bfee2 3.1.1.post1__py3-none-any.whl

BFEE2/templates_gromacs/BFEEGromacs.py

@@ -0,0 +1,1268 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+import numpy as np
+import os
+import sys
+import posixpath
+import string
+import logging
+import shutil
+from MDAnalysis import Universe
+from MDAnalysis.units import convert
+from MDAnalysis import transformations
+from math import isclose
+
+try:
+    import importlib.resources as pkg_resources
+except ImportError:
+    # Try backported to PY<37 `importlib_resources`.
+    import importlib_resources as pkg_resources
+
+try:
+    from BFEE2 import templates_gromacs
+except ImportError:
+    templates_gromacs = __package__
+
+# an runtime error
+# selection corresponding to nothing
+class SelectionError(RuntimeError):
+    def __init__(self, arg):
+        self.args = arg
+
+def scanGromacsTopologyInclude(gmxTopFile, logger=None):
+    """scan the files included by a gromacs topology file
+
+    Args:
+        gmxTopFile (str): filename of the gromacs topology file
+        logger (Logging.logger, optional): logger for debugging. Defaults to None.
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple: 
+            tuple:
+                a (list, list) tuple.
+                The first list contains the absolute pathnames of included files.
+                The second list contains the strings in the quotation marks for handling
+                relative paths.
+            Logging.logger:
+                logger for debugging
+    """    
+
+    topology_dirpath = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(gmxTopFile))
+    include_files = []
+    include_strings = []
+    with open(gmxTopFile, 'r') as finput:
+        for line in finput:
+            line = line.strip()
+            if line.startswith('#include'):
+                # this is an include line
+                # find the first quote
+                first_quote = line.find('"')
+                # find the second quote
+                second_quote = line.find('"', first_quote+1)
+                # save the string of include
+                include_str = line[first_quote+1:second_quote]
+                # find the absolute path and save it to the list
+                include_filename = os.path.join(topology_dirpath, include_str).replace('\\', '/')
+                if (posixpath.exists(include_filename)):
+                    include_files.append(include_filename)
+                    include_strings.append(include_str)
+                else:
+                    if logger is None:
+                        print(f'Warning: {include_filename} does not exists.')
+                    else:
+                        logger.warning(f'{include_filename} does not exists.')
+    return include_files, include_strings
+
+
+def measure_minmax(atom_positions):
+    """mimic the VMD command "measure minmax"
+
+    Args:
+        atom_positions (numpy.array): a numpy array containing the XYZ coordinates of N atoms. The shape 
+                                      should be (N, 3).
+
+    Returns:
+        Numpy.array: a shape of (2, 3) array, where the first subarray has the minimum 
+                     values in XYZ directions, and the second subarray has the maximum
+                     values in XYZ directions.
+    """    
+
+    xyz_array = np.transpose(atom_positions)
+    min_x = np.min(xyz_array[0])
+    max_x = np.max(xyz_array[0])
+    min_y = np.min(xyz_array[1])
+    max_y = np.max(xyz_array[1])
+    min_z = np.min(xyz_array[2])
+    max_z = np.max(xyz_array[2])
+    return np.array([[min_x, min_y, min_z],[max_x, max_y, max_z]])
+
+
+def measure_center(atom_positions):
+    """mimic the VMD command "measure center"
+
+    Args:
+        atom_positions (numpy.array): a numpy array containing the XYZ coordinates of N atoms. The shape should be (N, 3).
+
+    Returns:
+        Numpy.array: a shape of (3,) array contains the geometric center
+    """    
+
+    xyz_array = np.transpose(atom_positions)
+    center_x = np.average(xyz_array[0])
+    center_y = np.average(xyz_array[1])
+    center_z = np.average(xyz_array[2])
+    return np.array([center_x, center_y, center_z])
+
+
+def get_cell(atom_positions):
+    """mimic the VMD script get_cell.tcl to calculate the cell units
+
+    Args:
+        atom_positions (numpy.array): a numpy array containing the XYZ coordinates of N atoms. The shape should be (N, 3).
+
+    Returns:
+         Numpy.array: a shape of (3,3) array contains periodic cell information
+    """    
+
+    minmax_array = measure_minmax(atom_positions)
+    vec = minmax_array[1] - minmax_array[0]
+    cell_basis_vector1 = np.array([vec[0], 0, 0])
+    cell_basis_vector2 = np.array([0, vec[1], 0])
+    cell_basis_vector3 = np.array([0, 0, vec[2]])
+    return np.array([cell_basis_vector1,
+                     cell_basis_vector2,
+                     cell_basis_vector3])
+
+
+def generateMDP(MDPTemplate, outputPrefix, timeStep, numSteps, temperature, pressure, colvarsFile, logger=None):
+    """generate a GROMACS mdp file from a template
+
+    Args:
+        MDPTemplate (str): template MDP file with $dt and $nsteps
+        outputPrefix (str): prefix (no .mdp extension) of the output MDP file
+        timeStep (float): timestep for running the simulation
+        numSteps (int): number of steps for running the simulation
+        temperature (float): simulation temperature
+        pressure (float): simulation pressure
+        logger (Logging.logger, optional): logger for debugging. Defaults to None.
+    """    
+
+    #if logger is None:
+        #print(f'generateMDP: Generating {outputPrefix + ".mdp"} from template {MDPTemplate}...')
+        #print(f'Timestep (dt): {timeStep}')
+        #print(f'Number of simulation steps (nsteps): {numSteps}')
+        #print(f'Temperature: {temperature}')
+        #print(f'Pressure: {pressure}')
+    #else:
+        #logger.info(f'generateMDP: Generating {outputPrefix + ".mdp"} from template {MDPTemplate}...')
+        #logger.info(f'Timestep (dt): {timeStep}')
+        #logger.info(f'Number of simulation steps (nsteps): {numSteps}')
+        #logger.info(f'Temperature: {temperature}')
+        #logger.info(f'Pressure: {pressure}')
+    #with open(MDPTemplate, 'r', newline='\n') as finput:
+    MDP_content = string.Template(MDPTemplate)
+    MDP_content = MDP_content.safe_substitute(dt=timeStep,
+                                              nsteps=numSteps,
+                                              temperature=temperature,
+                                              pressure=pressure,
+                                              colvarsFile=colvarsFile)
+    with open(outputPrefix + '.mdp', 'w', newline='\n') as foutput:
+        foutput.write(MDP_content)
+
+def generateColvars(colvarsTemplate, outputPrefix, logger=None, **kwargs):
+    """generate a Colvars configuration file from a template suffixed with '.dat'
+
+    Args:
+        colvarsTemplate (str): path to a colvars template
+        outputPrefix (str): (no .dat extension) of the output Colvars configuration file
+        logger (Logging.logger, optional): logger for debugging. Defaults to None.
+        **kwargs: additional arguments passed to safe_substitute()
+    """    
+
+    #if logger is None:
+        #print(f'generateColvars: Generating {outputPrefix + ".dat"} from template {colvarsTemplate}...')
+        #print('Colvars parameters:')
+    #else:
+        #logger.info(f'generateColvars: Generating {outputPrefix + ".dat"} from template {colvarsTemplate}...')
+        #logger.info('Colvars parameters:')
+    for key, val in kwargs.items():
+        if logger is None:
+            print(f'{key} = {val}')
+        else:
+            logger.info(f'{key} = {val}')
+    #with open(colvarsTemplate, 'r', newline='\n') as finput:
+    content = string.Template(colvarsTemplate)
+    content = content.safe_substitute(**kwargs)
+    with open(outputPrefix + '.dat', 'w', newline='\n') as foutput:
+        foutput.write(content)
+
+def generateShellScript(shellTemplate, outputPrefix, logger=None, **kwargs):
+    """generate a shell script from a template
+
+    Args:
+        shellTemplate (str): path to a shell template
+        outputPrefix (str): prefix (no .sh extension) of the output Colvars configuration file
+        logger (Logging.logger, optional): logger for debugging. Defaults to None.
+        **kwargs: additional arguments passed to safe_substitute()
+    """    
+
+    #if logger is None:
+        #print(f'generateShellScript: Generating {outputPrefix + ".sh"} from template {shellTemplate}...')
+    #else:
+        #logger.info(f'generateShellScript: Generating {outputPrefix + ".sh"} from template {shellTemplate}...')
+    #with open(shellTemplate, 'r', newline='\n') as finput:
+    content = string.Template(shellTemplate)
+    content = content.safe_substitute(**kwargs)
+    with open(outputPrefix + '.sh', 'w', newline='\n') as foutput:
+        foutput.write(content)
+
+
+def mearsurePolarAngles(proteinCenter, ligandCenter):
+    """measure the polar angles between the protein and the ligand
+
+    Args:
+        proteinCenter (numpy.array): center-of-mass of the protein
+        ligandCenter (numpy.array): center-of-mass of the ligand
+
+    Returns:
+        tuple: a (theta, phi) tuple where theta and phi are measured in degrees
+    """    
+
+    vector = ligandCenter - proteinCenter
+    vector /= np.linalg.norm(vector)
+    return (np.degrees(np.arccos(vector[2])),
+            np.degrees(np.arctan2(vector[1], vector[0])))
+
+
+class BFEEGromacs:
+    """The entry class for handling gromacs inputs in BFEE.
+
+    Attributes:
+        logger (logging.Logger): logger object for debugging
+        handler (logging.StreamHandler): output stream of the debug output
+        baseDirectory (str): output directory of the generated files
+        structureFile (str): filename of the structure file (either in PDB or GRO format) of the
+                             protein-ligand binding complex
+        topologyFile (str): filename of the GROMACS topology file of the protein-ligand binding
+                            complex
+        ligandOnlyStructureFile (str): filename of the structure file (either in PDB or GRO format) of the
+                                       ligand-only system
+        system (MDAnalysis.core.universe): MDAnalysis universe of the protein-ligand binding system
+        ligandOnlySystem (MDAnalysis.core.universe): MDAnalysis universe of the ligand-only system
+        basenames (str): subdirectory names of all eight steps
+        ligand (MDAnalysis.core.groups.AtomGroup): selected HEAVY ATOMS of the ligand in the protein-ligand binding
+                                                   complex. This attribute does not exist until the call of
+                                                   setLigandHeavyAtomsGroup.
+        ligandOnly (MDAnalysis.core.groups.AtomGroup): selected HEAVY ATOMS of the ligand in the ligand-only system.
+                                                       This attribute does not exist until the call of 
+                                                       setLigandHeavyAtomsGroup.
+        protein (MDAnalysis.core.groups.AtomGroup): selected HEAVY ATOMS of the protein in the protein-ligand binding
+                                                    complex. This attribute does not exist until the call of
+                                                    setProteinHeavyAtomsGroup.
+        solvent (MDAnalysis.core.groups.AtomGroup): selected atoms of the solvents in the protein-ligand binding complex.
+                                                    This attribute does not exist until the call of setSolventAtomsGroup.
+        temperature (float): the temperature of simulations (default : 300.0)
+    """    
+
+    def __init__(self, structureFile, topologyFile, ligandOnlyStructureFile, ligandOnlyTopologyFile, baseDirectory=None, structureFormat='pdb', ligandOnlyStructureFileFormat='pdb'):
+        # setup the logger
+        self.logger = logging.getLogger()
+        self.logger.handlers.clear()
+        self.handler = logging.StreamHandler(sys.stdout)
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        self.logger.addHandler(self.handler)
+        self.logger.setLevel(logging.INFO)
+        self.logger.info('Initializing BFEEGromacs...')
+        # setup class attributes
+        self.structureFile = structureFile
+        self.topologyFile = topologyFile
+        if baseDirectory is None:
+            self.baseDirectory = os.getcwd()
+        else:
+            self.baseDirectory = baseDirectory
+        self.ligandOnlyStructureFile = ligandOnlyStructureFile
+        self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile = ligandOnlyTopologyFile
+
+        # start to load data into MDAnalysis
+        self.logger.info(f'Calling MDAnalysis to load structure {self.structureFile} (format {structureFormat}).')
+        self.system = Universe(self.structureFile, format=structureFormat)
+        self.ligandOnlySystem = Universe(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile, format=structureFormat)
+
+        # some PDB files do not have cell info
+        # so we reset the cell by an estimation
+        all_atoms = self.system.select_atoms("all")
+        all_atoms_ligandOnly = self.ligandOnlySystem.select_atoms("all")
+        self.system.trajectory[0].triclinic_dimensions = get_cell(all_atoms.positions)
+        self.ligandOnlySystem.trajectory[0].triclinic_dimensions = get_cell(all_atoms_ligandOnly.positions)
+        dim = self.system.dimensions
+        ligandOnly_dim = self.ligandOnlySystem.dimensions
+        # measure the cell
+        volume = dim[0] * dim[1] * dim[2]
+        self.logger.info(f'The volume of the simulation box is {volume} Å^3.')
+
+        # set default temperature to 300.0 K
+        self.temperature = 300.0
+        self.logger.info(f'You have specified a new base directory at {self.baseDirectory}')
+        if not posixpath.exists(self.baseDirectory):
+            os.makedirs(self.baseDirectory)
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand'))
+
+        # check if the topologies have other itp files included
+        topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings = scanGromacsTopologyInclude(self.topologyFile)
+        for includeFile, includeString in zip(topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings):
+            # handle something like "#include "toppar/xxx.itp""
+            # in this case we need to create the directory named "toppar" in the base directory
+            dest_dirname = posixpath.dirname(includeString)
+            if dest_dirname:
+                # if dest_dirname is not empty
+                if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein', dest_dirname)):
+                # if the destination directory does not exist
+                    os.makedirs(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein', dest_dirname))
+            shutil.copy(includeFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein', dest_dirname))
+        # do the same thing to the ligand topology
+        topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings = scanGromacsTopologyInclude(self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile)
+        for includeFile, includeString in zip(topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings):
+            # handle something like "#include "toppar/xxx.itp""
+            # in this case we need to create the directory named "toppar" in the base directory
+            dest_dirname = posixpath.dirname(includeString)
+            if dest_dirname:
+                # if dest_dirname is not empty
+                if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand', dest_dirname)):
+                # if the destination directory does not exist
+                    os.makedirs(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand', dest_dirname))
+            shutil.copy(includeFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand', dest_dirname))
+
+        #self.structureFile = shutil.copy(self.structureFile, self.baseDirectory)
+        self.topologyFile = shutil.copy(self.topologyFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Protein'))
+        self.ligandOnlyStructureFile = shutil.copy(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand'))
+        self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile = shutil.copy(self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, 'Ligand'))
+
+        # move the system, so that the complex is at the center of the simulation box
+        all_center = measure_center(all_atoms.positions)
+        moveVector = (-all_center[0], -all_center[1], -all_center[2])
+        transformations.translate(moveVector)(all_atoms)
+        all_center = measure_center(all_atoms.positions)
+        moveVector = (dim[0]/2, dim[1]/2, dim[2]/2)
+        transformations.translate(moveVector)(all_atoms)
+        all_center = measure_center(all_atoms.positions)
+
+        ligandOnly_center = measure_center(all_atoms_ligandOnly.positions)
+        moveVector = (-ligandOnly_center[0], -ligandOnly_center[1], -ligandOnly_center[2])
+        transformations.translate(moveVector)(all_atoms_ligandOnly)
+        ligandOnly_center = measure_center(all_atoms_ligandOnly.positions)
+        moveVector = (ligandOnly_dim[0]/2, ligandOnly_dim[1]/2, ligandOnly_dim[2]/2)
+        transformations.translate(moveVector)(all_atoms_ligandOnly)
+        ligandOnly_center = measure_center(all_atoms_ligandOnly.positions)
+
+        _, fileName = os.path.split(self.structureFile)
+        all_atoms.write(self.baseDirectory + '/Protein/' + fileName)
+
+        _, ligandOnly_fileName = os.path.split(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile)
+        all_atoms_ligandOnly.write(self.baseDirectory + '/' + ligandOnly_fileName)
+
+        #if isclose(volume, 0.0):
+            #self.logger.warning(f'The volume is too small. Maybe the structure file is a PDB file without the unit cell.')
+            #all_atoms = self.system.select_atoms("all")
+            #self.logger.warning(f'The unit cell has been reset to {dim[0]:12.5f} {dim[1]:12.5f} {dim[2]:12.5f} .')
+        newBasename = posixpath.splitext(fileName)[0]
+        self.structureFile = self.baseDirectory + '/Protein/' + fileName + '.new.gro'
+            #self.saveStructure(self.structureFile)
+        all_atoms.write(self.structureFile)
+        # measure the cell of the ligand-only system
+        #dim = self.ligandOnlySystem.dimensions
+        #volume = dim[0] * dim[1] * dim[2]
+        #self.logger.info(f'The volume of the simulation box (ligand-only system) is {volume} Å^3.')
+        #if isclose(volume, 0.0):
+            #self.logger.warning(f'The volume is too small. Maybe the structure file is a PDB file without the unit cell.')
+            #all_atoms = self.ligandOnlySystem.select_atoms("all")
+            #self.ligandOnlySystem.trajectory[0].triclinic_dimensions = get_cell(all_atoms.positions)
+            #dim = self.ligandOnlySystem.dimensions
+            #self.logger.warning(f'The unit cell has been reset to {dim[0]:12.5f} {dim[1]:12.5f} {dim[2]:12.5f} .')
+        newBasename = posixpath.splitext(ligandOnly_fileName)[0]
+        self.ligandOnlyStructureFile = self.baseDirectory + '/' + ligandOnly_fileName + '.new.gro'
+            #self.saveStructure(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile)
+        all_atoms_ligandOnly.write(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile)
+
+        self.basenames = [
+                          '000_eq',
+                          '001_RMSD_bound',
+                          '002_euler_theta',
+                          '003_euler_phi',
+                          '004_euler_psi',
+                          '005_polar_theta',
+                          '006_polar_phi',
+                          '007_r',
+                          '008_RMSD_unbound'
+                        ]
+        self.stepnames = self.basenames.copy()
+        self.basenames = [posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, basename) for basename in self.basenames]
+        self.logger.info('Initialization done.')
+
+    def saveStructure(self, outputFile, selection='all'):
+        """a helper method for selecting a group of atoms and save it
+
+        Args:
+            outputFile (str): filename of the output file
+            selection (str, optional): MDAnalysis atom selection string. Defaults to 'all'.
+
+        Raises:
+            SelectionError: if the selection corresponds to nothing
+        """        
+
+        self.logger.info(f'Saving a new structure file at {outputFile} with selection ({selection}).')
+        selected_atoms = self.system.select_atoms(selection)
+        if len(selected_atoms) == 0:
+            raise SelectionError('Empty selection!')
+        selected_atoms.write(outputFile)
+
+    def setProteinHeavyAtomsGroup(self, selection):
+        """select the heavy atoms of the protein
+
+        Args:
+            selection (str): MDAnalysis atom selection string
+
+        Raises:
+            SelectionError: if the selection corresponds to nothing
+        """        
+
+        self.logger.info(f'Setup the atoms group of the protein by selection: {selection}')
+        self.protein = self.system.select_atoms(selection)
+        if len(self.protein) == 0:
+            raise SelectionError('Empty selection!')
+    
+    def setLigandHeavyAtomsGroup(self, selection):
+        """select the heavy atoms of the ligand in both the protein-ligand complex
+           and the ligand-only systems
+
+        Args:
+            selection (str): MDAnalysis atom selection string
+
+        Raises:
+            SelectionError: if the selection corresponds to nothing
+        """        
+
+        self.logger.info(f'Setup the atoms group of the ligand by selection: {selection}')
+        self.ligand = self.system.select_atoms(selection)
+        if len(self.ligand) == 0:
+            raise SelectionError('Empty selection!')
+        self.ligandOnly = self.ligandOnlySystem.select_atoms(selection)
+        if len(self.ligandOnly) == 0:
+            raise SelectionError('Empty selection!')
+
+    def setSolventAtomsGroup(self, selection):
+        """select the solvent atoms
+
+        Args:
+            selection (str): MDAnalysis atom selection string
+
+        Raises:
+            SelectionError: if the selection corresponds nothing
+        """        
+        
+        self.logger.info(f'Setup the atoms group of the solvent molecule by selection: {selection}')
+        self.solvent = self.system.select_atoms(selection)
+        if len(self.solvent) == 0:
+            raise SelectionError('Empty selection!')
+
+    def setTemperature(self, newTemperature):
+        """set the temperature
+
+        Args:
+            newTemperature (float): new value of the temperature
+        """        
+        self.temperature = newTemperature
+
+    def generateGromacsIndex(self, outputFile):
+        """generate a GROMACS index file for atom selection in Colvars
+        """
+
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(outputFile, name='BFEE_all')
+        if hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            self.ligand.write(outputFile, name='BFEE_Ligand', mode='a')
+        if hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            self.protein.write(outputFile, name='BFEE_Protein', mode='a')
+        if hasattr(self, 'solvent'):
+            self.solvent.write(outputFile, name='BFEE_Solvent', mode='a')
+
+    def generate000(self):
+        """generate files for running an equilibrium simulation
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][000][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[0]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '000_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '000.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '000_eq'),
+                    logger=self.logger,
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='000_colvars.dat')
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '000.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str,
+                        logger=self.logger)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '000.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '000_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                '000_eq.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.structureFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                    os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+
+    def generate001(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the RMSD of the ligand  
+           with respect to its bound state
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][001][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[1]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '001_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '001.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '001_PMF'),
+                    logger=self.logger,
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='001_colvars.dat')
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '001.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        rmsd_bin_width=0.005,
+                        rmsd_lower_boundary=0.0,
+                        rmsd_upper_boundary=0.5,
+                        rmsd_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str,
+                        logger=self.logger)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '001.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '001_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '001_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+    
+    def generate002(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the pitch (theta) angle of
+           the ligand
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][002][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[2]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '002_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '002.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '002_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    logger=self.logger,
+                    colvarsFile='002_colvars.dat')
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '002.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        eulerTheta_width=1,
+                        eulerTheta_lower_boundary=-10.0,
+                        eulerTheta_upper_boundary=10.0,
+                        eulerTheta_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '002.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '002_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '002_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate003(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the roll (phi) angle of
+           the ligand
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][003][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[3]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '003_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '003.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '003_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='003_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '003.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        eulerPhi_width=1,
+                        eulerPhi_lower_boundary=-10.0,
+                        eulerPhi_upper_boundary=10.0,
+                        eulerPhi_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '003.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '003_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '003_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate004(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the yaw (psi) angle of
+           the ligand
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][004][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[4]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '004_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '004.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '004_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='004_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '004.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        eulerPsi_width=1,
+                        eulerPsi_lower_boundary=-10.0,
+                        eulerPsi_upper_boundary=10.0,
+                        eulerPsi_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '004.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '004_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            BASENAME_003=self.stepnames[3],
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '004_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate005(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the polar theta angle of
+           the ligand relative to the protein
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][005][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[5]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '005_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '005.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '005_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='005_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # measure the current polar theta angles
+        ligand_center = measure_center(self.ligand.positions)
+        ligand_center = convert(ligand_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        # ligand_center_str = f'({ligand_center[0]}, {ligand_center[1]}, {ligand_center[2]})'
+        polar_theta, polar_phi = mearsurePolarAngles(protein_center, ligand_center)
+        polar_theta_center = np.around(polar_theta, 1)
+        self.logger.info(f'Measured polar angles: theta = {polar_theta:12.5f} ; phi = {polar_phi:12.5f}')
+        polar_theta_width = 1
+        polar_theta_lower = polar_theta_center - polar_theta_width * np.ceil(10 / polar_theta_width)
+        polar_theta_upper = polar_theta_center + polar_theta_width * np.ceil(10 / polar_theta_width)
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '005.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        polarTheta_width=polar_theta_width,
+                        polarTheta_lower_boundary=np.around(polar_theta_lower, 2),
+                        polarTheta_upper_boundary=np.around(polar_theta_upper, 2),
+                        polarTheta_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '005.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '005_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            BASENAME_003=self.stepnames[3],
+                            BASENAME_004=self.stepnames[4],
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '005_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate006(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the polar phi angle of
+           the ligand relative to the protein
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][006][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[6]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # generate the MDP file
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '006_colvars')
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '006.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '006_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='006_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # check if the ligand and protein is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # measure the current polar theta angles
+        ligand_center = measure_center(self.ligand.positions)
+        ligand_center = convert(ligand_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        # ligand_center_str = f'({ligand_center[0]}, {ligand_center[1]}, {ligand_center[2]})'
+        polar_theta, polar_phi = mearsurePolarAngles(protein_center, ligand_center)
+        polar_phi_center = np.around(polar_phi, 1)
+        self.logger.info(f'Measured polar angles: theta = {polar_theta:12.5f} ; phi = {polar_phi:12.5f}')
+        polar_phi_width = 1
+        polar_phi_lower = polar_phi_center - polar_phi_width * np.ceil(10 / polar_phi_width)
+        polar_phi_upper = polar_phi_center + polar_phi_width * np.ceil(10 / polar_phi_width)
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '006.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        polarPhi_width=polar_phi_width,
+                        polarPhi_lower_boundary=np.around(polar_phi_lower, 2),
+                        polarPhi_upper_boundary=np.around(polar_phi_upper, 2),
+                        polarPhi_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '006.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '006_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            BASENAME_003=self.stepnames[3],
+                            BASENAME_004=self.stepnames[4],
+                            BASENAME_005=self.stepnames[5],
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '006_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/000_eq/output/000_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate007(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the distance between the
+           the ligand and the protein
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][007][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[7]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        # check if the topologies have other itp files included
+        topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings = scanGromacsTopologyInclude(self.topologyFile)
+        for includeFile, includeString in zip(topologyIncludeFiles, topologyIncludeStrings):
+            # handle something like "#include "toppar/xxx.itp""
+            # in this case we need to create the directory named "toppar" in the base directory
+            dest_dirname = posixpath.dirname(includeString)
+            if dest_dirname:
+                # if dest_dirname is not empty
+                if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, generate_basename, dest_dirname)):
+                    # if the destination directory does not exist
+                    os.makedirs(posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, generate_basename, dest_dirname))
+            shutil.copy(includeFile, posixpath.join(self.baseDirectory, generate_basename, dest_dirname))
+        # Colvars filenames
+        colvars_inputfile_basename_eq = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007_eq_colvars')
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007_colvars')
+        # generate the MDP file for minimization (Colvars is actually disabled in the MDP template)
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007_min.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007_Minimize'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=5000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='007_eq_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # equilibration
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007_Equilibration'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=5000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='007_eq_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # free-energy calculation
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007_PMF'),
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=80000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='007_colvars.dat',
+                    logger=self.logger)
+        # check if the ligand, protein and solvent is selected
+        if not hasattr(self, 'ligand'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the ligand have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'protein'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the protein have not been selected.')
+        if not hasattr(self, 'solvent'):
+            raise RuntimeError('The atoms of the solvent have not been selected.')
+        # measure the COM of the protein
+        protein_center = measure_center(self.protein.positions)
+        # convert angstrom to nanometer and format the string
+        protein_center = convert(protein_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        protein_center_str = f'({protein_center[0]}, {protein_center[1]}, {protein_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the protein: ' + protein_center_str + '.')
+        # generate the index file
+        self.generateGromacsIndex(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars.ndx'))
+        # measure the current COM distance from the ligand to protein
+        ligand_center = measure_center(self.ligand.positions)
+        ligand_center = convert(ligand_center, "angstrom", "nm")
+        ligand_center_str = f'({ligand_center[0]}, {ligand_center[1]}, {ligand_center[2]})'
+        self.logger.info('COM of the ligand: ' + ligand_center_str + '.')
+        r_center = np.sqrt(np.dot(ligand_center - protein_center, ligand_center - protein_center))
+        # round r_center
+        r_center = np.around(r_center, 2)
+        self.logger.info('Distance of protein and ligand: ' + str(r_center) + ' nm.')
+        r_width = 0.01
+        # r_lower_boundary = r_center - r_lower_shift
+        # r_lower_shift is default to 0.2 nm
+        r_lower_shift = 0.2
+        r_lower_boundary = r_center - r_lower_shift
+        if r_lower_boundary < 0:
+            r_lower_boundary = 0.0
+        # r_upper_boundary = r_center + r_upper_shift
+        # r_upper_shift is default to 2.1 nm
+        # also we will need r_upper_shift to enlarge the solvent box
+        r_upper_shift = 2.1
+        r_upper_boundary = r_center + r_upper_shift
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        # colvars file for equilibration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007_eq.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename_eq,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # colvars file for free-energy calculation
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        logger=self.logger,
+                        r_width=r_width,
+                        r_lower_boundary=r_lower_boundary,
+                        r_upper_boundary=r_upper_boundary,
+                        r_wall_constant=0.5*4.184,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand',
+                        protein_selection='BFEE_Protein',
+                        protein_center=protein_center_str)
+        # generate the reference file
+        self.system.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference.xyz'))
+        # write the solvent molecules
+        self.solvent.write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'solvent.gro'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file
+        # further enlarge the water box by 10% since the size of box may be compressed under NPT
+        new_box_x = np.around(convert(self.system.dimensions[0], 'angstrom', 'nm'), 2) + r_upper_shift * 1.1
+        new_box_y = np.around(convert(self.system.dimensions[1], 'angstrom', 'nm'), 2) + r_upper_shift * 1.1
+        new_box_z = np.around(convert(self.system.dimensions[2], 'angstrom', 'nm'), 2) + r_upper_shift * 1.1
+        # generate shell script for equlibration
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007_eq.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007.1_generate_eq_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            BASENAME_003=self.stepnames[3],
+                            BASENAME_004=self.stepnames[4],
+                            BASENAME_005=self.stepnames[5],
+                            BASENAME_006=self.stepnames[6],
+                            BOX_MODIFIED_GRO_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                         'box_modified.gro')),
+                                                                        os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            MODIFIED_TOP_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                     'solvated.top')),
+                                                                    os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            MODIFIED_GRO_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                     'solvated.gro')),
+                                                                    os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            NEW_BOX_X_TEMPLATE=f'{new_box_x:.5f}',
+                            NEW_BOX_Y_TEMPLATE=f'{new_box_y:.5f}',
+                            NEW_BOX_Z_TEMPLATE=f'{new_box_z:.5f}',
+                            MIN_MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                     '007_Minimize.mdp')),
+                                                                    os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '007_Equilibration.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.structureFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.topologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename_eq + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # generate shell script for free-energy calculation
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '007.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '007.2_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            BASENAME_002=self.stepnames[2],
+                            BASENAME_003=self.stepnames[3],
+                            BASENAME_004=self.stepnames[4],
+                            BASENAME_005=self.stepnames[5],
+                            BASENAME_006=self.stepnames[6],
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '007_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/007_r/output/007_r_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/007_r/solvated.top'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        # also copy the awk script to modify the colvars configuration according to the PMF minima in previous stages
+        with pkg_resources.path(templates_gromacs, 'find_min_max.awk') as p:
+            shutil.copyfile(p, posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'find_min_max.awk'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+    def generate008(self):
+        """generate files for determining the PMF along the RMSD of the ligand
+           with respect to its unbound state
+        """
+
+        self.handler.setFormatter(logging.Formatter('%(asctime)s [BFEEGromacs][008][%(levelname)s]:%(message)s'))
+        generate_basename = self.basenames[8]
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+        self.logger.info(f'Generating simulation files for {generate_basename}...')
+        if not posixpath.exists(generate_basename):
+            self.logger.info(f'Making directory {os.path.abspath(generate_basename)}...')
+            os.makedirs(generate_basename)
+        colvars_inputfile_basename_eq = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008_eq_colvars')
+        colvars_inputfile_basename = posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008_colvars')
+        # generate the MDP file for equlibration
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008_Equilibration'),
+                    logger=self.logger,
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=1000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='008_eq_colvars.dat')
+        # generate the MDP file
+        generateMDP(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008.mdp.template'),
+                    posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008_PMF'),
+                    logger=self.logger,
+                    timeStep=0.002,
+                    numSteps=4000000,
+                    temperature=self.temperature,
+                    pressure=1.01325,
+                    colvarsFile='008_colvars.dat')
+        # generate the index file
+        if hasattr(self, 'ligandOnly'):
+            self.ligandOnly.write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'colvars_ligand_only.ndx'), name='BFEE_Ligand_Only')
+        # colvars file for equilibration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008_eq.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename_eq,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand_Only',
+                        logger=self.logger)
+        # generate the colvars configuration
+        generateColvars(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008.colvars.template'),
+                        colvars_inputfile_basename,
+                        rmsd_bin_width=0.005,
+                        rmsd_lower_boundary=0.0,
+                        rmsd_upper_boundary=0.5,
+                        rmsd_wall_constant=0.8368,
+                        ligand_selection='BFEE_Ligand_Only',
+                        logger=self.logger)
+        # generate the reference file for ligand only
+        # extract the positions from the host-guest binding system
+        ligand_position_in_system = self.ligand.positions
+        # modify positions in the ligand-only system
+        self.ligandOnly.positions = ligand_position_in_system
+        # write out the whole ligand-only system as reference
+        self.ligandOnlySystem.select_atoms('all').write(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'reference_ligand_only.xyz'))
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file for equilibration
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008_eq.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008.1_generate_eq_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '008_Equilibration.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.ligandOnlyStructureFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),)
+        # generate the shell script for making the tpr file for free-energy calculation
+        generateShellScript(pkg_resources.read_text(templates_gromacs, '008.generate_tpr_sh.template'),
+                            posixpath.join(generate_basename, '008.2_generate_tpr'),
+                            logger=self.logger,
+                            MDP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(posixpath.join(generate_basename,
+                                                                                                 '008_PMF.mdp')),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            GRO_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(f'{self.baseDirectory}/008_RMSD_unbound/output/008_RMSD_unbound_eq.out.gro'),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            TOP_FILE_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(self.ligandOnlyTopologyFile),
+                                                                os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'),
+                            COLVARS_INPUT_TEMPLATE=os.path.relpath(os.path.abspath(colvars_inputfile_basename + '.dat'),
+                                                                     os.path.abspath(generate_basename)).replace('\\', '/'))
+        if not posixpath.exists(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output')):
+            os.makedirs(posixpath.join(generate_basename, 'output'))
+        self.logger.info(f"Generation of {generate_basename} done.")
+        self.logger.info('=' * 80)
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    bfee = BFEEGromacs('p41-abl.pdb', 'p41-abl.top', 'ligand-only.pdb', 'ligand-only.top', 'p41-abl-test/abc/def')
+    bfee.setProteinHeavyAtomsGroup('segid SH3D and not (name H*)')
+    bfee.setLigandHeavyAtomsGroup('segid PPRO and not (name H*)')
+    bfee.setSolventAtomsGroup('resname TIP3*')
+    bfee.setTemperature(350.0)
+    bfee.generate000()
+    bfee.generate001()
+    bfee.generate002()
+    bfee.generate003()
+    bfee.generate004()
+    bfee.generate005()
+    bfee.generate006()
+    bfee.generate007()
+    bfee.generate008()