Temperature factor, protein crystallography

In summary, there are three important generalizations about error estimation in protein crystallography. The first is that the level of information varies enormously as a function primarily of resolution, but also of sequence knowledge and extent of refinement. The second generalization is that no single item of information is completely immune from possible error. If the electron density map is available or indicators such as temperature factors are known from refinement, then it is possible to tell which parameters are most at risk. The third important generalization is that errors occur at a very low absolute rate 95% of the reported information is completely accurate, and it represents a detailed and objective storehouse of knowledge with which all other studies of proteins must be reconciled. 

Sternberg, M. J. E., Grace, D. E. P., and Phillips. D. C. Dynamic information from protein crystallography. An analysis of temperature factors from refinement of the hen egg-white lysozyme structure. J. Molec. Biol. 130, 231-253 (1979). 

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