- phenixbb - phenix-online.org

Generating electron density from protein coordinate (PDB)
by Kit Sang Chu 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

Dear phenix users, Although phenix in general is used to convert electron density into protein coordinates (PDB), I am interested in retrieving electron density of an optimized PDB, hopefully at a resolution of ~1-2A. Since there could be manipulation of the coordinate file upstream, some crystal structure information could be lost. I notice that phenix generates structure factor from coordinates (assuming P1 symmetry) by phenix.fmodel. However, the conversion from structure factor to electron density requires a normalization constant (sum of atomic form factors). I am still trying to identify the correct function to use to output a non-binary output format. phenix.maps might work but I am unsure about the map_type. If anyone is willing to provide some suggestions, that would be very helpful. Sincerely, Simon

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Re: [phenixbb] Transferring Phenix home
by Engin Özkan 20 Mar '20

20 Mar '20

There is an Import Project function in the Projects pull-down menu (on a Mac; don't know where that would be in linux/Windows). If you copy your entire project folder, including the .phenix subfolder, to a second computer, you can import the project using the Import Project function, and the project will be added to your current list of projects on the second computer. Used to work well several years ago, probably still works well. Engin On 3/18/20 4:36 PM, Boaz Shaanan wrote: > Hi, I have done this (moving phenix stuff between computers) a few > times on linux os (ubuntu's versions). Just backup your whole > phenix-projects directory on your computer (from the top down to all > the sub-dirs) and dump it onto the new computer. Your projects will > show up in the gui, don't worry. > It worked for me. > Stay safe. > Cheers, > Boaz > > Boaz Shaanan, Ph.D. > Department of Life Sciences > Ben Gurion University of the Negev > Beer Sheva > Israel > > On Mar 18, 2020 23:23, csteussy <csteussy(a)purdue.edu> wrote: > All, > > In this age of self quarantine I have moved a number of my PHENIX > projects home. All the working subdirectories have a .phenix entry. Is > there a way to incorporate the history of the projects from work to my > home installation. Starting the GUI shows none of it. > > Both of these are Ubuntu 18.04 and I have sudo privileges. > > Thanks in advance. > > Nic out > > _______________________________________________ > phenixbb mailing list > phenixbb(a)phenix-online.org > http://phenix-online.org/mailman/listinfo/phenixbb > Unsubscribe: phenixbb-leave(a)phenix-online.org > > _______________________________________________ > phenixbb mailing list > phenixbb(a)phenix-online.org > http://phenix-online.org/mailman/listinfo/phenixbb > Unsubscribe: phenixbb-leave(a)phenix-online.org

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Raw diffraction images for SARS-CoV-2 related structures
by Gerard Bricogne 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Dear colleagues, Perusal and some initial (re-)refinement of the various SARS-CoV-2 protease structures in the PDB seems to indicate that that there might be potential to improve these if refinements could be repeated after some reprocessing and further analysis of the raw diffraction images, rather than against the deposited merged data. This statement should in no way be construed as a criticism of the remarkable achievements of the research groups concerned, who have been operating under tremendous time pressure, but as an exciting opportunity to push methods to their limits on a uniquely significant class of structures. Another consideration is that the various logistical problems created by COVID-19 may soon make it increasingly difficult to collect new diffraction data on potential drug targets relevant to the fight against SARS-CoV-2, underlining the importance of ensuring that the best results be obtained from every dataset actually collected, and that the most useful conclusions be drawn from the analysis of those datasets towards improving the quality of subsequent data collections. On this basis we would like to propose that special efforts be made to grant public access to the raw image data associated with any SARS-CoV-2 related structure that is deposited into the PDB. This can be done by (1) archiving these raw image data using resources such as data.sbgrid.org, zenodo.org, proteindiffraction.org or any other cloud-based data-sharing service, and (2) communicating the corresponding DOIs to the wwPDB centres. This idea could be extended to datasets that investigators would like to offer to interested methods developers or expert users at the pre-deposition stage. Experts making use of those raw data would be encouraged to document, in as much detail as possible, how particular programs or workflows could be used on those structures/datasets to obtain the best results. This would be a kind of "virtual workshop", a particularly valuable collective activity at the present time when several in-person workshops (e.g. RapiData) have been cancelled and many meetings are in limbo for several months. The latter activity would benefit from having a centralised facility set up for the experts to post their results and annotations: we could create such a facility, but other, larger groups might want to consider doing so. With best wishes, Clemens & Gerard.

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Transferring Phenix home
by csteussy 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

All, In this age of self quarantine I have moved a number of my PHENIX projects home. All the working subdirectories have a .phenix entry. Is there a way to incorporate the history of the projects from work to my home installation. Starting the GUI shows none of it. Both of these are Ubuntu 18.04 and I have sudo privileges. Thanks in advance. Nic out

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COVID-19 Structural Biology Data Analysis
by Paul Adams 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Dear Colleagues, with the effects of COVID-19 being felt worldwide, we all want to do something to help. There are several teams that are using crystallography and cryo-EM to help develop diagnostics and therapeutics for the virus. We wanted to let you know that the members of the Phenix team stand ready to assist with the analysis of COVID-19 related data should that be helpful to you. Please feel free to contact any of us. We hope that you are able to stay safe in this very challenging time. Paul, on behalf of the Phenix Team -- Paul Adams Division Director, Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging, LBL (http://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Division Deputy for Biosciences, Advanced Light Source (https://als.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, U.C. Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Adjunct Professor, Comparative Biochemistry, U.C. Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 33, Room 250 Building 978, Room 4126 Building 977, Room 180C Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Ashley Dawn [ ashleydawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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Postdoctoral position in Structure of Sugar Transporting Membrane Proteins at Aarhus University, Denmark. [repost]
by Bjørn Panyella Pedersen 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Dear colleagues, Please pass this along any one who might be interested. Thanks! /Bjørn Postdoctoral position in Structure of Sugar Transporting Membrane Proteins at Aarhus University, Denmark. online posting: http://tiny.cc/MBG_postdoc We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc with an interest in working on sugar transporting membrane transporters and preferably with a proven track record in the area of structural and/or functional analysis of membrane proteins. The position will be open from summer 2020, but starting date is negotiable. Funding is available for at least 2 years of employment, with an automatic extension possible for up to a total maximum of 4 years. The position: The position seeks to strengthen ongoing activities in the laboratory of Bjørn P. Pedersen on structure, related to the function and mechanism of sugar-transporting membrane proteins (pedersenlab.dk). The laboratory's interest is the interplay between structure and function of transmembrane transport processes with a focus on metabolite uptake systems, and the methods uses are primarily crystallography, cryo-EM and biochemistry. The group is part of the Section of Structural Biology at Aarhus University. The candidate: A successful candidate has a relevant Ph.D. degree and a solid and documented background in structural biology, biochemistry and/or biophysics. Experience with membrane protein expression and purification is favored, and the candidate must demonstrate an ability and interest to work with membrane proteins with a structural aim. Applicants should be ambitious, show strong collaborative skills, and be able to take initiatives and responsibility within the work environment. The successful candidate is offered: - access to a well-developed research infrastructure. - a research climate inviting lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research. - a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, network activities among young scientists and social activities. - a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance. The city: In Aarhus you have easy access to beautiful nature, an exciting culture and city life as well as a safe environment for children - a great place for the whole family. The city of Aarhus has everything you need: exciting national and international jobs, delightful residential areas, a rich cultural life, and beautiful surrounding landscape of woods and coastline that make Aarhus a wonderful place to live and work. Deadline: All applications must be made online (http://tiny.cc/MBG_postdoc) and received by 2. apr. 2020.

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Slurm/qsub queue usage
by Michael Weyand 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Dear Phenixer, I would like to use Phenix GUI queue execution option. We have access to cluster nodes via Slurm/qsub. https://slurm.schedmd.com/documentation.html The reason is that we have severe problems to run Coot/PyMol form the Phenix GUI if Phenix is executed on our number cruncher. This direct Coot usage GUI option is HIGHLY preferred by my young colleagues... Therefore my Slurm queue installation. But I have no clue how to add the needed first qsub script line ( "#!/bin/bash" or "#!/bin/tcsh" ) to the final Phenix command script from the Phenix GUI, which is to my knowledge a must for the qsub/sbatch command. Same holds true for the CCP4i GUI ... :-( This line is added to avoid cross positing to CCP4BB ... ;-) Is there any simple hint / command which I have missed ? Kind regards, Michael

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exit code 126
by Wim Burmeister 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

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crash when running PDB Tools job in 1.18rc4
by Daniel Larsson 19 Mar '20

19 Mar '20

Just want to report a bug in the latest release candidate. I just installed it and when I try to open an old PDB Tools job or start a new one, the GUI crashes without any error message. The same thing works fine with 1.18rc1. I’m using macOS 10.14.6 (Mojave). Regards, Daniel När du har kontakt med oss på Uppsala universitet med e-post så innebär det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur vi gör det kan du läsa här: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy

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Fwd: prepare_pdb_deposition produce incomplete results in version 1.17
by Billy Poon 13 Mar '20

13 Mar '20

-- Billy K. Poon Research Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, M/S 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 Tel: (510) 486-5709 Fax: (510) 486-5909 Web: https://phenix-online.org ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Billy Poon <BKPoon(a)lbl.gov> Date: Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 11:51 PM Subject: Re: [phenixbb] prepare_pdb_deposition produce incomplete results in version 1.17 To: Marta Martinez <mmmtnez(a)cnb.csic.es> Hi Marta, The mmCIF functionality is very much still a work in progress as we try to make the process more robust. The ? in the column from 1.17 is a consequence of some changes we had made to the code and we're working on fixing that. The secondary structure issue with Chimera is separate since that column is for matching the protein chain with the sequence, not as a way to annotate secondary structure. We are working with the wwPDB to make sure our output is in compliance with the latest mmCIF dictionary. Let us know if you have any other questions. Thanks! -- Billy K. Poon Research Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, M/S 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 Tel: (510) 486-5709 Fax: (510) 486-5909 Web: https://phenix-online.org On Mon, Mar 9, 2020 at 10:05 AM Marta Martinez <mmmtnez(a)cnb.csic.es> wrote: > > Hi, > > In the past (phenix version 1.13) we have been using > prepare_pdb_deposition to generate CIF files of atomic structures. In > the last version (1.17) the program produces an incomplete output if > the input is a PDB file. > > The tests have been carried out with the protein hemoglobin (PDB > ID = 5ni1). If we downloaded it from the PDB databank we get the file > 5ni1.cif. If we "export" 5ci1.cif using prepare_pdb_deposition the > result is correct. On the other hand, if we convert 5ci1.cif to PDB > either using chimera uscf or maxit > (https://sw-tools.rcsb.org/apps/MAXIT/index.html) and then we execute > prepare_pdb_deposition, one of the columns (label name = > _atom_site.label_entity_id) is filled with the symbol "?" instead of > the label_entity_id (as the version 1.13 did). One of the effects of > this misbehavior is that chimera displays the file as a set of > aminoacids with no connection between them (no secondary structure is > shown) > > > > A few lines of the file obtained using phenix 1.17: > > ATOM 1 N . VAL A 1 ? 45.71600 55.72700 67.16700 1.000 80.64000 N ? A ? > 1 1 > ATOM 2 CA . VAL A 1 ? 46.41500 54.48900 67.60900 1.000 80.57000 C ? A > ? 1 1 > ATOM 3 C . VAL A 1 ? 45.42800 53.30800 67.68900 1.000 75.67000 C ? A ? > 1 1 > > Corresponding lines of the equivalent file obtained using phenix 1.13 > > ATOM 1 N . VAL A 1 ? 45.71600 55.72700 67.16700 1.000 80.64000 N ? A 1 > 1 1 > ATOM 2 CA . VAL A 1 ? 46.41500 54.48900 67.60900 1.000 80.57000 C ? A > 1 1 1 > ATOM 3 C . VAL A 1 ? 45.42800 53.30800 67.68900 1.000 75.67000 C ? A 1 > 1 1 > > Note the difference in the ante-penultimate column. > > We would appreciate if phenix 1.17 is modified so the column > _atom_site.label_entity_id is filled with the proper chain ID. > > best wishes > > -- > Marta Martinez Gonzalez > > Biocomputing Unit (Lab B13) > National Center for Biotechnology-CSIC > Darwin, 3. Campus de la Universidad Autonoma de Madrid > 28049 Madrid. Spain > Tel:+34 915854510 Fax:+34 913720112 > E-mail: mmmtnez(a)cnb.csic.es > > _______________________________________________ > phenixbb mailing list > phenixbb(a)phenix-online.org > http://phenix-online.org/mailman/listinfo/phenixbb > Unsubscribe: phenixbb-leave(a)phenix-online.org >

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phenix.geometry_minimization with amber option
by Wei Wang 13 Mar '20

13 Mar '20

Dear all, I try to use phenix.geometry_minimization with amber option, but when reaching minimization step, the function always crash. If I don’t use amber option, then it’s ok. The commands I put in was like: phenix.geometry_minimization 4phenix_xyz.pdb amber.use_amber=true amber.topology_file_name=4amber_xyz.prmtop amber.coordinate_file_name=4amber_xyz.rst7 amber.order_file_name=4amber_xyz.order I tried both 1.17 stable and latest overnight build. Please share your advice, thx! Wei

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prepare_pdb_deposition produce incomplete results in version 1.17
by Marta Martinez 10 Mar '20

10 Mar '20

Hi, In the past (phenix version 1.13) we have been using prepare_pdb_deposition to generate CIF files of atomic structures. In the last version (1.17) the program produces an incomplete output if the input is a PDB file. The tests have been carried out with the protein hemoglobin (PDB ID = 5ni1). If we downloaded it from the PDB databank we get the file 5ni1.cif. If we "export" 5ci1.cif using prepare_pdb_deposition the result is correct. On the other hand, if we convert 5ci1.cif to PDB either using chimera uscf or maxit (https://sw-tools.rcsb.org/apps/MAXIT/index.html) and then we execute prepare_pdb_deposition, one of the columns (label name = _atom_site.label_entity_id) is filled with the symbol "?" instead of the label_entity_id (as the version 1.13 did). One of the effects of this misbehavior is that chimera displays the file as a set of aminoacids with no connection between them (no secondary structure is shown) A few lines of the file obtained using phenix 1.17: ATOM 1 N . VAL A 1 ? 45.71600 55.72700 67.16700 1.000 80.64000 N ? A ? 1 1 ATOM 2 CA . VAL A 1 ? 46.41500 54.48900 67.60900 1.000 80.57000 C ? A ? 1 1 ATOM 3 C . VAL A 1 ? 45.42800 53.30800 67.68900 1.000 75.67000 C ? A ? 1 1 Corresponding lines of the equivalent file obtained using phenix 1.13 ATOM 1 N . VAL A 1 ? 45.71600 55.72700 67.16700 1.000 80.64000 N ? A 1 1 1 ATOM 2 CA . VAL A 1 ? 46.41500 54.48900 67.60900 1.000 80.57000 C ? A 1 1 1 ATOM 3 C . VAL A 1 ? 45.42800 53.30800 67.68900 1.000 75.67000 C ? A 1 1 1 Note the difference in the ante-penultimate column. We would appreciate if phenix 1.17 is modified so the column _atom_site.label_entity_id is filled with the proper chain ID. best wishes -- Marta Martinez Gonzalez Biocomputing Unit (Lab B13) National Center for Biotechnology-CSIC Darwin, 3. Campus de la Universidad Autonoma de Madrid 28049 Madrid. Spain Tel:+34 915854510 Fax:+34 913720112 E-mail: mmmtnez(a)cnb.csic.es

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Postdoc position, Sugar Transporting Membrane Proteins (Denmark)
by Bjørn Panyella Pedersen 04 Mar '20

04 Mar '20

Dear colleagues, Please pass this along to anyone who might be interested. Thanks! /Bjørn Postdoctoral position in Structure of Sugar Transporting Membrane Proteins at Aarhus University, Denmark. online posting: http://tiny.cc/MBG_postdoc We are looking for a highly skilled and motivated postdoc with an interest in working on sugar transporting membrane transporters and preferably with a proven track record in the area of structural and/or functional analysis of membrane proteins. The position will be open from summer 2020, but starting date is negotiable. Funding is available for at least 2 years of employment, with an automatic extension possible for up to a total maximum of 4 years. The position: The position seeks to strengthen ongoing activities in the laboratory of Bjørn P. Pedersen on structure, related to the function and mechanism of sugar-transporting membrane proteins (pedersenlab.dk). The laboratory's interest is the interplay between structure and function of transmembrane transport processes with a focus on metabolite uptake systems, and the methods uses are primarily crystallography, cryo-EM and biochemistry. The group is part of the Section of Structural Biology at Aarhus University. The candidate: A successful candidate has a relevant Ph.D. degree and a solid and documented background in structural biology, biochemistry and/or biophysics. Experience with membrane protein expression and purification is favored, and the candidate must demonstrate an ability and interest to work with membrane proteins with a structural aim. Applicants should be ambitious, show strong collaborative skills, and be able to take initiatives and responsibility within the work environment. The successful candidate is offered: - access to a well-developed research infrastructure. - a research climate inviting lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research. - a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, network activities among young scientists and social activities. - a workplace characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance. The city: In Aarhus you have easy access to beautiful nature, an exciting culture and city life as well as a safe environment for children - a great place for the whole family. The city of Aarhus has everything you need: exciting national and international jobs, delightful residential areas, a rich cultural life, and beautiful surrounding landscape of woods and coastline that make Aarhus a wonderful place to live and work. Deadline: All applications must be made online (http://tiny.cc/MBG_postdoc) and received by Apr. 2nd, 2020.

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Real-space refinement fails to restrain CYS SG ZN properly
by Aaron Oakley 03 Mar '20

03 Mar '20

I'm trying to refine a structure containing ZN bound to four cysteine residues. I have had trouble with Real-space refinement mangling the residues around this ZN. At first, Real-space refinement tried to turn the cysteine into disulfides. I tried switching this off with… resname CYS and name SG …in the disulphide bond exclusion selection string under the Model interpretation menu (there are no disulfides in the protein). But the cysteine-zinc cluster continued to be mangled. Inspection of the .geo file shows that the SG-ZN distance is being restrained, but the CB–SG–ZN angle is not. I checked the relevant dictionary file... phenix-1.17.1-3660/modules/chem_data/mon_lib/list/mon_lib_list.cif And the correct bond and angle restraints do seem to be present: . . . ZN-CYS 1 ZN 2 SG single 2.340 0.020 . . . ZN-CYS 1 ZN 2 SG 2 CB 109.000 3.000 . . . Suggestions on how to fix this welcome. –å

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Dock in map fails with search map file.
by Aaron Oakley 28 Feb '20

28 Feb '20

Salvete! I am trying to use Dock in map to superimpose one map onto another. The job runs, but fails with PHENIX error: “Job294_sharpened_relion.mrc_as_model_refine_001.pdb" is not a known model type. Inspection of this file suggests that it is indeed a proper PDB file. (The original map I am trying to move is job294_sharpened_relion.mrc). Any solutions? Thanks, –å

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real space correlation coefficient from the command line
by Daniel Larsson 26 Feb '20

26 Feb '20

Hi, When running a real-space refine, there is an option in the results to save a text file with real-space correlation coefficients (correlation_coeficients.txt). Is there a way to calculate these numbers from the command line? It would save me a lot of clicking, sinceI have dozens of maps which I want to run in parallel and analyze using scripts. Regards, Daniel När du har kontakt med oss på Uppsala universitet med e-post så innebär det att vi behandlar dina personuppgifter. För att läsa mer om hur vi gör det kan du läsa här: http://www.uu.se/om-uu/dataskydd-personuppgifter/ E-mailing Uppsala University means that we will process your personal data. For more information on how this is performed, please read here: http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/data-protection-policy

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IUCr2020 Computing School in Nove Hrady - 17th to 22nd August - Registration opened
by Claudia Millán Nebot 24 Feb '20

24 Feb '20

Dear all, We announce the IUCr Computing School in Nove Hrady (Czech Republic) which will take place between 17th and 22nd August 2020 prior to the IUCr Congress in Prague. Registration has already started. Further information about the school can be found on the website: https://www.xray.cz/iucr/workshops/nh/default.htm. Follow also our hashtag on Twitter, #IUCr2020CompSchool. Active developers of crystallographic software, tools and methods are invited to participate at this Computing School. The school is not introductory and it is recommended that participants already have some basic programming skills and crystallographic knowledge. Our aim is to discuss and exchange ideas and to tackle the challenges related to the method development in crystallography. Participants can be early-career scientists (PhD students, Postdocs, etc.) as well as established developers. Our confirmed speakers are: - Simon Billinge (Columbia University, USA) - Luc Bourhis (Bruker, France) - Paul Boyle (Western University, London, Ontario, Canada) - Iracema Caballero (Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona, Spain) - Gemma de la Flor (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany) - Dorothee Liebschner (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA) - Rafiga Masmaliyeva (Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Azerbaijan) - Garib Murshudov (Laboratory of Molecular Biology-MRC, UK) - Reinhard Neder (Institute of Condensed Matter Physics, Erlangen, Germany) - Alexandre Ourjoumtsev (Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, France) - Randy Read (University of Cambridge, UK) - Massimo Sammito (University of Cambridge, UK) - Arkadiy Simonov (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich, Switzerland) - Melanie Vollmar (Diamond Light Source Ltd, Harwell Science & Innovation Campus, United Kingdom) - Thomas White (Center for Free-Electron Laser Science, Hamburg, Germany) For any questions regarding the school please contact us. Best wishes, Claudia Millán (cmncri at ibmb.csic.es) Martin Lutz (m.lutz at uu.nl) Jan Rohlicek (rohlicek at fzu.cz) PD. Please find attached a poster about the school that you can forward, together with this email, to people potentially interested in participating in the Computing School. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Claudia Millán (cmncri(a)ibmb.csic.es) Crystallographic Methods Group http://chango.ibmb.csic.es Institut de Biologia Molecular de Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) Barcelona, Spain LinkedIn: es.linkedin.com/in/claudiamillan/ <http://es.linkedin.com/pub/claudia-mill%C3%A1n/60/a76/821/> ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Claudia_Millan?ev=hdr_xprf Twitter: https://twitter.com/cheshireminima

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Berkeley Lab Exascale Computational Crystallographer
by Nicholas Sauter 20 Feb '20

20 Feb '20

Discover your future at Berkeley Lab! Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division ( https://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib/) has an opening for an Exascale Computational Crystallographer Project Scientist. The Project Scientist, with a strong interest in high-performance computing and an intuitive feel for experimental data, will be affiliated with the Exascale Computing Project, specifically Nick Sauter’s Data Analytics for X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFELs) group focusing on scientific software for X-ray crystallography. The next decade of structural biology at the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) will include groundbreaking advances in time-domain crystallography, performed at room temperature to preserve biologically relevant dynamic mechanisms. Considering the anticipated scale of these datasets, we have an ambitious collaboration between SLAC, LANL, and LBNL to utilize national supercomputer facilities for near real-time analysis, in close collaboration with scientists at NERSC (also located in Berkeley). The group’s projects will include: • Photosystem II, discovering the sequence of redox events leading to the release of molecular oxygen, using a combination of time-resolved crystallography and X-ray emission spectroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0681-2 • Examining the electronic environment of metalloenzyme catalytic metals, with detection based on anomalous scattering. The Project Scientist will be positioned to launch into high-performance computing careers at a light source or other experimental facilities. https://doi.org/10.1107/S2059798320000418 Please have a look at our job posting at https://lbl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=89727 Nicholas K. Sauter, Ph. D. Senior Scientist, Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging Division Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Rd., Bldg. 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 (510) 486-5713

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Macromolecular Crystallography School, Madrid 2020 (MCS2020)
by Armando Albert 19 Feb '20

19 Feb '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the 10th edition of the Macromolecular Crystallography School 2020, to be held at the Institute Química-Física Rocasolano- CSIC (Madrid, Spain). Dates: April 13 - 18, 2020 The workshop has been designed for postgraduate, postdoctoral and research scientists that deal with macromolecular crystallography and cryo EM but need further knowledge on the routine uses, the state of the art and fundamentals that underlie the modern techniques for macromolecular crystallography and cryo EM. The topics will cover crystallographic computing and fundamentals using XDS, CCP4 and Phenix, as well as the state of the art on topics such as the strategies for protein production, data collection, phasing, automated pipelines at synchrotron and refinement with ARCIMBOLDO, SHELX and SIR2014 and modeling with COOT. MCS2020 will provide six days of lectures and workshops. The course is designed for 25 highly motivated attendants. Requests to participate must be sent by a free-formated E-mail, before March 11th, 2020 to the following address: cursos(a)fgua.es <mailto:[email protected]>, indicating the motivation to participate and experience on macromolecular crystallography and including a letter of recommendation from PhD Director (only for PhD students). Invited speakers and tutors: - Maria Solá, Barcelona, Spain - Isabel Usón, Barcelona, Spain - Paul Adams, Berkeley, USA - Pavel Afonine, Berkeley, USA - Kay Diederichs, Konstanz, Germany - Paul Emsley, Cambridge, UK - Rafael Fernández-Leiro, Madrid, Spain - Carmelo Giacovazzo, Bari, Italy - Eugene Krissinel, Oxford, UK - Jose. A. Marquez, Grenoble, France - Claudia Millan, Barcelona, Spain - Begoña Monterroso, Madrid, Spain - Rob Nicholls, Cambridge, UK - Santosh Panjikar, Australia - Carmen San Martín, Madrid, Spain Please find attached the program of the Workshop, the application form and further information at http://www.xtal.iqfr.csic.es/MCS2020/ <http://www.xtal.iqfr.csic.es/MCS2020/> Organizers: Armando Albert (xalbert(a)iqfr.csic.es <mailto:[email protected]> ), Juan A. Hermoso (xjuan(a)iqfr.csic.es <mailto:[email protected]>) and Isabel Usón (iufcri(a)ibmb.csic.es <mailto:[email protected]>)

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EMBO meeting on “Molecular Neurobiology” 8-12 May 2020
by Janssen, B.J.C. (Bert) 18 Feb '20

18 Feb '20

Dear all, We would like to draw your attention to the EMBO workshop on "Molecular Neurobiology", taking place on the beautiful island of Crete on 8-12 May 2020. The meeting brings together world leading scientists, group leaders and young researchers with a keen interest in the latest science occurring at the interfaces of structural biology, biophysics, molecular & cellular imaging and neuroscience. Given its cross-disciplinary nature, the meeting presents a broad overview of molecular neurobiology, ample opportunities for discussions and a sneak peek into the latest developments. See http://meetings.embo.org/event/20-molneuro for more information and application guidelines, registration deadline is 15 Feb. 2020. Organizers: Alain Chédotal, Institut de la Vision, France Bert Janssen, Utrecht University, the Netherlands Chenghua Gu, Harvard University, USA Elena Seiradake, University of Oxford, UK Nektarios Tavernarakis, IMBB FORTH, Greece Best wishes Bert Bert Janssen Bijvoet Center for biomolecular research Utrecht University Padualaan 8, 3584 CH, Utrecht

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PhD position available
by Tobias Beck 17 Feb '20

17 Feb '20

Dear all, There is an opening for a PhD position in my group. The Beck group recently moved to Hamburg, where we have labs well-equipped for chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology. Moreover, state-of-the-art facilities for structural characterizations such as PETRA III are close by. The project involves protein redesign, protein chemistry and characterization and more. The post is available immediately / upon arrangement. Full details of the post and the applications process are available here: https://www.uni-hamburg.de/uhh/stellenangebote/wissenschaftliches-personal/… The group homepage can be found here: https://www.chemie.uni-hamburg.de/institute/pc/arbeitsgruppen/beck.html Deadline for applications is March 15 2020. Please contact me for further information or informal inquiries: tobias.beck @chemie.uni-hamburg.de Best, Tobias. ____________________________________________________________ Prof. Dr. Tobias Beck University of Hamburg Department of Chemistry Institute of Physical Chemistry Grindelallee 117 D-20146 Hamburg Germany phone: +49 4042838 8210 fax: +49 4042838 3462 web: www.chemie.uni-hamburg.de/institute/pc/arbeitsgruppen/beck/ ____________________________________________________________

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Job Posting: Surrozen Inc., RA / SRA - Biophysics / Biochemistry
by Parthasarathy Sampathkumar 15 Feb '20

15 Feb '20

Dear All, Please allow me to post this link for RA / SRA - Biophysics / Biochemistry Position at Surrozen with focus on Antibody Developability and Structural Biology. https://apply.workable.com/surrozen/j/75748FA62D/ I request interested job seekers to apply directly online using the above link. Thanks, Best Wishes, Partha __________________________ Parthasarathy Sampathkumar PhD Senior Scientist, Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd., Suite 400 South San Francisco, CA 94080 Email: partha(a)surrozen.com

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Neutrons in the Environment and Life Sciences Workshop - HANDS 2020
by Meilleur, Flora 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

First announcement HANDS 2020 HFIR/SNS Advanced Neutron Diffraction and Scattering Workshop Oak Ridge, TN. June 1 - June 5, 2020 Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in conjunction with North Carolina State University, and support from the National Science Foundation and the Shull Wollan Center - a Joint Institute for Neutron Scattering, celebrates a decade of neutron scattering education in structural biology at ORNL with the HFIR/SNS Advanced Neutron Diffraction and Scattering workshop (HANDS 2020). Detailed information can be found on the workshop web page: https://conference.sns.gov/event/217/. Application deadline: April 24, 2020 Fellowships to support travel and accommodation are available (subject to availability of funds) The workshop aims at enabling structural biologists to fully exploit the latest instrumentation and software development at the SNS and HFIR facilities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Participants of HANDS 2020 will become familiar with neutron techniques with hands-on experiments in sample preparation, crystallography, small angle scattering, reflectometry and neutron spin echo. The workshop is designed for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty with limited to no experience with neutron sciences. Flora Meilleur, Ph. D Neutron Scattering Scientist, Neutron Scattering Division Oak Ridge National Laboratory Associate Professor, Molecular and Structural Biochemistry North Carolina State University

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IUCr Committee on Data Workshops at IUCr Congress Prague
by John R Helliwell 14 Feb '20

14 Feb '20

Dear Colleagues, The IUCr Committee on Data has two workshops, one in macromolecular & one in chemical crystallography, to be held at IUCr Congress Prague, each to be held August 22nd 2020. See https://forums.iucr.org/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=429 Best wishes, John Emeritus Professor John R Helliwell DSc Chairman of the IUCr Committee on Data

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Phenix workshop at ACA 2020 (San Diego)
by Pavel Afonine 13 Feb '20

13 Feb '20

Dear Colleagues, please make a note of upcoming Phenix workshop focusing on crystallography and Cryo-EM tools for structure solution, August 2nd 2020 in San Diego, California. This is a day-long satellite workshop prior to ACA meeting. For schedule and registration see ACA 2020 web site: www.acameeting.com <https://www.acameeting.com/workshops> (Program -> Workshops). Looking forward to see you there! Pavel

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Postbaccalaureate and postdoc position in membrane protein structure and function lab at the NIH
by Anirban Banerjee 09 Feb '20

09 Feb '20

Dear colleague, I have openings for the two following positions in my lab. I am also attaching a word document if you wouldn’t mind kindly posting it at an appropriate place in your Department *Postbac position* Postbac position in my lab for two years starting from the coming summer. The NIH Postbac IRTA program provides recent college graduates who are planning to apply to graduate or professional (medical/dental/pharmacy) school an opportunity to dofull-time research at the NIH. For this position I am looking for someone who has experience with protein purification, has good organizational skills and work ethics, and the right mindset to pay attention to nitty-gritty details that are essential for working with membrane proteins. The candidate should apply to the NIH Postbac Program (https://www.training.nih.gov/programs/postbac_irta) and get in touch with me as well. Postbac candidates have to be US citizens or permanent residents. *Postdoctoral position* There is an open postdoctoral position for a membrane protein structure-function project in my lab at the NIH. We are currently focusing on integral membrane enzymes (*Science. *2018, doi: 10.1126/science.aao6326) and transporters of transition metal ions (*J Biol Chem.* 2018, doi: 10.1074/jbc.M117.817478). Here is the formal announcement - *EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, BETHESDA, MD AND SURROUNDING AREA* *Position Description: * The research group of Dr. Anirban Banerjee at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking candidates for postdoctoral fellows . The broad interests of the lab are in membrane protein structure and function. We combine structural techniques such as macromolecular crystallography and cryoEM together with biophysical and biochemical methods such as reconstitution based assays, high resolution microscopy and small molecule screening to investigate the structural bases of the mechanisms of a number of membrane proteins. The lab has state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. We have dedicated periodic access to the 22-ID beamline at the APS, for crystallographers at the NIH, as well as access to 23-ID and 24-ID beam lines at the APS. NICHD is now part of a consortium that has access to a Titan Krios on a regular basis. Our laboratory is part of the Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). *Qualifications:* The candidates should hold a Ph. D. degree (by the time of joining the lab), be author of at least one first author publication and have a strong background in biochemistry or structural biology. Experience with basic molecular biology, protein expression, purification and biochemical characterization are required. Prior experience in membrane protein biochemistry or mammalian expression system for protein purification will be added advantages. It is absolutely essential the candidate is motivated and prepared to put in the best efforts for fruition of the project goals. We are a small, friendly lab and ability to work as part of a cohesive group is important. Thanks very much in advance for any help and apologies for the bother. Warm regards, Anirban Anirban Banerjee Head, Unit on Structural and Chemical Biology of Membrane Proteins Neurosciences and Cellular and Structural Biology Division Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) National Institutes of Health (NIH) Building 35, Room 2F-127 35A Convent Drive MSC 3758 Bethesda, MD 20892-3758 Tel: 301-496-4855 Fax: 301-402-9319 anirban.banerjee(a)nih.gov https://science.nichd.nih.gov/confluence/display/banerjee/Home >

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Validation_cryoEM Calculation the FSC model-map
by Marta Martinez 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Dear all, we are wondering how the mask and unmasked values of the FSC model-map have been computed and how the mask is defined when the phenix tool phenix.validation_cryoem ("Comprenhensive Validation (cryo-EM)") is used. The motivation of this question comes from the results that we get when we have big maps (e.g. some viruses) and the atomic structure is determined only for the asymmetric subunit. We usually compute the validation considering both the whole map, and a fraction of the map that only contains the atomic structure of the asymmetric subunit (the atomic model is the same in both cases, the asymmetric subunit). We would expect the same results, as it happens for the validation statistics, but the FSC model-map values are different, especially when we talk about masked values. Recently we have checked that we have the same kind of results when we use small maps, so it doesn't seem to be due to the size of the map. Can you kindly explain the reason of these results and what we should expect in general. Is there any restriction when a fraction of the whole volume is selected? Thank you very much in advance. Regards, MARTA -- Marta Martinez Gonzalez Biocomputing Unit (Lab B13) National Center for Biotechnology-CSIC Darwin, 3. Campus de la Universidad Autonoma de Madrid 28049 Madrid. Spain Tel:+34 915854510 Fax:+34 913720112 E-mail: mmmtnez(a)cnb.csic.es

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Macromolecular Crystallography workshop in South America 2020
by Alejandro Buschiazzo 05 Feb '20

05 Feb '20

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the 8th South American Macromolecular Crystallography School: Macromolecular Crystallography School 2020 "Structural Biology to enhance high impact research in health and disease” To be held at the Institut Pasteur de Montevideo (Uruguay) - September 9-19, 2020 http://pasteur.uy/novedades/mx2020/ The application deadline is July 9, 2020. For further inquiries : mx2020(a)pasteur.edu.uy <mailto:[email protected]> Main Topics: · data processing; · phasing and structure determination; · model refinement and validation; · introduction to crystallography + cryo-electron microscopy integration Confirmed speakers and tutors (so far... a few more will join the crew): Alejandro Buschiazzo (Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay) Paul Emsley (Laboratory of Molecular Biology MRC, Cambridge, UK) Rafael Junqueira Borges (Instituto de Biociências UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil) Ronan Keegan (STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab - CCP4, Didcot, UK) Eugene Krissinel (STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab - CCP4, Didcot, UK) Joāo Muniz (Instituto de Fisica de São Carlos, Brazil) Garib Murshudov (Laboratory of Molecular Biology MRC, Cambridge, UK) Colin Palmer (STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab - CCP-EM, Didcot, UK) James Parkhurst (Diamond Light Source, Didcot, UK) Randy Read (University of Cambridge, UK) Kyle Stevenson (STFC Rutherford Appleton Lab - CCP4, Didcot, UK) Clemens Vonrhein (Global Phasing Ltd, Cambridge, UK) Please find the application form and further contact information at http://pasteur.uy/novedades/mx2020/ (this www site will be updated regularly, so stay tuned!) This Workshop is supported by the Collaborative Computational Project Nº4 (CCP4, UK) & Science and Technology Facilities Council (UK); the Centro de Biologia Estructural del Mercosur (CeBEM); and the Programa Iberoamericano de Ciencia y Tecnologia para el Desarrollo (CYTED) through de MICROBES consortium. Organizers: Alejandro Buschiazzo, PhD. Institut Pasteur de Montevideo, Uruguay Kyle Stevenson, DPhil. CCP4, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, United Kingdom Richard Garratt, PhD. Instituto de Fisica de Sao Carlos, USP, Brazil Applicants: 25 students will be selected, prioritizing advanced PhD, postdocs and young researchers. The Course will provide financial support covering registration fees, and for the case of those students coming from abroad, all local expenses (lodging, per diem and local transportation). Look in the www site for details on application procedures. The application deadline is July 9, 2020. Please address further inquiries to: mx2020(a)pasteur.edu.uy <mailto:[email protected]> Looking forward to hosting you in Montevideo!

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A tool to build ordered water into cryo-EM maps
by Pavel Afonine 01 Feb '20

01 Feb '20

Hi, a quick announcement.. Phenix versions dev-3765 and newer now have a new tool to build ordered water into cryo-EM maps, command line only for the moment. To get latest version: http://phenix-online.org/download/nightly_builds.cgi Use example: phenix.douse model.pdb map.mrc Some background: http://phenix-online.org/presentations/water.pdf This is still work in progress. Any feedback is very much appreciated! Happy Friday, Pavel

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Understanding Biology Through Structure, Santa Fe March 16-20
by Tom Terwilliger 28 Jan '20

28 Jan '20

Hi Structural Biology colleagues! Registration is still open for Understanding Biology through Structure 2020 (https://cvent.me/4kq9P March 16-20, 2020 in Santa Fe, NM). Poster abstracts can be submitted through Feb. 16. The conference is a forum where students, postdocs and established researchers can meet each other and discuss the latest methods and results. There will be an opportunity for all participants to present posters. Registration for the meeting is limited to 120. Speakers include Ilme Schlichting,Yvonne Jones, Hao Wu, Tom Terwilliger, Peijun Zhang, Christopher Russo, Claudio Ciferri, David Stuart, Blake Wiedenheft, Ci Ji Lim, Robert Stroud, Wayne Hendrickson, Bonnie Murphy, Anne Houdusse-Juille, Sonja Lonrenz, Chris Hill, Chun-wa Chung, Jian Payandeh, Amit Sharma, Marissa Matsumoto, Suzanne Scarlata, Osamu Nureki, Natalia Jura, Erica Ollmann Saphire, Eva Nogales, Andrej Sali, Anke Bill, Joanna Sulkowska, David Eisenberg, Marie Pancera, Karla Satchell, Jacques Philippe Colletier, Christopher Neale, and Tom Blundell. A Phenix crystallography/cryo-EM workshop will be held after the last day of the meeting (workshop is March 20). This is a great chance to ask questions about your own data. Sign up when you register for the meeting. All the best, Tom T -- Thomas C Terwilliger Laboratory Fellow, Los Alamos National Laboratory Senior Scientist, New Mexico Consortium 100 Entrada Dr, Los Alamos, NM 87544 Email: tterwilliger(a)newmexicoconsortium.org Tel: 505-431-0010

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Error message when adding ions
by ahmed 24 Jan '20

24 Jan '20

Dear Phenix community, I was wondering whether you experienced previously this problem. I'm running the 1.17.1-3600 version under ubuntu 16. when I do refinment and try to add ions an error message appear : out = cStringIO.StringIO()NameError: global name 'cStringIO' is not definedCAUGHT EXCEPTION: (argument #559)ARGUMENT LEADING TO EXCEPTION: 6099Traceback (most recent cell last):File "usr/local/phenix-1.17.1-3600/modules/cctbx_project/libtbx/easy_mp.py", line 181, in_call_result = 0.func(arg)File "usr/local/phenix-1.17.1-3600/modules/cctbx_project/libtbx/ions/identify.py", line 1435, in_call_out = cStringIO.StringIO()NameError: global name 'cStringIO' is not defined Thanks for your help. RegardsAhmed

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Phenix Postdoc Position - Berkeley, California
by Paul Adams 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

Postdoctoral Researcher Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Job ID: 89267 Division: Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging (Computational Crystallography Initiative) Date Opened: 12/23/2019 Summary: Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher. In this role you will develop new computational methods for the structure determination and refinement of protein structures using the PHENIX software system. Primary duties and responsibilities will include development and implementation of numerical methods and new computational protocols, including the application of machine learning methods. The Phenix software is used worldwide for the determination of atomic structures using X-ray and neutron crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The software is developed as part of an international collaboration supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Phenix Industrial Consortium. To apply visit - https://lbl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=89267 Duties: • Development and implementation of computational algorithms for structure determination using crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy including: improved methods for the optimization of models and automated detection of model heterogeneity. • Application of machine learning methods to problems in crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. • Develop and test new components of the PHENIX software system in collaboration with others • Document software developments. • Collaborate with other researchers in the PHENIX program. • Interact with P.I.s, other postdocs, scientists and external collaborators involved in the PHENIX project. • Publication of research results in scientific journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings. Additional Responsibilities as needed: • Participate in workshop and tutorials to educate researchers in the use of Phenix • Actively participate in writing progress reports What is Required: • Ph.D. in computational crystallography, computational cryo-electron microscopy, computational biology, bioinformatics, computational chemistry or a related field • Demonstrated experience in developing computational algorithms for solving problems • Demonstrated experience with computational methods development • Publications in macromolecular crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy or closely related fields • Familiarity with Python, C++ and other software development tools • Good programming and mathematical skills • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment Additional Desired Qualifications: • Familiarity with macromolecular structure or computational chemistry. • Experience with the practical aspects of crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. The posting shall remain open until the position is filled. Notes: • This is a full time, 2 year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. • Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. • This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. • Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. • This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. • Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Learn About Berkeley Lab: Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law. -- Paul Adams Division Director, Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging, LBL (http://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Division Deputy for Biosciences, Advanced Light Source (https://als.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, U.C. Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Adjunct Professor, Comparative Biochemistry, U.C. Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 33, Room 347 Building 978, Room 4126 Building 977, Room 180C Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Ashley Dawn [ ashleydawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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Postdoc position in methods development at LBNL
by Dorothee Liebschner 23 Jan '20

23 Jan '20

Announcing a postdoc position on behalf of Dr. Kanupriya Pande: ======================================================================== Post-doc position in computational methods development in the Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging division at LBL. The overall objectives of the project are to develop theory and computation to extract conformational heterogeneity and disorder from diffraction and imaging data. The position is available immediately with an initial appointment for 2 years with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. Qualified candidates must have a PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, or related fields. https://lbl.referrals.selectminds.com/jobs/computational-biologist-postdoc-… ======================================================================== -- Project Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, M/S 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 Tel: (510) 486-5709 Fax: (510) 486-5909 Web: https://phenix-online.org

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Re: [phenixbb] How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by BuddySphinx 22 Jan '20

22 Jan '20

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How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by Yangqi Gu 22 Jan '20

22 Jan '20

Dear PHENIX developers, I have a question about NCS operator. Since I have a cryo-EM map and I want to refine my filament coordinates within the map. I generated the coordinate map manually in Chimera by building multiple chains with rigid body refinement. Since I did not generate the NCS operator file (I tried by doing map symmetry, it did not give me the right helical symmetry), I did not refine with ncs restraints. I am wondering in this case, how critical it is to refine a model with helical symmetry applied. Is it a must or can I go with the way I did? Hope to hear from you soon! Best, Yangqi

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Re: [phenixbb] How critical is ncs operator for real space refinement
by BuddySphinx 21 Jan '20

21 Jan '20

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isomorphous Fobs-Fobs maps
by Schulz, Eike-Christian 21 Jan '20

21 Jan '20

Dear all, we have recently tried to calculate isomorphous difference maps with phenix using the GUI. Unfortunately, we found that the results do _not_ seem to produce results that we would expect of a true difference map. Rather the resulting maps appear to show noise. We speculate that this is the result of _not_ scaling the datasets together. - Is this correct ? Applying the "multiscaling method" found in the advanced options changes the result, but it is still inconsistent with what we gain from e.g. the CCP4 procedures. Unfortunately, there is no online documentation to this tool. - Is there a way to scale the data to a reference before calculating the difference maps? - What is the proposed way of using this tool ? - Are there known bugs in the GUI version that are absent in the command line edition? With best regards, Eike

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Open scientist position at the EMBL-Grenoble - Project leader for ID30A/MASSIF-1 beamline upgrade
by Andrew MC CARTHY 13 Jan '20

13 Jan '20

Dear all, We have an open scientist position at the EMBL-Grenoble for a Project leader to oversee our contribution to the upgrade of the fully automated ID30A/MASSIF-1 macromolecular crystallography beamline at the ESRF. This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious individual to join a team of scientists and engineers from the EMBL and ESRF in developing fully automated data collection protocols to maximise the scientific potential of the ESRF Extremely Brilliant Source upgrade. Closing date: Feb. 7th 2020. Interview date: March 6th, 2020 You can read more about the position and submit your application at: https://www.embl.de/jobs/searchjobs/index.php?ref=GR00139 Best regards, Andrew

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Postdoc position: Computational Algorithms combining Crystallography and WAXS for Drug Discovery
by Grant, Thomas 11 Jan '20

11 Jan '20

Dear PHENIX Community, Please share this notice with potential candidates. A post-doctoral position<https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/21288> is available immediately in the Grant Lab in the Department of Structural Biology at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, NY, USA. Our group is currently seeking postdoctoral candidates to develop novel computational algorithms combining crystallography and solution scattering to aid in drug discovery. The successful completion of the project will impact many fields from drug discovery and development to basic biological processes. An excellent opportunity for creative, out-of-the-box thinkers who are self-motivated. Candidates will have the opportunity and support to present their research findings at national and international conferences and in high-impact scientific journals. The positions are for an initial term of two years with possibilities for renewal based on performance and available funding. Compensation will be commensurate with experience. Minimum Qualifications A PhD degree in structural or computational biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science or related fields. Preferred Qualifications Proficiency in computer programming, in particular Python. Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting research at conferences and in scholarly journals. Background in physics or mathematics is a plus, in particular familiarity with concepts of Fourier transforms and diffraction. Experience with structural biology techniques such as crystallography and solution X-ray scattering is a plus. Apply Interested candidates can apply on the UBJobs website here: https://www.ubjobs.buffalo.edu/postings/21288 -- Thomas D. Grant, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor Department of Structural Biology Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences<http://medicine.buffalo.edu/> University at Buffalo 955 Main Street, Room 5128 Buffalo, New York 14203 Email: tdgrant(a)buffalo.edu<mailto:[email protected]>

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3 years Postdoc positions Newcastle University, UK Prof. Nikolay Zenkin
by Arnaud Basle 06 Jan '20

06 Jan '20

Dear All, Please see the attached flyer and link below for 3-years postdoc position at Newcastle University. https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-Research-Associate/577339301/ The positions are in Prof. Nikolay Zenkin's laboratory and informal enquiries should be directed to him (Nikolay.Zenkin(a)newcastle.ac.uk). Cheers, Arnaud -- Dr Arnaud Basle X-ray facilities manager Newcastle Structural Biology Laboratory Biosciences Institute Faculty of Medical Sciences Newcastle University Framlington place NE2 4HH Newcastle upon tyne Phone 0191 208 5482

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ISOLDE 1.0b4 released
by Tristan Croll 03 Jan '20

03 Jan '20

Happy new year to all my colleagues in the structural biology community! I'm delighted to announce the release of ISOLDE 1.0b4 to coincide with the stable release of ChimeraX 0.91. What is ISOLDE? ISOLDE is a plugin to UCSF ChimeraX, designed to ease the task of macromolecular model building into low-to-medium resolution maps derived from crystallographic or electron cryo-microscopy (cryoEM) experiments. Historically, this has been an extremely challenging task, since at low resolutions the maps alone are insufficient to precisely place individual atoms. ISOLDE aims to reduce this challenge in a number of ways: - Rebuilding is accomplished via GPU-accelerated interactive molecular dynamics (using OpenMM and the AMBER molecular dynamics forcefield) to make the task feel as close as possible to what it might be like to work with a real physical molecule. - Geometric validation of protein backbone and sidechain conformations is performed in real time, allowing you to see problem sites directly on the model as you work with it. - Remodelling can be performed by directly tugging on atoms, or via the interactive addition and removal of position, torsion and/or distance restraints - For crystallographic datasets, structure factors are constantly recalculated in the background as the model coordinates change - as the model improves, you see the map improve. For more details, see https://isolde.cimr.cam.ac.uk/. To install it for Linux, MacOS or Windows 10, go to http://preview.cgl.ucsf.edu/chimerax/download.html#release and install the **0.91** release build for your operating system. (IMPORTANT NOTES: this build of ISOLDE will **only** work with version 0.91 of ChimeraX. Additionally, Ubuntu users should use the "Generic Linux" ChimeraX build - the Ubuntu builds use compilers that are not compatible with ISOLDE). Start ChimeraX, go to Tools/More Tools... and follow the links to install ISOLDE. Equivalently, just type "toolshed install isolde" on the ChimeraX command line. You can then start ISOLDE via Tools/General/ISOLDE or the command "isolde start". If this is your first time using it I highly recommend running either or both of the first two tutorials found in the top left of the ISOLDE panel that will appear. A short list of what's new since 1.0b3: - source code for ISOLDE and its "sister" package ChimeraX-Clipper are now on GitHub at https://github.com/tristanic/isolde and https://github.com/tristanic/chimerax-clipper respectively. - integration with ChimeraX session save/restore framework. "save session.cxs" will save a snapshot of all models, maps and strucuture factors including all current ISOLDE restraints, and "load session.cxs" will return you to where you left off. - added new adaptive torsion restraint implementation (a periodic analogue to Geman-McClure distance restraints) to restrain protein torsions to their current geometry or to a reference model. For details, type "usage isolde restrain torsions" on the ChimeraX command line and click the link in the log. - documentation is now integrated with the ChimeraX documentation framework. In particular, "usage {command}" now provides a link to full documentation in the ChimeraX log window. - improved behaviour (speed and stability) of energy minimiser - significantly improved initial startup and simulation start times - clearer indication of simulation state (running/paused) - remote Python interface for communication with other packages - various improvements and bug-fixes to handling of crystallographic data. In particular: better handling of anisotropic datasets, and improved stability of bulk solvent and scaling calculations. - improved performance of live crystallographic map updates. - support for multiple independent sets of adaptive distance restraints (currently only available via the Python API). For example, one set may be used to maintain internal geometry, while another represents crosslinking/mass spec or evolutionary coupling restraints. - "Demo" button on ISOLDE GUI retired and replaced with a "Tutorials" drop-down menu. - added tugging support in ChimeraX VR (thanks to Tom Goddard). ChimeraX currently supports VR only in Windows.

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Adding a command line run job to the GUI job history
by Ahmad Khalifa 28 Dec '19

28 Dec '19

Hello, I ran a real space refinement job using the command line and an effective parameters file. Is it possible to link this job again to the Phenix GUI? How? Regards.

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Phenix Postdoc Position - Berkeley, California
by Paul Adams 24 Dec '19

24 Dec '19

Postdoctoral Researcher Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory Job ID: 89267 Division: Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging (Computational Crystallography Initiative) Date Opened: 12/23/2019 Summary: Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division has an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher. In this role you will develop new computational methods for the structure determination and refinement of protein structures using the PHENIX software system. Primary duties and responsibilities will include development and implementation of numerical methods and new computational protocols, including the application of machine learning methods. The Phenix software is used worldwide for the determination of atomic structures using X-ray and neutron crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. The software is developed as part of an international collaboration supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Phenix Industrial Consortium. To apply visit - https://lbl.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=89267 Duties: • Development and implementation of computational algorithms for structure determination using crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy including: improved methods for the optimization of models and automated detection of model heterogeneity. • Application of machine learning methods to problems in crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. • Develop and test new components of the PHENIX software system in collaboration with others • Document software developments. • Collaborate with other researchers in the PHENIX program. • Interact with P.I.s, other postdocs, scientists and external collaborators involved in the PHENIX project. • Publication of research results in scientific journals and presentation of results at scientific meetings. Additional Responsibilities as needed: • Participate in workshop and tutorials to educate researchers in the use of Phenix • Actively participate in writing progress reports What is Required: • Ph.D. in computational crystallography, computational cryo-electron microscopy, computational biology, bioinformatics, computational chemistry or a related field • Demonstrated experience in developing computational algorithms for solving problems • Demonstrated experience with computational methods development • Publications in macromolecular crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy or closely related fields • Familiarity with Python, C++ and other software development tools • Good programming and mathematical skills • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment Additional Desired Qualifications: • Familiarity with macromolecular structure or computational chemistry. • Experience with the practical aspects of crystallography and/or cryo-electron microscopy. The posting shall remain open until the position is filled. Notes: • This is a full time, 2 year postdoctoral appointment with the possibility of renewal based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs. You must have less than 3 years paid postdoctoral experience. Salary for Postdoctoral positions depends on years of experience post-degree. • Full-time, M-F, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay. • This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes. • Salary will be predetermined based on postdoctoral step rates. • This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment. • Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Learn About Berkeley Lab: Berkeley Lab (LBNL) addresses the world’s most urgent scientific challenges by advancing sustainable energy, protecting human health, creating new materials, and revealing the origin and fate of the universe. Founded in 1931, Berkeley Lab’s scientific expertise has been recognized with 13 Nobel prizes. The University of California manages Berkeley Lab for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Working at Berkeley Lab has many rewards including a competitive compensation program, excellent health and welfare programs, a retirement program that is second to none, and outstanding development opportunities. To view information about the many rewards that are offered at Berkeley Lab- Click Here. Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law. -- Paul Adams Division Director, Molecular Biophysics & Integrated Bioimaging, LBL (http://biosciences.lbl.gov/divisions/mbib) Principal Investigator, Computational Crystallography Initiative, LBL (http://cci.lbl.gov) Vice President for Technology, the Joint BioEnergy Institute (http://www.jbei.org) Principal Investigator, ALS-ENABLE, Advanced Light Source (http://als-enable.lbl.gov) Division Deputy for Biosciences, Advanced Light Source (https://als.lbl.gov) Laboratory Research Manager, ENIGMA Science Focus Area (http://enigma.lbl.gov) Adjunct Professor, Department of Bioengineering, U.C. Berkeley (http://bioeng.berkeley.edu) Adjunct Professor, Comparative Biochemistry, U.C. Berkeley (http://compbiochem.berkeley.edu) Building 33, Room 347 Building 978, Room 4126 Building 977, Room 180C Tel: 1-510-486-4225 http://cci.lbl.gov/paul Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road BLDG 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720, USA. Executive Assistant: Ashley Dawn [ ashleydawn(a)lbl.gov ][ 1-510-486-5455 ] --

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NIH-Funded Post-Doctoral Position at the University of Illinois to Study the Ribosome Structure
by Yury Polikanov 18 Dec '19

18 Dec '19

*NIH-Funded Post-Doctoral Position in Structural Biology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) to Study the Structure and Function of the Ribosome* [image: Movie_S3_70S-mtRNA_320x240.gif] The Polikanov Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago (IL, USA) is looking for a talented, skillful, and highly motivated researcher to fill the available *NIH-funded Post-Doctoral Scholar *position to study the structure and function of the bacterial ribosome. The research in the Polikanov Laboratory is focused on understanding the basic principles of protein synthesis in bacteria, the modes of action of ribosome-targeting antibiotics, and the mechanisms of drug resistance at a structural level. More information about Dr. Polikanov research can be obtained from the most recent publications (*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/yury.polikanov.1/bibliography/50395623/public/?sort=date&direction=descending <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/myncbi/yury.polikanov.1/bibliography/503…>*) or found on the web-page (https://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/yury- polikanov). The successful candidate will be involved in the determination of high-resolution structures of ribosome functional complexes with various protein translation factors, tRNAs, and antibiotics using macromolecular X-ray crystallography and potentially cryo-EM techniques. *Basic qualifications:* - PhD in chemistry, biochemistry , biophysics, or a related field; - Practical skills with the most standard methods currently used in molecular biology, and biochemistry (such as protein expression, purification); - Experience in structural biology (cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography); - Experience in RNA biology field is desired; *The successful candidate is also expected to:* - Act independently in terms of planning and executing the experiments; - Compile, analyze, and prepare data for publications; - Assist with training of graduate and undergraduate students. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and contact information for three references directly to Dr. Yury Polikanov at yuryp(a)uic.edu. *In the cover letter, the applicant should **describe how his/her previous research accomplishments and scientific interests fit with the scope of the research in the Polikanov research group.* -- ------------------------------ Yury Polikanov, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Department of Biological Sciences College of Liberal Arts and Sciences University of Illinois at Chicago 900 South Ashland Avenue, MBRB 4170 Chicago, IL 60607 Tel: 1-312-413-2408 (Office) Tel: 1-312-355-0463 (Laboratory) Fax: 1-312-413-2691 E-mail: yuryp(a)uic.edu Web-Page: *http://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/yury-polikanov <http://bios.uic.edu/bios/people/faculty/yury-polikanov>* [image: Image result for uic logo] ------------------------------

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PhD / PostDoc positions @NKI Amsterdam
by a.perrakis＠nki.nl 18 Dec '19

18 Dec '19

Dear all, We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated PhD students and Post-Docsto join the Division of Biochemistry in the Netherlands Cancer Institute (https://www.nki.nl) in the groups of Tassos Perrakis and Titia Sixma. If you have a keen interest in the general field of integrative structural cell biology, and previous experience in cryo-EM, X-ray crystallography, cell biology, biochemistry, or biophysics … well, read on! The project in the laboratory of Titia Sixma (https://www.nki.nl/divisions/biochemistry/sixma-t-group/ ) is in the area of DNA repair. The projects in Anastassis (Tassos) Perrakis group (https://www.nki.nl/divisions/biochemistry/perrakis-a-group/) are in the general field of controlling the progress of cell division and microtubule interacting proteins, in lysolipids signaling focusing on Autotaxin and its interactions, and together with Robbie Joosten in PDB-REDO . The Netherlands Cancer Institute is an international center of excellence with a high standard of biological research and outstanding research facilities, and has an interactive atmosphere. It is located in Amsterdam, with all its cultural amenities, close to the Schiphol airport. The two groups share a common research infrastructure in the Department of Biochemistry, and have an interest in structural studies coupled to functional analysis. Facilities include the ability to produce and purify proteins in bacterial, insect, and mammalian cells, and a well-equipped macromolecular biophysics laboratory that are sites in the Instruct Centre NL (https://instruct-eric.eu/centre/protein-facility---nki/). Equipment for structural analysis is spearheaded by a brand-new cryo-EM (Jeol F2 200kV with a K2 detector) and high-throughput crystallisation robotics; these local facilities are coupled with regular access to Krios cryo-EM at NeCEN (https://www.necen.nl , https://instruct-eric.eu/centre/necen---lu/) and to the ESRF, SLS and DLS synchrotrons, and access possibilities for NMR experiments (https://instruct-eric.eu/centre/bijvoet-center---uu/). Dedicated computing facilities include privileged access to both CPU and GPU clusters. Both groups participate in various European and National collaborative projects and are members of the Oncode Institute (https://www.oncode.nl). We are looking flexibly for either highly motivated PhD students (strong master-level placements in reputable laboratories and familiarity with some of the methods we outline would be strong plus) or post-docs (experience in cryo-EM would be highly desirable for most positions; candidates with a strong background and track record in X-ray crystallography, protein purification, cell biology, would be taken seriously under considerations depending on the project). For the PDB-REDO project a background in bioinformatics and some experience in computerprogramming would be necessary. Applicants should write an email, stating their specific interests and attaching a CV and names of three references to t.sixma.AT.nki.nl or a.perrakis.AT.nki.nl; feel free to also make informal inquiries. We expect applications to be sent in by Monday 13th January and all positions are available asap. PhD candidate positions are for four years; post-doc positions can be for 1-4 years depending on qualifications and experience; the CAO salary levels apply according to the NKI collective agreement. Anastassis Perrakis and Titia K. Sixma

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First CCP4 Study Weekend illustration competition
by Jon Agirre 16 Dec '19

16 Dec '19

Dear colleagues, We are pleased to announce the opening of the first CCP4 Study Weekend illustration competition, made possible by CCP4’s long standing collaboration with IUCr Journals. Getting your science out to the public requires more than good research. You need to make it memorable! And what better way to do it than with excellent figures? We invite you to make a figure that tells a structural biology story in a creative and informative way. The submitted figures will be showcased during the Study Weekend at several locations at the conference venue. *Prize* The creator of the winning illustration gets to design the cover illustration of the Study Weekend’s proceedings to be published early 2021. Apart from this commission there may be another (sur)prize. *Format* Illustrations, along with a short description of content and methods used, are to be sent to jon.agirre(a)york.ac.uk before December 15th 2019. Images must have a resolution of 1920x1080 (16:9) in order to fit the format of the screens and main room projector. Any combination of graphics and (if any) post-processing software may be used, as long as details are given with the submission. The format of the illustration should be PNG. *Judges* As you may know, Dr Jeroen Claus (founder of Phospho Biomedical Animation) will give the closing talk at the 2020 edition of the CCP4 Study Weekend. He, along with Louise Jones (managing editor of Acta Crystallographica sections D & F) will judge the submitted figures based on their graphical quality as well as their ability to convey a complex structural message clearly. *Decision* The winner will be announced on January 8th at the dinner - before the céilidh. Up to date information and registration: http://www.cvent.com/d/fyq0g9/4K?cpc=FCNF5V7H4B4 Looking forward to receiving your images! Jon Agirre, Alan Roseman, Robbie Joosten and Karen McIntyre -- Dr Jon Agirre Royal Society University Research Fellow York Structural Biology Laboratory / Department of Chemistry University of York, Heslington, YO10 5DD, York, UK http://www.york.ac.uk/chemistry/research/ysbl/people/staff/jagirre/ Office: /B/K/065 Phone: +44 (0) 1904 32 8252 Twitter: @glycojones

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Emergency power test at Berkeley this weekend (12/13-12/16)
by Billy Poon 14 Dec '19

14 Dec '19

Hi everyone, To mitigate disruptions from future power shut offs due to wildfire concerns, we are performing an emergency power test for our web servers. This will affect the phenix-online.org and cci.lbl.gov servers. The websites, mailing lists, and repositories will remain available, but the servers will be running on emergency power instead. The servers will be switched to emergency power at around 2 pm Pacific time on Friday (12/13) and switched back to main power around 10 am Pacific time on Monday (12/16). Please let me know if you experience any issues. Thanks! -- Billy K. Poon Research Scientist, Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory 1 Cyclotron Road, M/S 33R0345 Berkeley, CA 94720 Tel: (510) 486-5709 Fax: (510) 486-5909 Web: https://phenix-online.org

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Re: [phenixbb] map to model fsc did not start from 1
by BuddySphinx 12 Dec '19

12 Dec '19

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map to model fsc did not start from 1
by Yangqi Gu 12 Dec '19

12 Dec '19

Dear Phenix developer, I have a question regarding the map to model fsc. I have a filament map and a model with arbitrary copy of the protomer ( I built them in Chimera), then I used the filament model to refine against my map. But I encountered an issue is that the reported FSC (map to model) did not start from 1 but rather 0.8. I am wondering if there is anyway to fix it. Also, in the case of a filament, how do I use NCS operator to refine rather than manual building the filament model? I tried specifying NCS with helical symmetry, but it did not work. Best, Yangqi

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Re: [phenixbb] problems running refinement of shaken model against half map
by L. Hielkema 07 Dec '19

07 Dec '19

Dear Pavel, Thanks again for your answer. I understand that you have some concerns with regard to the validation we use. Now this makes me really curious how the rest of the EM community feels about this. > "widely used" does not always mean "makes sense". As it often happens, some may just blindly follow the crowd. And how "widely" it is used, in fact? I stated my arguments as to why this does not make sense (to me at least). I'm yet to hear any strong counter-arguments. > So you stated the following before: "First off, I think this way of validation is quite faulty conceptually... How you know 0.5A is the best number and say not 0.7 or 0.3? By shaking the model, you validate the shaken (perturbed) model, which is not the model you are publishing and reporting statistics for. If you shake the model twice with same shake doze, you will get two different models with the same amount of perturbation, which means numbers you derive from such models can (and likely will) be different.” Is there anyone that would have any strong counter arguments? Or thinks along the same way? Because we would really like to know if we should change anything in our approach. Or would then the approach that Pavel suggest with the phenix tool Comprehensive validation be a good solution to this issue? > The paper you refer to indeed describes the protocol they followed but it does not answer concerns that I raised before. > > History knows plenty of examples of something being almost a standard for a while and then discarded later. Such as cutting off low-resolution diffraction data (because at the time there was no good bulk-solvent models invented) or cutting data by 2 or 3 "sigma" criteria (because maximum-likelihood target functions were not in use yet), etc etc etc. Or not adding H atoms to atomic models... > > Cryo-EM isn't as mature as protein crystallography where most procedures and protocols are pretty much standard. Cross validation for cryo-EM is yet to settle to some more meaningful method. There is indeed a number of attempts made so far but none of them seem to be as good as Brunger's free-R approach! Sure many things have to be still established, but it would be nice to know what is the generally accepted method at the moment according to the community. > >> As far as I could see the phenix tool Comprehensive validation did not provide the validation against the half maps, that one needs to obtain FSCwork and FSCfree, which is described in the attached papers. > > This is correct, it doesn't for reasons I mentioned before. Best, Lisa > On 5 Dec 2019, at 21:02, Pavel Afonine <pafonine(a)lbl.gov> wrote: > > Hi Lisa, > >> Thanks for your answer. Though I am a bit confused, as far as I and my group understand this method is widely used for several years (see attached papers for first introduction and since then you see many performing this type of validation). > > "widely used" does not always mean "makes sense". As it often happens, some may just blindly follow the crowd. And how "widely" it is used, in fact? I stated my arguments as to why this does not make sense (to me at least). I'm yet to hear any strong counter-arguments. > > The paper you refer to indeed describes the protocol they followed but it does not answer concerns that I raised before. > > History knows plenty of examples of something being almost a standard for a while and then discarded later. Such as cutting off low-resolution diffraction data (because at the time there was no good bulk-solvent models invented) or cutting data by 2 or 3 "sigma" criteria (because maximum-likelihood target functions were not in use yet), etc etc etc. Or not adding H atoms to atomic models... > > Cryo-EM isn't as mature as protein crystallography where most procedures and protocols are pretty much standard. Cross validation for cryo-EM is yet to settle to some more meaningful method. There is indeed a number of attempts made so far but none of them seem to be as good as Brunger's free-R approach! > >> As far as I could see the phenix tool Comprehensive validation did not provide the validation against the half maps, that one needs to obtain FSCwork and FSCfree, which is described in the attached papers. > > This is correct, it doesn't for reasons I mentioned before. > > All the best, > Pavel >

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