Thursday, November 29, 2018

THE NEW BORACAY

Everyone knows that Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the most pristine beaches in the world. The crystal clear blue waters, the white sand shores, and the rich tropical beach ambience that fills the salty air are the main attraction of this popular Filipino tourist spot. It became “the place to be” in terms of nightlife, beach parties, and summer escapades. Local and foreign tourists flock the island all year round. Establishments and businesses flourished here and there. It has been that way for many years until it became too crowded and too dirty for Mother Nature. That’s why last April 2018, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered for an island-wide closure to the public and give way for a massive rehabilitation for six months.
What To Do In The New Boracay Now That the Island Is Open Again


If you're like us who have been waiting for October to arrive so we can finally grace the white sand shores of Boracay again, know that the long wait is over. Boracay is set to have its soft opening on October 26, 2018! 



After six months of rehabilitation, the country's renowned beach paradise will once again welcome local and foreign tourists, as per the Department of Tourism (DOT). However, you can expect that there will be some changes on how things will go. 

Pushing for sustainable tourism in Boracay, the DOT mentioned a few of its plans for the unveiling of Boracay in some reports and interviews. Here are a few things you can expect when you revisit Boracay: 


1. Only 6,405 tourists can enter Boracay per day 

In the past, there is no limit to the number of tourists arriving in Boracay. According to DILG, the population of the island has been swelling to 100,000 people during peak season. This time, the government plans to limit the number of arriving tourists to only 6,405 per day starting October 26. At this rate, the island will only have a maximum of 19,000 visitors. Since there will be less people on the island, you can expect the serene tropical atmosphere of Boracay to be more noticeable regardless of the season. 


2. Bye bye Laboracay 

Boracay's image of being a "party island" is no longer the case as the DOT plans to prohibit huge festivities. This means there are no more big events and parties like Laboracay that can be held in the island. If you wish to enjoy the nightlife, it appears that this is still possible in some of the bars and clubs around (though a curfew is being considered). If you’ve always wanted to spend a holiday like Labor Day in Boracay but shied away from it because of the throngs of party animals, here’s your chance to have a more peaceful vacation. 


3. An even more relaxing White Beach 

Since the incredible White Beach is undeniably Boracay’s crowning feature, the government will be implementing several changes to preserve its quality. Souvenir shops, food stalls, massage beds, and even beach umbrellas will be strictly prohibited along the beachfront. Smoking, drinking, and even fire dancing are also no longer allowed. This means that you can go barefoot when walking along the beach without worrying about stepping on debris like cigarette butts, broken glass, or any sharp object. 


4. Bring your own bottle 

In addition to beefing up the no-littering ordinance, the local government of Boracay also wants to ban single-use plastics on the island such as straws, spoons and forks, sando bags, food packages, and more. Hotels, resorts, and restaurants are encouraged to make use of environmentally-friendly materials and in addition, tourists are expected to bring reusable materials such as metal straws, utensils, and eco bags. If you will bring your own toiletries like shampoo and conditioner, it is better to store them in reusable plastic bottles than using individual sachets. 


5. Limited number of hotel rooms will be available 

Another measure that the government will be undertaking to curb tourist population on Boracay is by offering a limited number of rooms for guests. Only the hotels and resorts who are able to obtain permits and clearances will be allowed to operate come opening day. The DOT pegged the number of available rooms to 5,000 for the initial run but over time, more rooms will be opened. 

Boracay Side Trips


Even water sports and beach activities like island hopping, helmet diving, and the like will either be limited or banned for the time being in Boracay when it opens on October 26. If you feel like going for more after your trip to the island, why not have side trips to nearby underrated destinations? Here are some of the places you can discover along the way: 


Carabao Island, Romblon 


Many say that it resembles the Boracay of old. Just over an hour away by boat, this stunning island is home to white sand beaches, a magnificent underwater world perfect for diving and snorkeling, and caves for spelunking. It offers travelers with a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure. 


Buruanga 

Photo by Ree Dexter via Flickr Creative Commons

Adjacent to the town of Malay where Boracay is located is Buruanga town, which is also a haven full of several white sand beaches including Hinugtan Beach and Talisay Beach if you want to veer away from the crowd. Featuring crystal clear waters, these beaches are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 


Antique 


Antique may just be one of the most underrated provinces in the country. It offers many unique experiences for travelers, ike taking a dip in the cool waters of Malumpati Cold Spring in Panda outn, trying the famed Kawa Bath in Tibiao, aeexploring the hills and beaches Malalison Island in Culasi. From Boracay, it's about a two to three-hour journey.

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Spectrum analyzer tracking generator

A tracking generator provides spectrum analyzers with additional measurement capability beyond that of the basic spectrum analyser.
The tracking generator enables some basic network measurements to be made, therby providing additional capability beyond basic spectrum analysis.
In view of this a tracking generator considerably extends the applications for which a spectrum analyzer can be used, making them more flexible and versatile.

Tracking generator basics

Normally spectrum analyzers are what may be termed passive instruments, making measurements of signals applied to them. Typically they may be used for measuring the spectra of oscillators, transmitters or other signals in RF systems. They measure signals in the frequency domain rather than the time, and this makes them ideal for looking at many RF signals.
In their basic form, analyzers are not able to make response or network measurements. These types of measurements require signals to be applied to a particular device or network under test, and then measuring the response or output.
In order to make a network measurement like this, it is necessary to have a source to stimulate the device under test, and then a receiver is needed to measure the response. In this way it is possible to make a variety of network measurements including frequency response, conversion loss, return loss, and other measurements such as gain versus frequency, etc..
There are two items of test equipment that can be made to make these stimulus-response measurements. Possibly the most obvious type of test equipment is an RF network analyzer and the other is a spectrum analyzer with a tracking generator. If phase information is required, then it is necessary to use a vector network analyzer, but it possible to use a spectrum analyzer tracking generator arrangement for many other measurements. As many laboratories will already use a spectrum analyzer, the tracking generator approach is particularly attractive. In addition to this, tracking generators are incorporated into many spectrum analyzers as standard. This means that it is possible to use these test instruments to make many network measurements at no additional cost.

What is a tracking generator?

A spectrum analyzer tracking generator operates by providing a sinusoidal output to the input of the spectrum analyzer. The by linking the sweep of the tracking generator to the spectrum analyzer, the output of the tracking generator is on the same frequency as the spectrum analyzer, and the two units track the same frequency.
Block diagram for the tracking generator for a superheterodyne swept spectrum analyzer
Spectrum Analyser and Tracking Generator Diagram
If the output of the tracking generator was connected directly to the input of the spectrum analyzer, a single flat line would be seen with the level reflecting the output level of the tracking generator.
If a device under test, such as a filter is placed between the output of the tracking generator and the input of the spectrum analyzer, then the response of the device under test will alter the level of the tracking generator signal seen by the spectrum analyzer, and the level indicated on the analyzer screen. In this way the response of the device under test will be seen on the analyzer screen.

Using a tracking generator

Using tracking generators is normally very easy. As a tracking generator is either built into the spectrum analyzer, or is manufactured as an external option for a test instrument, then there are few issues with their use. However there are a few standard precautions to remember when using one:
  • Adjust tracking generator to centre of analyse passband:   There is often an adjustment for the tracking oscillator to trim its frequency. Before using the tracking generator, it is wise to adjust the frequency trim adjustment to ensure that it is on exactly the same frequency as the spectrum analyzer. This is achieved by maximising the reading on the spectrum analyzer display.
  • Calibrate system using direct connection:   To ensure that any cable losses are known, it is always wise to replace the device under test with a back-to-back connector, or other short connecting line. In this way, the system will reveal any losses which it may be possible to "calibrate out".
When using a spectrum analyzer tracking generator it is possible to make many measurements very easily. A few precautions, when making the measurements will enable inaccuracies to be counteracted, and reliable measurements made.

Spectrum analyzers are an invaluable item of electronic test equipment used in the design, test and maintenance of radio frequency circuitry and equipment.
Spectrum analysers, like oscilloscopes are a basic tool used for observing signals. However, where oscilloscopes look at signals in the time domain, spectrum analyzers look at signals in the frequency domain. Thus a spectrum analyser will display the amplitude of signals on the vertical scale, and the frequency of the signals on the horizontal scale.
In view of the way in which a spectrum analyzer displays its output, it is widely used for looking at the spectrum being generated by a source. In this way the levels of spurious signals including harmonics, intermodulation products, noise and other signals can be monitored to discover whether they conform to their required levels.


Additionally using spectrum analysers it is possible to make measurements of the bandwidth of modulated signals can be checked to discover whether they fall within the required mask. Another way of using a spectrum analyzer is in checking and testing the response of filters and networks. By using a tracking generator - a signal generator that tracks the instantaneous frequency being monitored by the spectrum analyser, it is possible to see the loss at any given frequency. In this way the spectrum analyser makes a plot of the frequency response of the network.

Spectrum analyser display

A key element of using a spectrum analyser is in understand in the display.
The purpose of a spectrum analyzer is to provide a plot or trace of signal amplitude against frequency. The display has a graticule which typically has ten major horizontal and ten major vertical divisions.
Images showing a spectrum analyzer being used
The horizontal axis of the analyzer is linearly calibrated in frequency with the higher frequency being at the right hand side of the display.
The vertical axis is calibrated in amplitude. Although there is normally the possibility of selecting a linear or logarithmic scale, for most applications a logarithmic scale is chosen. This is because it enables signals over a much wider range to be seen on the spectrum analyser. Typically a value of 10 dB per division is used. This scale is normally calibrated in dBm (decibels relative 1 milliwatt) and therefore it is possible to see absolute power levels as well as comparing the difference in level between two signals. Similarly when using a linear scale is used, this is often calibrated in volts to enable absolute measurements to be made using the spectrum analyzer.
An image of a spectrum analyser display when it is being used to display a signal spectrum
Typical spectrum analyser display

Setting the spectrum analyzer frequency

When using a spectrum analyser, one of the first settings is that of the frequency.
Dependent upon the spectrum analyser in use, there are various ways in which this can be done:
  1. Using centre frequency:   Using this method, there are two selections that can be made. These are independent of each other. The first selection is the centre frequency. As the name suggests, this sets the frequency of the centre of the scale to the chosen value. It is normally where the signal to be monitored would be located. In this way the main signal and the regions either side can be monitored. The second selection that can be made on the analyzer is the span, or the extent of the region either side of the centre frequency that is to be viewed or monitored. The span may be give as a given frequency per division, or the total span that is seen on the calibrated part of the screen, i.e. within the maximum extents of the calibrations on the display.

  2. Using upper and lower frequencies:   Another option that is available on most spectrum analysers is to set the start and stop frequencies of the scan. This is another way of expressing the span as the difference between the start and stop frequencies is equal to the span

Adjusting the gain

In order to maintain the correct signal levels when using a spectrum analyser, there are two main gain controls available. Their use needs to be balanced to ensure the optimum performance is obtained.
  • RF Attenuator:   as the name implies this control provides RF attenuation in the RF section. It is actually placed before the RF mixer and serves to control the signal level entering the mixer.
  • IF Gain:   The IF Gain control controls the level of the gain within the IF stages of the spectrum analyser after the mixer. It enables the level of gain to be controlled to allow the signal to be positioned correctly on the vertical scale on the display.
The two level controls must be used together. If the signal level at the mixer is too high, then this stage and further stages can become overloaded. However if the attenuation is set too high and additional IF gain is required, then noise at the input is amplified more and noise levels on the display become higher. If these background noise levels are increased too much, they can mask out lower level signals that may need to be seen. Thus a careful choice of the relevant gain levels within the spectrum analyzer is needed to obtain the optimum performance

Filter bandwidths

Other controls on the spectrum analyzer determine the bandwidth of the unit. There are two main controls that are used:
  • IF bandwidth:   The IF filter, sometimes labelled as the resolution bandwidth adjusts the resolution of the spectrum analyzer in terms of the frequency. Using a narrow resolution bandwidth is the same as using a narrow filter on a radio receiver. Choosing a narrow filter bandwidth or resolution on the spectrum analyzer will enable signals to be seen that are close together. It will also reduce the noise level and enable smaller signals to be seen.
  • Video bandwidth:   The video filters enable a form of averaging to be applied to the signal. This has the effect of reducing the variations caused by noise and this can help average the signal and thereby reveal signals that may not otherwise be seen.
Adjustment of the IF or resolution bandwidth and the video filter bandwidths on the spectrum analyzer has an effect on the rate at which the analyzer is able to scan. The controls should be adjusted together to provide a scan that is as accurate as possible as detailed below.

Scan rate

The spectrum analyser operates by scanning the required frequency span from the low to the high end of the required range. The speed at which it does this is important. The slower the scan, obviously the longer it takes for the measurements to be made. As a result, there is always the need to ensure that the scans are made as fast as reasonably possible.
However the rate of scan of the spectrum analyzer is limited by a number of factors:
  • IF filter bandwidth:   The IF bandwidth or resolution bandwidth has an effect on the rate at which the analyzer can scan. The narrower the bandwidth, the slower the filter will respond to any changes, and accordingly the slower the spectrum analyzer must scan to ensure all the required signals are seen.
  • Video filter bandwidth:   Similarly the video filter which is used for averaging the signal as explained above. Again the narrower the filter, the slower it will respond and the slower the scan must be.
  • Scan bandwidth:   The bandwidth to be scanned has a directly proportional effect on the scan time. If the filters within the spectrum analyzer determine the maximum scan rate in terms of Hertz per second, it follows that the wider the bandwidth to be scanned, the longer the actual scan will take.
Normally the processor in the spectrum analyzer will warn if the scan rate is too high for the filter settings. This is particularly useful as it enables the scan rate to be checked without undertaking any calculations.
Also if the scan appears to be particularly long, an initial wide scan can be undertaken, and this can be followed by narrower scans on identified problem areas.

Hints and tips

There are several hints and tips for using a spectrum analyser to its best effect.
  • Beware input level:   IIn order to ensure the optimum performance of the system, the input is normally connected to the primary mixer with only the input attenuator control, often labelled RF level, between them. Accordingly RF can be applied directly to the mixer with no protection. It is therefore very important to ensure that the input is not overloaded and damaged. One major and expensive cause of damage on spectrum analysers is the input mixer being blown when the analyser is measuring high power circuits.
  • Determine if spurs are real:   One aspect of using a spectrum analyser that will often be encountered is the spurious signals are often viewed. Sometimes these may be generated by the item under test, but it is also possible that they can be generated by the analyser. To check if they are generated by the item under test, reduce the input sensitivity of the analyser by 10dB for example. If the spurious signals fall by 10dB then they are generated by the unit under test, if they fall by more than 10dB then they are generated by the analyser and possibly as a result of overloading the input.
  • Wait for self alignment:   When a spectrum analyser is first switched on, not only does it go through its software boot-up procedure, but most also undertake a number of self-test and calibration routines. In addition to this, elements such as the reference oven controlled crystal oscillator oven need come up to temperature and stabilise. Often manufacturers suggest that fifteen to thirty minutes before it can be used reliably. The crystal oscillator may take a little longer to completely stabilise, but refer to the manufacturers handbook for full details.
  • Power measurement:   While the accuracy of a spectrum analyser making power measurements is not as accurate as power meter in terms of absolute accuracy. However it should be remembered that both test instruments make slightly different power measurements. A power meter will make a measurement of the total power within the bandwidth of the sensor head - essentially it will measure the power regardless of the frequency. A spectrum analyser will make a measurement of the power level at a specific frequency. In other words it can make a measurement of the carrier power level, for example, without the addition of any spurious signals, noise, etc. While the absolute accuracy of a spectrum analyser is not quite as good as that of a power meter, they are improving all the time and the difference in accuracy is generally small.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Oxidation technologies for destruction of volatile organic compounds

Ever tightening EU regulations and standards for the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions, are putting heavy demands on industry sectors, including chemicals.
Coupled with the drive to reduce energy consumption, any air pollution control system must offer high performance in VOC destruction and energy efficiency.
Oxidation is an effective technology for the destruction of VOCs. Essential combustion with minimal energy consumption can be achieved through use of the three Ts of oxidation: time, turbulence and temperature, together with the correct design systems and sufficient quantities of oxygen.
Technologies capable of achieving these objectives include; direct-fired, recuperative, regenerative and catalytic oxidisers along with combination concentrator/oxidiser systems for the most dilute streams.
The flow and concentration variability of the different types of process emissions further complicates the selection of abatement technology and necessitates a thorough understanding and evaluation of all possible controls.

Optimising power plant efficiency by measuring silica

Among many contaminants in the steam/water circuit, silica plays an important role in process monitoring, mainly because it is highly soluble in steam and extremely difficult to remove from steam/water. It is a contaminant that appears in many potential external and internal entry points.
External contamination could arise from: raw water ingress (demine plant) or drain line mix-up (wearing of seal or incorrect installation); use of silicon based lubricants and oils (result from leaky seals in the water system or turbine oil leaks or by silicon-based coatings on tubes used in replacement activity); feed water system (eg, un-reacted silicon) or chemical dosing of reagent problems (eg, caustic addition after resin bed regeneration).
Internal contamination is caused by: the condenser dust (a build-up of paint, quartz and grease; overhaul materials such as gasket materials, silicone sealants and kitty litter are potential sources of the condenser dust); oil spill absorbent materials (kitty litter, diatomaceous earth); in case of required replacement an open boiler tube could cause fly ash contamination or refractory material; blasting material (need to clean the LP turbine of scale from the process); accidental misplacement of materials (caused by work practices and poor housekeeping).
Altered steam velocities
If silica is not removed from the boiler feed water, it will concentrate itself on the drum and is carried over in steam to form adherent deposits in the steam passage way distorting the original shape of turbine nozzles and blades. This alters steam velocities and the pressure drops reducing the capacity and efficiency of the turbine.
Severe conditions can cause excessive rotor thrust while uneven deposition can unbalance the turbine rotor causing vibration problems. Turbine deposits can accumulate in a very short time when steam purity is poor and can only be removed by external service cleaning and blasting aluminium oxide on the surface.
Experience has enabled the power industry to specify allowable concentrations of SiO2 in steam to avoid turbine damage.
For a 180 bar operating pressure, in order to get a maximum of 5 ppb of SiO2 in the steam, the boiler water should not contain more than 100ppb of SiO2 if ideal boiler conditions are met.
Any minor deviation of silica concentration on a power plant can have serious and expensive consequences in relation to performance, reliability, efficiency and safety, it is logical that this parameter should be monitored closely.
Silica concentration can be measured at the following process steps (which may vary from one plant to another depending on plant architecture and management methods):
- Boiler blow down (drum boilers only).
- Economiser outlet.
- Steam.
- Make-up water.
- Condensate polishing.
- Demineralisation plant.
Increase in steam production
Today, power plant processes have changed and steam usage has increased. The steam cycle is now more complex, it has to go through a higher number of application steps, such as heat transfer, cleaning and pressurising vessels to finally maintaining steam purity to recover heat in the main steam/water cycle.
The production of huge quantities of steam in the energy conversion process is also universal. For example, a typical fossil-fuel power station converts around 650tons of water into steam per hour, in each of four 160MW boilers.
This represents around two million tons of water usage per month. With such a large output of water in the steam process, the chemical quality of the water is critical.
A beneficial practice that should be considered when measuring silica in power plants is during the performance of anion exchangers and mixed-beds. Both the resin efficiency and exhaustion (break-through) can be monitored with high sensitivity and reliability here.
This practice allows operators to:
- Follow-up on the demineralisation process performance
- Make better use of resin capacity.
- And optimises regeneration cycles.
So, measuring silica in steam/water processes today is 'a must' for sustaining and increasing power plant process efficiency.
Paying attention to the so-called utility plant can also yield attractive returns. Improving water treatment programmes by preventing the formation of insulating boiler scale, namely silica, could save a typical power plant facility 10-12 per cent in steam-realted costs.
Measuring silica easily
Hach Lange, a supplier and producer of water analysis technology, recently launched the POLYMETRON 9210 Silica analyser. This analyser provides operators' the right means to measure silica in power plants.
It detects early stages of resin saturation due to its low 0.5 ppb detection limit which in turn reduces resin generation costs. The analyser's built-in sequencer (1 to 6 channels) optimises plant investments and favours the implementation of resin monitoring 'best practices'.
The innovative 'zero method' operation determines potential Silica deposits on turbine segments; it is performed automatically without the need of calibration solutions or resin cartridges - eliminating any potential human error. The unique grab sample feature ensures on the spot checking with reliable calibrations.
To maintain measurement accuracy an air bubble elimination in the photometric cell has been integrated and for smaller power stations that are not constantly running, to return on-line with the sample after interruptions is also an option now.
In order to reduce operating and maintenance costs to a minimum, this analyser has been designed to allow reagents to be made locally and only needs replenishment every 55 days (10 minutes cycle) or 84 days (15 minutes cycle).
Today, Hach Lange has 3500 POLYMETRON Silica analysers installed. Power plant operators are interested in analysers that can measure silica and run by themselves, having them be reliable and optimise plant process performance.
Operator feedback
The POLYMTERON 9210 Silica analyser meets all these criteria. Direct operator feedback confirms that many users appreciate the following advantages this analyser has to offer: zero method, using less reagents; built-in sequencer of one to six channels which optimises plant investments; unique grab sample feature allowing on the spot checking; easy to navigate menu structure; measurements are accurate and reliable.
The POLYMTERON 9210 can now easily be integrated into a nuclear or fossil power plant and will measure silica accurately, reduce demineralisation water plant costs and optimise overall plant process efficiency.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

3130 Genetic Analyzer


Description

The Applied Biosystems® 3130 Genetic Analyzer is the latest generation of 4-capillary electrophoresis instruments for the low to medium throughput laboratories. The system offers industry-leading performance, plus sophisticated automation capabilities allowing you to save time, reduce costs and increase productivity.

With the Applied Biosystems® 3130 Genetic Analyzer, you get the sophisticated automation and superior performance of the 3130 system, at acquisition and operating costs tailored to a growing research lab.
• Run a wide variety of sequencing and fragment analysis applications including microsatellite analysis, AFLP, LOH, SNP validation, and SNP screening.
• Reduce maintenance time by eliminating manual syringe washing and filling with automated polymer delivery.
• Increase your data quality for sequencing and fragment analysis applications – longer read length, and higher resolution with shorter run times.
• Increase laboratory productivity and turn around time by processing 96- or 384-well plates with a four-capillary array.

Perform a Wide Range of Applications
The Applied Biosystems 3130 Genetic Analyzer is more than just a DNA sequencer. You can run a wide variety of sequencing and fragment analysis applications including microsatellite analysis, AFLP, LOH, SNP validation, and SNP screening – as well as de novo sequencing and resequencing (mutational profiling). The full range of applications can be run on a single polymer and capillary array meaning you can run mixed applications on one plate. The software even includes tools to assist with regulatory and compliance requirements (In the United States, this assists with FDA 21CFR part 11).

Easy to Use
Reduce maintenance time by eliminating manual syringe washing and filling with the new automated polymer delivery system. No more handling of polymer syringes for set up and maintenance. Samples are automatically injected into the four-capillary arrays, and – unlike slab-gel systems – only minimal amounts of DNA are required for accurate analysis. Seamlessly switch between sequencing and fragment analysis runs, even in the same plate with the expanded one-polymer, one-array functionality for both sequencing and fragment analysis applications.

Superior Data Quality
Simply set up your sample and then sit back and watch as the analyzer's ultra-rapid sequencing gives you high-quality data (with Length of Read longer than 500 bp) in less than 35 minutes. Achieve accurate read lengths of 1,000 base pairs (bp) or longer in a single sequencing reaction using the 80 cm capillary array and the 3130 POP-7™ polymer.

Ideal for Growing Labs
The flexible, four-capillary 3130 system gives you all the advanced automation and superior performance of Applied Biosystems 3130xl platform, at acquisition and operating costs tailored to a growing research lab. And as your throughput needs increase, you can easily upgrade the system to 16 capillaries. It is the perfect way to get the capacity and savings you need today – without limiting your growth options. Researchers who own an ABI PRISM® 3100-Avant or 3100 Genetic Analyzer can upgrade to the new Applied Biosystems® 3130 or 3130xl Genetic Analyzer.

3130 and 3130xl instruments are CE marked and compliant with the specifications and requirements as set in the EMC directive 89⁄336⁄EEC and the Low Voltage directive 73⁄23⁄EEC.

pecifications

General Specifications

Number of Capillaries:
4 Capillaries 
Throughput:
5,760 genotypes/24hr (5-dye DNA sizing), 
4,320 genotypes/24hr (4-dye DNA Sizing), 
30,400 bases/24hr (Long Read Sequencing), 
82,000 bases/24hr (Ultra Rapid Sequencing) 
Performance:
98.5% basecalling accuracy 
Read Length:
Up to 950bp 
Capillary Length:
36cm, 
22cm, 
80cm, 
50 cm 
Compatible Polymers:
POP-7, 
POP-4, 
POP-6 
Polymer Consumption:
Up to 960 samples per 7000µl Bottle 
Platform:
3130 Genetic Analyzer 
Format:
96-well plate, 
384-well plate 
Dimensions:
Width (open): 149cm, 
Height: 81cm, 
Depth: 55cm 
Weight:
130 kg 
Product Size:
1 instrument 
Sample Volume:
> 10µl 
Operating System:
Windows XP Pro 
Current Limit:
15 A 
Plan Duration:
1 Year Warranty 
Voltage Limit:
200-220V or 230-240V 
Analysis Software:
SeqScape® Software, 
Sequencing Analysis Software, 
GeneMapper® Software v4.0, 
Sequence Scanner Software 
Compatible Products:
dRhodamine Dye Terminator Kit, 
BigDye®Terminator Kits 
Regulatory Statement:
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures. 
Operating Environment:
Humidity: 20%-80%, 
Temperature: 15°C-30°C 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Miami Heat Eastern Champion

6-3-dwyane-wade-heat-pacers-game-7-gamer-2MIAMI — Dwyane Wade will pay no attention to any criticism of his game as the Miami Heat get ready to play the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals beginning Thursday.
That's because he ignored it going into Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals and had his best game of the series. It is a big reason the Heat are in their third consecutive Finals.
"Everything that happened in first six games didn't matter to us," Wade said. "It was all about Game 7."
In that Game 7, Wade had 21 points and nine rebounds, was active defensively and looked like his old self as the Heat destroyed the Indiana Pacers 99-76 in an anticlimactic conclusion to what had been a captivating and competitive series.
"We'll enjoy this," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said, "for a short period of time."

Miami knew what it would get from LeBron James, who finished with what is standard fare for him: 32 points, eight rebounds and four assists.
The question was, what would the Heat get from Wade and Chris Bosh, who had struggled offensively against the defensive-minded Pacers. Bosh didn't have a great scoring game (nine points) but he grabbed eight rebounds, his series high against a team that rendered him ineffective for a majority of the series.
Miami pressured the Pacers at both ends of the court and took control of the game with a 33-16 second quarter and led 52-37 at halftime. James and Wade combined for 16 points and nine rebounds in the third quarter as the Heat extended their lead to 76-55.
"They taught us a lesson," Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. "This team has been there before. They have been to the championship. They've won it all. And they know how to ratchet up their defense at a level that just imposes their will on a basketball game."
James set the tone, first with words to his teammates at shootaround Monday morning and then on the court. As usual, he looked to get others involved. James didn't take one of Miami's first 14 shots,
"The first play of the game I called a play for D-Wade," James said. "Even though he didn't shoot the ball, he got a good touch in the paint. Just to make him feel like he was a part of the offense, make him feel in a good rhythm. I called a couple of sets for him early in the game, just to get a feel for it. And it showed throughout the whole game that he was in the rhythm. He started to make lay-ups, he started to attack, he started to make his free throws. So it was big time."

James' first attempt came with 4:45 left in the first quarter. He then scored 18 points in the final 16 minutes, 18 seconds of the first half.
James attacked the basket and made 15-for-16 free throws and finished with another big Game 7. In four career Game 7s, James is averaging 33.8 points and 8.3 rebounds.
"This is what it's all about," James said. "I've dreamed about opportunities like this as a kid to have a Game 7, no matter at home or on the road. And that game allows you to advance to the Finals.I have had multiple dreams about it."

Pacers forward Paul George emerged as a player with superstar potential, but Miami held him to seven points on 2-for-9 shooting. George fouled out with 7:43 left in the game.
"The great thing is we're a young team and we are past the building stage," George said. "This is really our first year tasting success. The rate we are going, we see championships soon."
The Heat also neutralized the dominance that center Roy Hibbert exhibited at times throughout the series, although he still had 18 points and eight rebounds.
"By any means necessary ... we took care of business," James said. "We just focused on every possession, trying to get stops, play Miami Heat defense, create havoc. I thought we did that tonight."

The Pacers faced a huge task to start. They had to beat the Heat in two consecutive games, including the final game on the road, and the Heat haven't lost consecutive games since January. As confident as coach Frank Vogel was in his team, that's asking a lot.
"Everybody in this country knows who the Indiana Pacers are now," Vogel said. "And we represent all the right things: class, character, hard work, old-school basketball, playing the game the right way. We represented our franchise, our city and our state extremely, extremely well, and we have a lot to be proud of."
Vogel's biggest concern — turnovers — unfurled in the first half: 15 turnovers, including nine in the first quarter.
"We knew that 15 turnovers in a game was probably going to equal a loss tonight. So to do it in a half was dispiriting," Vogel said.

The Heat took advantage of turnovers and missed shots. Miami pushed the ball at every opportunity, beating the Pacers down the court for open shots. Guard Ray Allen, who entered the game shooting 29.2% on three-pointers in the series, made 3-for-4 in the first half.
Miami pressured the Pacers at both ends of the court and took control of the game with a 33-16 second quarter and led 52-37 at halftime. Vogel coached an outstanding series, but there was only so much he could do with the Heat charging.
James and Wade, still bothered by a bruised right knee, combined for 16 points and nine rebounds in the third quarter as the Heat extended their lead to 76-55.
"I'm going to play through pain because this is my job," Wade said. "My team depends on me. Like I said a couple of series ago, I would love to be one of the players who never has to deal with these conversations, never have to deal with these injuries. But that's not my path.
"I've been through so much away from the game and in the game that I'll find a way. I'll figure it out. Some way, some how, you give me enough time, I'll figure it out. That's what I was able to do tonight. That's what I'll hopefully do next season."
The Pacers proved themselves more than a worthy opponent for the Heat. But Miami knew what was stake. Indiana is just learning.
"They just had that killer instinct, that look in their eye that they weren't going to be denied," Vogel said. "Their ball movement was spectacular. That's what really led to a lot of the chain reactions of our defense and allowed enough driving lanes. But they were also relentless in crashing the glass at all positions. Not just their big guys, but they were all coming.
"Look, they just had greater experience and greater know-how, and they were able to reach a higher level than we were."