For a ModelCIF file using the `_ma_entry_associated_files` category, the validation tool tries to merge associated data into the ModelCIF file, if `_ma_entry_associated_files.file_format` is `cif`. That way the outsourced data is validated, too.
Command line argument `--associates-dir` (`-a`) is used to declare the base directory associated files are stored in. Inside the directory, the path must follow what is defined in `_ma_entry_associated_files.file_url`. If the URL is just the file name, the file must be stored right in the associates directory. The following example works for `_ma_entry_associated_files.file_url model_pae.cif`
If the URL points to a subdirectory, that must be reflected by the associates directory declared to the validation tool. The following example illustrates that the `extra` directory needs a `pae` directory storing the associated file as expected by `_ma_entry_associated_files.file_url`:
