This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing theresources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject andinvestigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source,and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed isfor the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator.The SSRL Structural Molecular Biology small-angle x-ray scattering station BL4-2 is dedicated to structural biology studies, providing state-of-the-art experimental facilities for structural biology studies on proteins, protein assemblies, virus particles, biological fibers and lipid membranes. The in-hutch instrumentation, featuring a pin-hole geometry small angle scattering camera with an automated distance change mechanism, can be configured to accommodate several data collection modes, including solution scattering, single crystal diffraction, and gracing-incidence scattering. A portable high angle setup is used for fiber diffraction studies to reach 2.4 A in Bragg spacing. New developments this year include a series of experiments to evaluate several types of thin windows for sample cells and vacuum isolation; testing of a novel container-less solution scattering experimental geometry; and continued development of an automated high-throughput solution scattering data collection system. The station is undergoing a 500-mA SPEAR3 optics upgrade and the is perforemd through a relocation to a new beam port. The new BL4-2 expermental hutch has been built and the installation of optic components is in progress. The SMB SAXS team is in the process of upgrading the pin-hole camera to have shorter and longer distances for improved access to both high and very low scattering angles. A new high-efficiency detector, MarMosaic225-HE (funded through DOE BER) is scheduled to arrive in January 2008. Together with the new higher beam flux level, improved beam stability and the new detector, the upgraded instrument will enable much improved data at lower protein concentrations at higher angles as well as at smaller angles, beginning in the spring of 2008.
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