June 2016 - phenixbb - phenix-online.org

Scale and merge multiple data sets
by Sam Tang 05 Feb '17

05 Feb '17

Dear colleagues Hello again. I would like to scale and merge two different native datasets for a same protein complex (which semed to die off gradually in the beam) using the scale_and_merge tool. The error message was received "Multiple intensity arrays - please specify one: data_labels=I,SIGI data_labels=IPR,SIGPR" However I looked into the log file and I have actually included "data_labels = "IPR,SIGIPR,merged" . Perhaps I have missed something else in the setting? Regards Sam Sam Tang Biochemistry Programme, School of Life Sciences, CUHK

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Refine pixel size of map (for EM data)?
by Oliver Clarke 26 Jul '16

26 Jul '16

Hello, I wonder whether it would be possible to add an option for phenix.real_space_refine to allow refinement of the pixel size of the map (or the unit cell dimensions - just an overall size scale factor), and write out the altered map at the end of refinement. Although we try to calibrate this as best as we are able at the time of data collection, it is never perfect - for example, in one case I have dealt with, our nominal pixel size out of the scope is 1.19 Å, but the pixel size calibrated based on a crystal structure of a fragment of the protein is 1.25 Å. This is not a huge difference, but it is sufficient I think to have a substantial impact on refinement, particularly as regards clash assessment and H-bond/sec struc restraints. In cases where one does not have a solved crystal structure to use for calibration, perhaps refining the pixel size in conjunction with the geometry might be of some use? Cheers, Oli

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Question about restrain of a nonstandard peptide
by Yufan Wu 06 Jul '16

06 Jul '16

Dear Phenix Developers/Users, I have a question regarding how to generate a correct restrain for a whole nonstandard peptide and how do run refinement correctly. The nonstandard peptide in my structure is pepstatin A (IVA Val Val STA Ala STA). I manually put the pepstatin A in the density and generated the cif files for IVA and STA and run the refinement with them. After refinement, the whole pepstatin A explored as pieces, which I guess the program treated the pepstatin A as single amino acids. By the way, I also manual input the “LINK” information in the input pdb file as below, LINK C VAL L 3 N STA L 4 1555 1555 LINK N ALA L 5 C STA L 4 1555 1555 LINK C ALA L 5 N STA L 6 1555 1555 And also, when I use the “Real Space Refine Zone” by clicking two atoms for the whole pepstatin A in coot, it exploded again, although I input the same cif file in coot as well. The data quality is not good (2.9 A with CC1/2=12), thus it is difficult to place amino acid individually to fit the destiny. In the PDB, there are several structures containing the pepstatin A, such as 4TVG, 4AUC. They have the pepatatin A sequence as VVVXAX, but none of them lists the constrains. Would you please help me and let me know how can I continue with refinement? Please let me know if you need more information. Thank you vey much! Yufan Wu Regards, Yufan Wu The Plueckthun Lab www.bioc.uzh.ch/plueckthun <http://www.bioc.uzh.ch/plueckthun>Phone: +41 44 635 5574

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Post-doctoral position in membrane protein structure and function, University of Oxford, UK
by Maike Bublitz 22 Jun '16

22 Jun '16

Dear all, a post-doctoral position is available in the research group of Associate Prof. Maike Bublitz at the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford. The project aims to understand the structure and function of microbial membrane transport proteins identified as potential new drug targets, using a combination of state-of-the-art structural (X-ray crystallography, cryo-EM) and biochemical/biophysical techniques. Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant subject area, such as membrane protein biochemistry or structural biology. Experience in native or recombinant membrane protein expression, purification and either structural determination or functional analysis using biochemical and biophysical techniques is essential. Ability to work in a team as well as contribute to supervision activities and excellent verbal and written communication skills are expected. Experience in protein X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-EM is an advantage. To apply for this role and for further details, including the job description and selection criteria, please click on the link below: https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk/pls/hrisliverecruit/erq_jobspec_details_form.j… Applications for this vacancy are to be made online by 18th July 2016. Informal enquiries can be sent to maike.bublitz(a)bioch.ox.ac.uk<mailto:[email protected]>. Best regards, Maike ************************************************* Dr. Maike Bublitz Associate Professor of Microbial Biophysics Department of Biochemistry University of Oxford South Parks Road Oxford OX1 3QU United Kingdom phone: +44 (0)1865 613221 maike.bublitz(at)bioch.ox.ac.uk<http://bioch.ox.ac.uk>

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Just before crystallographic structure deposition
by cedric bauvois 22 Jun '16

22 Jun '16

Dear all, At the end of model-building, several modifications are often required for submission (remove some water molecules, deal with unusual bad bond, ...). After doing so, is there any way in phenix to generate a new pdb file containing updated informations (r_factors, bonds, angles, model content,...) ? Thanks a lot Cedric

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Deadline for registrations for the GRC on Diffraction Methods in Structural Biology is this Sunday.
by Edward Snell 16 Jun '16

16 Jun '16

Last chance to register for the Gordon Research Conference on Diffraction Methods in Structural Biology to be held at Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, July 17th-22nd 2016. The conference is themed around "Probing the structure and dynamics of macromolecules" and details of the program are at https://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=11655. The closing date for applications is this Sunday June 19th. Please join us in Maine this summer for the 40th anniversary of this meeting. Eddie Snell and Arwen Pearson Edward Snell Ph.D. CEO Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute Assistant Prof. Department of Structural Biology, University at Buffalo 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1102 Phone: (716) 898 8631 Fax: (716) 898 8660 Skype: eddie.snell Email: esnell(a)hwi.buffalo.edu Heisenberg was probably here!

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Project Scientist positions for computational methods
by Nicholas Sauter 13 Jun '16

13 Jun '16

Two Project Scientist positions are available in my group in the *Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging* <http://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib/> (MBIB) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. *Bioimaging Project Scientist* Position Summary: We have an exciting opportunity for a Bioimaging Project Scientist who will apply neuromorphic computing techniques to structural biology problems in X-ray diffraction, CryoEM, and CryoET. This will be a cross-disciplinary effort between MBIB and the Computational Research (CRD) Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. The research group will include investigators Nick Sauter (X-ray Crystallography), Karen Davies (CryoEM/ET), and Chao Yang (Scalable Solvers). Specific Responsibilities: - Investigate how to apply deep learning algorithms to specific data processing and data interpretation problems in structural biology. - Implement convolutional neural network (CNN) code on neuromorphic computing hardware such as the IBM TrueNorth chip. Example problems include the identification of positive diffraction events in X-ray free-electron laser diffraction, conformational classification in CryoEM single particle reconstruction, and the identification of 3D sections for CryoET subtomogram averaging. - Use tools such as MatConvNet, CAFFE, THEANO or TensorFlow to construct and train CNNs that can be used to optimally classify experimental data. Required Qualifications: - Research experience in Structural Biology, with expertise in allied fields such as Bioinformatics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering (Ph.D. + 3 years or equivalent) - Strong background in image analysis and machine learning, including neural networks. - Working knowledge of image classification and/or other image processing techniques. - Proficient programming skills in MATLAB and/or Python. - Working knowledge of performance optimization for scientific codes. *Algorithm Developer Project Scientist* Position Summary: We are seeking an algorithm developer for the increasingly complex analysis of large diffraction datasets in structural biology. Current projects utilize XFEL crystallography and spectroscopy to investigate the photosynthetic mechanism of water splitting and to probe other metalloenzyme reactions. We also wish to test whether diffuse scattering can reveal correlated atomic motions in crystals. Many problems remain to be solved, including the details of how to optimally merge datasets from thousands of crystals. Our software development projects (including packages such as DIALS <http://dials.lbl.gov/> and cctbx.xfel <http://cci.lbl.gov/xfel>) have been highlighted in several high-impact publications listed HERE <http://biosciences.lbl.gov/profiles/nicholas-sauter>. Specific Responsibilities: - Continue work on the DIALS data integration suite. - Test new algorithms for optimally characterizing and merging data from serial crystallography experiments. - Analyze anomalous scattering from metalloenzymes using XFEL diffraction. - Investigate whether diffuse scattering can reveal correlated atomic motions in crystals. Required Qualifications: - Expertise in one or more computational techniques including, but not limited to, ray tracing to test underlying physical models of the diffraction, Bayesian approaches for refining model parameters, macromolecular modeling and refinement, neural networks for interpreting image features, as well as signal processing and denoising methods. - Extensive data analysis experience in crystallography or from more general bioimaging backgrounds are welcome. - We particularly encourage strong mathematical intuition and a track record of bringing new ideas and tools to fruition, as evidenced through written publication and clear presentation. Candidates should send an expression of interest, CV, and list of three references to Nick Sauter, nksauter(a)lbl.gov*. *Further details are posted at https://lbl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=82554. Nicholas K. Sauter, Ph. D. Computer Staff Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Rd., Bldg. 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720

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Post-doctoral position in Structural Biology
by Dhirendra K Simanshu 13 Jun '16

13 Jun '16

A post-doctoral position ( structural biology) is available in the RAS initiative at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research (operated by Leidos Biomedical Research for NCI) . Please visit the link below for more details and instructions on how to apply: http://jobs.leidos.com/ShowJob/Id/861827/Post-Doctoral-Fellow-629153-(NCI)/ *JOB DESCRIPTION* The structural biology group in the RAS initiative focuses on structural analysis of KRAS mutants and biologically relevant KRAS activator/effector complexes in support of drug discovery efforts and to further understand the biochemistry of RAS proteins. We are looking for a highly motivated post-doctoral fellow to join our group. Highly motivated candidates who recently obtained a Ph.D. with a strong background in biochemistry, biophysics and structural biology are encouraged to apply. This post-doc will work closely with the protein production group and carry out structural studies on oncogenic KRAS complexed with effectors, GAPs, regulators and small molecules. We use X-ray crystallography, NMR, molecular modeling, and other biophysical techniques for structural characterization. The candidate will be expected to be able to participate in experimental design and to independently conduct experiments in a priority-driven environment. The candidate should have the ability to act both independently and as a part of the RAS team in pursuit of specific research goals and objectives. The structural biology group in the RAS initiative works very closely with the biochemistry and biophysics group, and is well equipped with crystallization robotics, in-house X-ray generator, and has regular access to the synchrotron beamline at Argonne. *Qualifications:* BASIC QUALIFICATIONS - Possession of a doctoral degree from an accredited college/university according to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) in a field related to structural biology, biochemistry, biophysics or computational biology - Foreign degrees must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency - Demonstrated proficiency in protein biochemical and biophysical characterization - Ability to act both independently and as a part of the RAS team in pursuit of specific research goals and objectives - Ability to conduct experiments and evaluate results independently - Experience in crystallization and structure determination of protein-ligand and protein-protein complexes PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience working with small GTPases or RAS-related effector proteins and Knowledge of molecular dynamics simulations and protein-ligand docking.

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Diffraction Methods in Structural Biology GRC - Last chance to register
by Edward Snell 10 Jun '16

10 Jun '16

Dear Colleagues, The registration deadline for this year's Diffraction Methods in Structural Biology GRC (17-22nd July 2016) held in Maine, USA is rapidly approaching (19th June). This year will be the 40th Anniversary of this GRC and we have a cracking program (or programme) for you (http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=11655) including talks on new beamlines and sources, as well as presentations of many new tools (experimental and computational) for getting more information out of your data. There is also the traditional Thursday morning session (for which talks are selected from posters at the meeting itself) that will feature the latest and most exciting developments in diffraction methods So if you have something really cool you'd like to present, there is still time to apply! If that wasn't enough to tempt you, the main meeting will be preceded by a 2 day Gordon Research Seminar (16-17th July, http://www.grc.org/programs.aspx?id=16486) arranged *by* students and postdocs *for* students and postdocs. We strongly encourage and invite students and postdocs to attend and then come to the full meeting immediately afterward. We look forward to seeing you in July. Best wishes Eddie Snell & Arwen Pearson Edward Snell Ph.D. CEO Hauptman-Woodward Medical Research Institute Assistant Prof. Department of Structural Biology, University at Buffalo 700 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1102 Phone: (716) 898 8631 Fax: (716) 898 8660 Skype: eddie.snell Email: esnell(a)hwi.buffalo.edu Heisenberg was probably here!

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Fall 2016 MicroED workshop at Janelia Research Campus
by Hattne, Johan 09 Jun '16

09 Jun '16

The second installment of the MicroED workshop will be held at Janelia Research Campus (Ashburn, VA) November 13-16, 2016, hosted by Tamir Gonen. MicroED is a cryo-EM method that uses electron diffraction to facilitate structure determination from sub-micron sized 3D crystals of biological material. MicroED uses equipment and procedures that are standard on many cryo-EM:s, and because of this the technique can be easily adopted in labs and facilities around the world. To encourage the widespread use of MicroED we are offering this workshop to teach microscopists how to perform the technique and adopt it at their own institutions. The first MicroED workshop was held in February of 2016 and was heavily oversubscribed. For this reason we are offering a second workshop. There is no registration fee for participation, and Janelia will provide on-site housing and meals. Attendees are expected to cover their own travel expenses and must be able to stay for the duration. Space in the course is limited. The application deadline is August 1, 2016 (11:59 PM EDT). For more details and to apply, visit https://www.janelia.org/you-janelia/conferences/microed-workshop-1. // Best wishes; Johan, on behalf of the organizers Research Specialist @ Gonen Lab ____________________________________________________ Janelia Research Campus * 19700 Helix Drive Ashburn, VA 20147 * +1 (571) 209-4000 extension 3376

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