As a spectroscopic method, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has seen
spectacular growth, both as a technique and in its applications. Today's
applications of NMR span a wide range of scientific disciplines, from
physics to biology to medicine. Each volume of Nuclear Magnetic
Resonance comprises a combination of annual and biennial reports which
together provide comprehensive coverage of the literature on this topic.
This Specialist Periodical Report reflects the growing volume of
published work involving NMR techniques and applications, in particular
NMR of natural macromolecules, which is covered in two reports: NMR of
Proteins and Nucleic Acids and NMR of Carbohydrates, Lipids and
Membranes. In his foreword to the first volume, the then editor,
Professor Robin Harris announced that the series would be a discussion
on the phenomena of NMR and that articles will be critical surveys of
the literature. This has certainly remained the case throughout the
series, and in line with its predecessors, Volume 40 aims to provide a
comprehensive coverage of the relevant NMR literature. For the current
volume this relates to publications appearing between June 2009 and May
2010 (the nominal period of coverage in volume 1 was July 1970 to June
1971). Compared to the previous volume there are some new members of the
reporting team. Theoretical Aspects of Spin-Spin Couplings are covered
by J. Ja?wi?ski, while E. ?wie?ewska and J.W3/4jcik provide an account
of NMR of Carbohydrates, Lipids and Membranes. My special thanks are due
to Professor J. Kowalewski who reviewed the literature on Nuclear Spin
Relaxation in Liquids and Gases for two years between June 2008 and May
2010.
