The choice of the prior distribution of atomic coordinates for macromolecular structures on the basis of the maximum likelihood principle

The possibility of using the maximum likelihood principle for the choice of the prior distribution of atomic coordinates in macromolecule crystals in the solution of the phase problem of X-ray analysis is discussed. Examples of different approaches to the calculation of the likelihood function are c onsidered. It is shown that the maximum likelihood principle not always res ults in the choice of the acceptable distribution, and an accurate investig ation of the limits of applicability is needed in every case.