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This work presents a snapshot of the state of the art of modern biomolecular crystallography, from crystallisation through structure determination and even interactive presentation on the web. Methods driving the latest automated structure determination pipelines are explained, as well as how to deal with problems such as crystal pathologies that still demand expert analysis. These methods are illustrated through their application to problems of great biological interest, such as the molecular machinery underlying the complement pathway, the mechanism of action of monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and the structure of the eukaryotic ribosome. Complementary approaches, such as neutron diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, coherent diffraction and computational modelling, are also explored.

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Part I Solution Chemistry.- Simple Alkoxide Based Precursor Systems; Theodor Schneller.- Carboxylate Based Precursor Systems; T. Schneller, D. Griesche.- Mixed Metallo-Organic Precursor Systems; B. Malic et al.- Single Source Precursor Approach -Hydrolysis Mechanisms in Organic Media; V. G. Kessler.- Aqueous Precursor Systems; M. K. Van Bael et al.- Polymer-Assisted Deposition (PAD); A. K. Burrell et al.- Part II Analytical Methods.- Thermal Analysis; B. Malic et al.- X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy; I. Schlipf.- Infrared Spectroscopy; M. Zaharescu, O.C. Mocioiu.- Part III Deposition Techniques.- Dip Coating; C. J. Brinker.- Spin Coating: Art and Science; D.P. Birnie.- Aerosol Deposition; M. Brubaker.- Inkjet Printing and Other Direct Writing Methods; P.G. Clem, N. S. Bell.- Chemical Bath Deposition; M.R. De Guire et al.- Part IV Processing and Crystallization.- Thermodynamics and Heating Processes; R. W. Schwartz, M.Narayanan.- Epitaxial Films; F. Lange.-Orientation and Microstructure Design; S. Hoffmann-Eifert, T. Schneller.- Low-Temperature Processing; S. Glinsek et al.- Composite Film Processing; R. Dorey et al.- UV and E-Beam Direct Patterning of Photosensitive CSD Films; K. Tadanaga, M.S.M. Saifullah.- Template Controlled Growth; S. Clemens, T. Schneller.- Part V Functions and Applications.- Thin Film Multilayer Capacitors; H. Kambara et al.- Base Metal Bottom Electrodes; J. F. Ihlefeld et al.- Polar Oxide Thin Films for MEMS Applications; P. Muralt.- Conducting oxide thin films; C. Haavik, P.M. R›rvik.- Transparent Conducting Oxides; P. Löbmann.- Superconducting Films; M. Bäcker et al.- Antireflective Coatings and Optical Filters; P. Löbmann.- Luminescent Thin Films: Fundamental Aspects and Practical Applications; S. Fujihara.- Appendix - Syntheses; R. Thelen, T. Schneller.

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