Signal enhancement in protein NMR using the spin-noise tuning optimum

We have assessed the potential of an alternative probe tuning strategy based on the spin-noise response for application in common high-resolution multi-dimensional biomolecular NMR experiments with water signal suppression on aqueous and salty samples. The method requires the adjustment of the optimal tuning condition, which may be offset by several 100 kHz from the conventional tuning settings using the noise response of the water protons as an indicator. Although the radio frequency-pulse durations are typically longer under such conditions, signal-to-noise gains of up to 22% were achieved. At salt concentrations up to 100 mM a substantial sensitivity gain was observed

Proton therapy of uveal melanomas in Berlin 5 years of experience at the Hahn Meitner Institute

Background In June 1998 proton beam therapy of ocular tumors started at the Hahn Meitner Institut Berlin, Germany. Purpose of the present study is to evaluate treatment outcome for uveal melanomas. Material and Methods 245 consecutive patients with primary melanoma of the uvea were treated from June 1998 to April 2003 with a 68 MeV proton beam. In 96.2 of all pts. a uniform fractionation scheme was applied single dose 15 CGE Cobalt Gray Equivalent , total dose 60 CGE on 4 consecutive days. Follow up is available in 229 patients. Results At the time of median follow up 18,4 months local control is 96.4 and 95.5 at 3 years. Eye retention rate is 92.6 at 20 months median follow up and 87.5 at 3 years. Conclusions Proton beam irradiation of uveal melanomas at the Hahn Meitner Institut after the first 5 years of its initiation reveals local tumor control and eye retention rates in the range of other centers with larger experience. Delivering high treatment quality in hadron therapy from the beginning has been achieved. Key Words Uveal melanoma proton therap