Tentative Topics

Part One: Fundamentals and Experimental Aspects of Small Angle X-ray Scattering

1. Fundamentals of x-ray scattering
   • Scattering phenomenon and interference
   • From crystal and fiber diffraction to solution scattering
   • Form factor and object shapes
   • X-ray scattering contrast
   • Theory on solution scattering calculations
2. Experimental Aspects of Scattering
   • Instruments
     • X-ray generators (bench-top, synchrotron) and detectors
     • Synchrotron-based setups
   • Data acquisition
     • Synchrotron based SAXS experiments
     • Bench-top x-ray source based SAXS experiments
     • Neutron scattering
   • Scattering sample preparations
3. Data Processing
   • 2D-> 1D data conversion
   • Background subtraction
   • Data quality evaluation

Part Two: Data Interpretation and Applications in Structural Biology

1. X-ray scattering profile and embedded information
   • d-spacing / resolution
   • Hierarchical structural information
   • SAXS vs. WAXS
   • Guinier plot & radius of gyration
   • Molecular weight
   • Porod’s law & Porod invariant
   • Pair distance distribution function
2. Statistical validation of structural models
   • Molecular envelope and shape
   • Low-resolution model/shape reconstruction
   • Molecular conformation and flexibility
   • Contrast variation and matching (SAXS and SANS)
3. SAXS in combination with other techniques for high resolution structure determination and conformational ensemble optimization
   • Single-structure refinement with NMR and SAXS data using Xplor-NIH
   • Ensemble refinement using SAXS and Xplor-NIH
   • Using SAXS to determine global structures of complexes
   • Combined use of NMR data and SAXS for structure determination of large RNAs in solution