have been prepared which show proton NMR chemical shift ranges for different proton environments.Approximately 1500 chemical shift figures from spectra of over 700 compounds were compiled and used. The graphs make it possible to support or reject structural assignments in a rapid manner and to predict approximate chemical shifts for different proton environments easily.