Finnigan™ ELEMENT2

Analyze • Detect • Measure • Control™

High PerformanceHigh Resolution ICP-MS

m a s s s p e c t r o m e t r y

An Instrument for every Application

A success story around the world with over 300 instrumentsinstalled, for example:

Finnigan™

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Finnigan™ ELEMENT2High Performance High Resolution ICP-MS

Belgium: OCAS.Research centre for the application of steelwith New Wave laser ablation system.

www.ocas.be

Sweden: Analytica AB.Scandinavia’s leading contract lab withEmma Engström.

www.analytica.se

Canada: Seastar Chemicals Inc.A manufacturer of high purity chemicalswith Dr. Brad McKelvey.

www.seastarchemicals.com

USA: Micron Technology Inc.Advanced semiconductor solutions withKevin Coyle.

www.micron.com

Germany: Institute for Transuranium Elements.Shown with a glovebox for radioactivesample measurements.

http://itu.jrc.cec.eu.int

USA: Desert Research Institute.Hydrologic Sciences Division withSteve Lambert.

www.dri.edu

• Multielement analysis across the periodic table coveringa mg/L to sub pg/L concentration range– Compatible with inorganic and organic solution

matrices and solids

• High mass resolution to access spectrally interfered isotopes– Produces unambiguous elemental spectra

• A multielemental detector for transient signals– For example, CE, HPLC, GC, FFF and laser ablation

• High precision isotope ratios– Independent of interferences or interfered isotopes

• Fully automated tuning and analysis– In conjunction with a comprehensive, customizable

quality control system

• Reliability and robustness to serve as a 24 / 7 productioncontrol tool– Highest sample throughput

• Highest flexibility and accessibility toserve as an advanced research tool

The unequivocal separation of analyte ionsfrom spectral interferences is a prerequisiteof accurate and precise analysis. High massresolution is the universal means for thisseparation.

Spectral interferences are the mainlimitation of ICP-MS. The argon plasma gas,water, acid and the sample matrix itself cancombine to introduce a wide range of poly-atomic ion species. The resultant interferingspecies may have the same nominal massas an analyte ion and thus return a falselyhigh value for the analyte. Numerousstrategies have been used in order to try tominimize or circumvent the formation ofthese spectral interferences. These includemathematical corrections, special sampleintroduction systems, special plasmaparameters and collision/dynamic reactioncells to neutralize part of the interferences.High resolution with a sector-field massspectrometer simply distinguishes theanalyte from interference by difference inmass.

The capability of high mass resolution isa feature unique to the Finnigan™ ELEMENT2.This ability can be used for quantification andisotope ratio analysis for nearly the wholeperiodic table, and in almost all matrices.

Even in a sample matrix as simple asultra pure water (UPW), interferencesdo exist especially at low analyteconcentration levels:

High Mass ResolutionFinnigan™

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27.95Mass [u]

27.94 27.96 27.97 27.98 27.99 28.00 28.01

28Si

12C16O

14N2

43.90Mass [u]

28Si16O

12C16O2

44Ca

43.92 43.94 43.96 43.98 44.00

Silicon in UPW, Medium Resolution

Phosphorus in UPW, Medium Resolution

Calcium in UPW, Medium Resolution

30.94 30.95 30.96 30.97 30.98 30.99 31.00 31.01Mass [u]

15N16O

14N16OH

30.94 30.95 30.96 30.97 30.98 30.99 31.00 31.01Mass [u]

31P

Zoom in

The more complex the sample matrix, thewider the range of interferences that willoccur. The main advantage of high massresolution as a technique to remove spectralinterferences is that it is not just limited to aparticular type of interference. With highmass resolution, iron at m/z 56 is easilyseparated in a simple matrix from 40Ar16O aswell as in more complex matrices from, forexample, 40Ca16O.

Arsenic at m/z 75 can be determined inHCl, separated from the 40Ar 35Cl interference,or, in a matrix containing Ca and chloride,from 40Ca35Cl.

Matrices such as mineral acids andorganic solvents, which form a plethora ofspectral interferences, can be easilyanalyzed using the high resolution mode.

High resolution results in simple clearspectra and does not create newinterferences.

Iron in Liquid Crystal Matrix, Cold Plasma, Medium Resolution

Zinc in H2SO4 (10 % w/w), High Resolution

Nickel Isotopes in Groundwater, Medium Resolution

Mass [u]

32S32S

32S16O2

63.89 63.90 63.91 63.92 63.93 63.94 63.95 63.96 63.97

Mass [u]

64Zn

63.89 63.90 63.91 63.92 63.93 63.94 63.95 63.96 63.97

Zoom in

Mass [u]

40Ar16O

55.80 55.85 55.90 55.95 56.00 56.05 56.10

56Fe

12C216O2

59.88

Mass [u]

32S16O12C

59.90 59.92 59.94 59.96 59.98 60.90 60.92 60.94 60.96 60.98 61.92 61.92 61.94 61.96 61.9860.88 61.88

60Ni

46Ca16O43Ca16OH

44Ca16OH

61Ni62Ni

44Ca16O

Resolution Specification(10 % peak valley definition)3 fixed resolutions:Low Resolution > 300Medium Resolution > 4000High Resolution > 10000

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Principle

The Finnigan ELEMENT2 is adouble focusing magnetic sectorfield ICP-MS.

Plasma and InterfaceThe argon plasma ion source and samplinginterface of the Finnigan ELEMENT2 are atground potential1. This enables thestraightforward coupling of peripherals likeHPLC, CE, GC and laser ablation. TheFinnigan ELEMENT2 interface reduces theinitial kinetic energy spread from ~20 to~5 eV by capacitively decoupling the plasmafrom the load coil, using a grounded guardelectrode. This reduced energy spreadincreases the ion transmission and deliverssuperior sensitivities at all resolutions.

The ion transfer optics focus the ionsfrom the plasma interface on the entranceslit of the double focusing analyzer. TheFinnigan ELEMENT2 ion transfer optics aredesigned for low background, highestsensitivity and minimum mass bias atmaximum stability 2.

High ResolutionThe Finnigan ELEMENT2 is able to fullyautomatically change between three fixedresolutions by switching the positions of theentrance and exit slits in < 1 s. The patenteddesign of the fixed slit mechanism3 offersmaximum stability and reproducibility ofresolutions.

1 Patent issued: US 5552599, GB 22824792 Patent issued: US 56251853 Patent issued: US 5451780, GB 2281438

• Ion Transfer OpticsGuarantees a flat response curve,low background and high sensitivity

• 3 fixed resolutions:R = 300R = 4000R = 10000

• Highly laminated, water cooledmagnet, m/z: 7 - 240 - 7 in < 150 ms

• 25 ppm/8 hour mass stability

HRMRLR

• Simultaneous measurement in analogand counting modes

• > 109 linear dynamic range• < 0.2 cps dark noise• Fully automatic cross calibration

• Interface at ground potential• Easily changeable cones• Resistant against chemicals

• Torch with Guard Electrode (GE)The GE decreases the ion energy spread, thus increasingion transmission. This and the high acceleration voltageused in a sector field ICP-MS results in increasedsensitivity. The GE is also required for Cold Plasmameasurements

Mass SeparationThe magnetic field disperses ions accordingto their mass and energy. The magnet usedin the Finnigan ELEMENT2 is specificallydesigned for use in ICP-MS applications. Itis relatively small (sufficient for the massrange 0 – 260 u), highly laminated andefficiently water-cooled for the highestmass stability. Changing of the magneticfield is controlled by a magnetic fieldregulator with a new high power stage,which delivers the fastest scan speed everpossible with a magnetic sector fieldinstrument 4.

After passing through the magneticfield the ions enter the electrostaticanalyzer for energy focusing. Thecombination of the magnetic andelectrostatic fields results in the doublefocusing, high resolution properties of theFinnigan ELEMENT2.

Detection SystemThe Finnigan ELEMENT2 is equipped with adiscrete dynode detector system. Ratherthan having the ion beam directly strike thedetector to initiate an electron cascade, thesecondary electron multiplier implementedin the Finnigan ELEMENT2 uses aconversion dynode at -8 kV, producing auniform response across the mass range.The detector is linear over nine orders ofmagnitude – from ppq to ppmconcentrations. The quantification of traceand major elements is therefore possible ina single analysis.

4 Thermo Electron Application Note AN30011_E12/03C

Resolution

Low ResolutionLow resolution (R = 300) is used for theanalysis of non-interfered isotopes. In thismode the Finnigan ELEMENT2‘s sensitivityis the highest of all commercially availableICP-MS instruments. Additionally, the flattop peak shape is an advantage for highprecision isotope ratio measurements.

Medium ResolutionMedium resolution (R = 4000) guaranteesinterference-free analysis for most elementsin the majority of sample matrices. Forexample, transition elements are routinelymeasured in medium resolution due to theformation of many interfering polyatomicspecies in the mass range 24 – 70 u.

High ResolutionHigh resolution (R = 10000) is used for theanalysis of elements in the mostchallenging sample matrices. For example,high resolution is used to separate As andSe from argon dimer interferences andargon chloride interferences in chlorinematrices, heavy rare earth elements fromlight rare earth element oxides in geologicalmatrices, platinum group elements fromargon-transition metal molecular species,and/or the oxides of Hf, Ta and W.

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115.2

350000

300000

250000

200000

150000

100000

50000

0114.6 114.7 114.8

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

114.9Mass [u]

115.0 115.1

35000

30000

25000

20000

15000

10000

0114.88 114.89 114.90

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

6000

5000

40000

30000

20000

10000

0

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

Mass [u]114.91 114.92

114.895 114.900Mass [u]

114.905 114.910

100 ng/L 115In, Low Resolution

100 ng/L 115In, Medium Resolution

100 ng/L 115In, High Resolution

Since the change in mass resolution isachieved by changing the width of theentrance and exit slits of the massspectrometer, the instrumental sensitivityof a high resolution ICP-MS is dependenton the resolution mode used. Therefore,the Finnigan ELEMENT2 with three fixedresolutions has three sensitivities: the widerthe slit, the higher the sensitivity.

Fixed sensitivity ratio between resolutions:independent of mass and matrix.

Even in high resolution mode, the intrinsicsensitivity of the Finnigan ELEMENT2provides sub ppt detection limits.

0194.85

Mass [u]

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

194.90 194.95 195.00 195.05 195.10

179Hf16O

195Pt

052.0

Mass [u]

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

52Cr

52.2 52.4 52.6 52.8 53.0

40Ar12C

37Cl16O53Cr

0168.86

Mass [u]

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

169Tm

153Eu16O

168.88 168.90 168.92 168.94 168.96 168.98 169.00

100 µg/L Hafnium, 100 ng/L Platinum, High Resolution

Chromium in Blood, Medium Resolution

Thulium in Europium Matrix, High Resolution

Sensitivity SpecificationLow Resolution (R = 300)

115In > 1x106 cps/ppbMedium Resolution (R = 4000)

115In > 1x105 cps/ppbHigh Resolution (R = 10000)

115In > 1.5x104 cps/ppbBackground in all 3 resolutions < 0.2 cps

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Sensitivity and Stability

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

225.4 225.6 225.8 226.0 226.2 226.4Mass [u]

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

bkg<0.2 cps

226Ra

bkg<0.2 cps

0.22.05.01.50.60.30.30.040.030.061.3

Medium52CrMedium47Ti

High155GdHigh75AsMedium79BrMedium66ZnMedium63Cu

Low151EuLow107AgLow90ZrLow23Na

ResolutionLoD [ng/L]in solution

Concentration [ppq]0

Nor

mal

ized

Inte

nsity

[ppq

]

1 2 3 4 5 60

1

2

3

4

5

6

Sensitivity and Low BackgroundIt is obvious that the highest instrumentalsensitivity is essential to achieve the lowestdetection limits. However, it is the signal tonoise ratio that dictates the detection limit.The Finnigan ELEMENT2 guarantees anoff-peak background of < 0.2 cps for allthree resolutions. Detection limits in thefg/L range are possible.

Detection Limits in ComplexMatricesEven in cases where the lowest detectionlimits are not the goal, the exceptionallyhigh sensitivity of the Finnigan ELEMENT2offers an important advantage. With thehigher sensitivity, higher dilution factors forcomplex matrices can be used withoutsacrificing detection limits.

Sensitivity and ‘Dilute and Shoot’The requirement for matrix separation forsamples such as seawater, mineral acids ororganic solvents is replaced by a simpledilution. Using this ‘dilute and shoot’approach, the matrix load on the sampleintroduction system, plasma and interface isreduced. This is also particularly importantfor the analysis of nuclear sample matriceswhere the minimization of waste is ofparamount importance.

Mineral Water, undiluted (5 % HNO3), ~200 fg/L Radium, Low Resolution

Detection Limits in 50 mg/L Uranium

226Ra, External Calibration, 1, 4, 6 pg/L, R2 = 1.000

120

100

80

60

40

20

00 5 10 15

Concentration [ppt]-5

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

5.1 ng/L As

50

60

70

80

90

100

110

Cu Zr Ag Ba Tl Cr Mn Li Na Feelement

Reco

very

[%]

4.0

4.2

4.4

4.6

4.8

5.0

5.2

5.4

5.6

5.8

6.0

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16analysis #

conc

entr

atio

n [p

pt]

Sn120(LR)2.5%

Fe56(MR)2.2%

As75(HR)4.1%

Signal Stability 2 Hours Low,Medium and High Resolution: 5 ng/L

Signal Stability and DetectionLimitsSector field ICP-MS offers superior iontransmission stability due to the highacceleration voltage (-8 kV) and excellentfocusing properties.

In combination with the high sensitivity,low background, interference-freemeasurements and an advanced sampleintroduction system, the Finnigan ELEMENT2delivers the lowest detection limits –independent of the sample matrix. Theresulting low detection limits combinedwith highest stability at single digit pptlevel enable quantification at the lowestconcentrations.

Standard Addition Analysis of Arsenic in HCl (10 % v/v)

1 ng/L Spike Recovery UPW

Stability Specifications< 1 % RSD in 10 minutes< 2 % RSD in 1 hour

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Mass Stability

The mature design of theFinnigan ELEMENT2 delivers thefastest scan speed ever for amagnetic sector field ICP-MS.With the Finnigan ELEMENT2 ajump from 7 to 240 to 7 isrealized in < 150 ms.

ScanningRoutine scanning is performed by acombination of magnetic and electric jumps.

The Finnigan ELEMENT2 has the uniquecapability to scan +30% from the magnetmass by decreasing the accelerationvoltage. The magnetic field is kept constantwhile the acceleration voltage is varied.This ingenious combination of scantechniques delivers the fastest scanningever realized by a sector field ICP-MS.

Mass StabilityThe Finnigan ELEMENT2 guarantees thehighest mass stability of any ICP-MS. Thisenables fast peak top jumping analysesrather than scanning across the whole peak,thus significantly decreasing analysis times.A combination of mature hardware andintelligent software guarantees massstability in high resolution, which makesmass calibration a rare event.

The synthesis of these characteristicscombined with high sensitivity, allowingshort integration times, makes the FinniganELEMENT2 the fastest sector field ICP-MSever.

The scan speed of the FinniganELEMENT2 in combination with with thehigh sensitivity opens the dimension ofits use as a detector for fast transientsignals.

SpecificationsMass stability: 25 ppm / 8 hoursMagnetic scan speed: m/z 7 to 240 to 7 < 150 ms

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

7

238

0 50 100 150 200 250

Time (ms)

Coil Current (A) Mass (m/z)

5 ms 5 ms

5 ms5 ms 5 ms

m/z 7 - 23875 ms

m/z 238 - 750 ms

m/z 238 - 750 ms

m/z 7 - 23875 ms

77.921

77.92

77.919

77.918

77.917

77.916

77.915

77.914

77.913

Cent

roid

Mas

s

Analysis

y-scale is equivalent to peak width in high resolutiom

Timing for a Full Magnet Cycle

12-Hour Mass Stability for 78Se in high resolution

Ion Detection System

The goal of real life analysis isthe simultaneous determinationof major and trace elements. The Finnigan ELEMENT2 is equipped with adiscrete dynode detection system thatenables the quantification of both trace andmajor elements in a single analysis across adynamic range of 109.

The Finnigan ELEMENT2 detectorsystem incorporates a conversion dynode at-8 kV. The high acceleration to -8 kV resultsin a mass independent detector response,enabling fully automatic cross calibrationbetween the counting and analog modes.

No user interaction is necessary.

The automatic cross calibration ensures aconstantly updated detector response at alltimes – ready for the unexpected sample!

Additionally the detector enables themeasurement of large isotope ratios. Withthe minor isotope in counting mode and theabundant isotope in analog mode thehighest precision and accuracy can beobtained.

SpecificationsDynamic Range > 109 withautomatic gain calibration

e-

m +

countingsignal

Ions

Electrons

analogsignal

SEMConversionDynode

countinganalog

12345

Mass [u]204.4

100ng/L 205TI

204.6 204.8 205.0 205.2 205.4 205.60

50000

100000

150000

200000

0

20

40

60

80

100

Rel.

Inte

nsity

[%]

Inte

nsity

[cps

]

Analog: red lineCounting: blue line

Isotopes of Uranium

Determination of large Isotope ratios using the both modeblue signals = counting, red signals = analog

234

235

236

238

Finnigan ELEMENT2 Ion Detection System

Simultaneous Measurement of the Counting and Analog Signals

The Finnigan ELEMENT2 SoftwareThe Finnigan ELEMENT2 software controlsand monitors all instrument functions forICP-MS analysis. This includes dataacquisition and auto-tuning of the FinniganELEMENT2.

The software also provides the full rangeof quantification procedures required inelemental analysis (qualitative, quantitative,semi-quantitative, isotope dilution) as well asisotope ratio and time resolved analysismodes.

Controlling and Tuning

• Autotuning of all parameters, includingICP parameters, torch position, lenses andmultiplier voltage

• Fully automated and configurable plasmastart and stop sequence

• Easy autosampler setup using a graphicaldisplay of the autosampler

Setup of Methods• Intuitive and easy selection of target

isotopes in periodic table or spreadsheetdisplay modes

• Automatic, customized isobaricinterference correction

• Spreadsheet style ‘click-and-drag’ cell filldown

Creating and Running Sequences

• Intuitive and easy creation of sampleanalysis sequences in graphical orspreadsheet display modes

• Integrated powerful QA/QC package thatmeets internationally regulatedrequirements including US EPA 200.8,6020. The flexible editor included can beused to define specific QA/QC criteria inany laboratory.

Displaying Results and Creation

Displaying Results and Creationof Reports

• Real time display of spectra, calibrationcurves, fully quantitative results and timeresolved analyses

• On-line export of time resolved data inseveral formats (ASCII, GRAMS,Spectacle, GLITTER, ANDI Xcalibur® forfurther analysis in third party programs

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The Software Suite

The Finnigan ELEMENT2 software is a state-of-the-art, simple to use software suite taking advantage ofthe reliability and stability of the modern operating system Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional. Thesoftware package is optimized for the needs of the routine analyst, providing stability and ease of use forbasic operation of the Finnigan ELEMENT2, and yet retains the flexibility for advanced operation.

Due to the use of the Microsoft Windows XP Professional operating system and standardizedprogramming, the data system computer can be easily connected to a network, enabling data transferand allowing remote control of the Finnigan ELEMENT2.

Instrument Startup and Tune

•Remote Control & Diagnostic

•Setting & Read-Back of All Instrument Parameters

Product Specification14

1

63

88

79

106

174

12510367

3736

141 33

Specifications and Installation RequirementsSensitivity (Concentric Nebulizer) > 1 x 109 counts per second (cps)/ppm InDetection Power < 1 ppq for non-interfered nuclidesDark Noise < 0.2 cpsDynamic Range > 109 linear with automatic gain calibrationMass Resolution 300, 4000, 10,000 (10 % valley, equivalent to 5 % height);

600, 8000, 20,000 (FWHM)Signal Stability < 1 % RSD over 10 minutes

< 2 % RSD over 1 hourScan Speed (magnetic) m/z 7 to 240 to 7 < 150 msScan Speed (electric) 1 ms/jump, independent of mass rangeOxide and Doubly Charged Ions ratio measured

BaO+/Ba+ < 0.002Ba2+/ Ba+ < 0.03

Power 3-phase, 230/400 V ±10 %,50/60 Hz fused 32 A per phasePower consumption: ~9 kVA

Environment Temperature 18 – 24 °C (64 – 75 °F)Humidity 50 – 60 %, noncondensing,non-corrosive

Cooling Water ~ 200 l/hTemperature 10 – 20 °C4 – 6 bar (43 – 65 psi)

Argon Purity 99.996 min.18 L/minRegulated pressure 8 –10 bar(116 –145 psi)Uninterrupted argon supply recommended

Plasma Exhaust 1 x 6 cm Ø; 90 m3/h(Argon + suspended sample)

Electronics Exhaust 2 x 15 cm Ø; 800 m3/h

Finnigan ELEMENT2, Footprint and Dimensions (all dimensions in cm)

In addition to these offices, ThermoElectron Corporation maintains a network of representative organizationsthroughout the world.

Australia+61 2 9898 1244 • analyze.au@thermo.com

Austria+43 1 333 50340 • analyze.at@thermo.com

Belgium+32 2 482 30 30 • analyze.be@thermo.com

Canada+1 800 532 4752 • analyze.ca@thermo.com

China+86 10 5850 3588 • analyze.cn@thermo.com

France+33 1 60 92 48 00 • analyze.fr@thermo.com

Germany+49 6103 4080 • analyze.de@thermo.com

Italy+39 02 950 591 • analyze.it@thermo.com

Japan+81 45 453 9100 • analyze.jp@thermo.com

Netherlands+31 76 587 98 88 • analyze.nl@thermo.com

Nordic+46 8 556 468 00 • analyze.se@thermo.com

South Africa+27 11 570 1840 • analyze.sa@thermo.com

Spain+34 91 657 4930 • analyze.es@thermo.com

Switzerland+41 61 48784 00 • analyze.ch@thermo.com

UK+44 1442 233555 • analyze.uk@thermo.com

USA+1 800 532 4752 • analyze.us@thermo.com

www.thermo.com

Plasma Capabilities from Thermo Electron

The use of an Inductively Coupled Plasmasource (ICP) is the accepted and mostpowerful technique for the analysis andquantification of trace elements in bothsolid and liquid samples. Its applicationsrange from routine environmental analysesto the materials industry, geologicalapplications to clinical research and fromthe food industry to the semiconductorindustry.

Thermo Electron Corporation is the onlyinstrument manufacturer to offer the fullrange of Inductively Coupled PlasmaSpectrometers (ICP-OES, Quadrupole andSector ICP-MS) to satisfy every aspect ofplasma spectrometry from routine to highlydemanding research applications.

Develop your lab from the easy-to-useIRIS Intrepid II ICP-OES to the highperformance X Series Quadrupole ICP-MSand up to the ultra-sophisticated Finnigan™

ELEMENT2 and Finnigan™ NEPTUNE SectorICP-MS instruments. Each instrumentcombines leading-edge technology, fit forpurpose and affordability with a tradition ofquality, longevity, accuracy and ease of use.

Finnigan ELEMENT2 Finnigan NEPTUNE

X Series ICP-MSIRIS Intrepid II

BR30027_E 05/04C

Thermo Electron (Bremen) GmbH is certified DIN EN ISO 9001:2000

©2004 Thermo Electron Corporation. All rights reserved.Microsoft and Windows are registered trade marks ofthe Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are theproperty of Thermo Electron Corporation and itssubsidiaries.

Specifications, terms and pricing are subject to change.Not all products are available in all countries. Pleaseconsult your local sales representative for details.

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