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Automatic Retrieval of CIF-Related Software

An information server has been established at the IUCr Editorial Office to permit automatic retrieval of programs and documentation useful in handling Crystallographic Information Files (CIF). Files are sent by e-mail in response to incoming e-mail requests. To use this facility send an e-mail message to the address: sendcif@uk.ac.iucr (UK users) or sendcif@iucr.ac.uk (others) containing the request commands index or send as described below. A request command may be part of the "Subject:" line or part of the mail message body.

A list of sample requests and their results follows.

Request Result
index List of the files (sizes and dates of last modification) available for retrieval
send form.cif Copy of skeleton CIF, basis for an Acta submission.

Multiple requests may appear on the same line, e.g.

send cifdic.c91 cyclops.src quasar.src
is equivalent to:
send cifdic.c91
send cyclops.src
send quasar.sr

Note that requests are not case-sensitive. Note also that if the size of the requested file(s) exceeds an internal limit (currently 75,000 characters), the reply is automatically broken up into pieces, a message is mailed to the requestor informing him or her of that, and the pieces sent with the header "Part n of m" for identification purposes. A script is also sent that can be used to automatically rejoin these pieces into the original file. This script will only work on UNIX, or UNIX-like systems, but should provide a lead for users of other operating systems.

The files currently available, with approximate sizes, are:

cifdic.c91140 kBElectronic version of CIF Dictionary
cman.sh1 kBSimple UNIX shell script for on-line perusal of CIF Dictionary
cyclops.src15 kBDictionary validation program CYCLOPS
example.cif31 kBExample of a CIF submission to Acta
form.cif12 kBTemplate CIF that may be used for submission to Acta
quasar.src33 kBCIF processing program QUASAR
request.lst7 kBList of the data items searched for within a submitted CIF