QU Health laboratories contain multiple core units operated by experienced researchers serving the QU Health researchers, including an Imaging core facility, Proteomic core facility, Flow Cytometry core facility, Pathology core facility, Analytical core facility, and Animal Model Platforms. QU Health researchers have access to other QU research centres and central university services, such as the Laboratory Animal Research Centre.
QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Real–Time PCR System
The QuantStudio™ 12K Flex Real–Time PCR System is a high-throughput PCR instrument designed for a wide range of applications, including gene expression analysis, genotyping, and mutation detection. It can run up to 12,000 reactions in a single run, making it ideal for large-scale experiments.
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- Model: QuantStudio™ 12K Flex
- Manufacturer: Applied Biosystems
Applications:Gene expression analysis, genotyping, mutation detection, microbial detection, and pathway analysis.
- Location: I06 - PCR ROOM
- Contact
Synergy HTX Multimode Reader
The Synergy HTX Multimode Reader is a versatile instrument used in biomedical research, drug discovery, and biotechnology applications. It is designed to meThe Synergy HTX Multimode Reader is a versatile instrument used in biomedical research, drug discovery, and biotechnology applications. It is designed to measure various parameters of biological and chemical samples, including absorbance, fluorescence, and luminescence.
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- Model: Synergy HTX
- Manufacturer:BioTek
Applications: This reader is a vital tool in various scientific fields, enabling cell-based assays, enzyme kinetics studies, protein quantification, fluorescence measurements, and luminescence assays, providing valuable insights and data for research and experimentation.
- Location: I06 - Drug discovery Theme
- Contact
LABScan3D Multiplex Flow Analyzer
The LAB SCAN 3D is a cutting-edge multiplex flow analyzer designed for advanced laboratory applications.
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- Model: LABScan3D
This tool serves several applications, including accurate HLA typing with LABType™ assays, precise detection of HLA antibodies, including DSA, using LABScreen™ assays for HLA antibody screening, and comprehensive antibody profiling for analyzing complement binding antibodies.
- Location: I06 - Drug discovery Theme
- Contact
Zetasizer Nano ZS Molecular Size Analyzer
Overview: The Zetasizer Nano ZS is a particle characterization instrument commonly used in biomedical research, materials science, and industrial applications. It is designed to measure the size, shape, and surface charge of particles in a sample using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) techniques.
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- Model: NanoZS
- Manufacturer:Malvern
Applications: This versatile instrument plays a role in a wide array of fields, from biomedical research to materials science, pharmaceuticals, and food industry. It enables the study of biological particles, materials analysis, drug formulation assessment, and the investigation of particle stability, contributing valuable insights to research and industry alike.
- Location: CPH, Teaching Labs, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Multimode Microplate Reader
Overview: M200 Pro by Tecan is a versatile instrument designed to accommodate 6 to 384 well plates in standard format. It offers precise wavelength selection with a monochromators system and utilizes a silicon photodiode for absorbance detection. Covering a wavelength range from 230 to 1000 nm in 1 nm increments, it has a measurement range of 0 to 3 OD with high accuracy (≤ ± 1.5 nm for λ > 315 nm and ≤ ± 0.8 nm for λ ≤ 315 nm).
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- Model: M200 Pro
- Manufacturer: Tecan
Applications: Applications: The M200 Pro is ideal for various applications, including enzymatic assays for substrates/metabolites detection (e.g., glucose, galactose, lactose), ATP luminescence measurements, and recording microbial growth dynamics, making it valuable for tasks like detecting wild yeasts in brewing starter cultures and conducting mutant analyses.
- Location: Imaging Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer FT/IR-4200
Overview: The FT/IR-4200, by Jasco, employs Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze chemical composition. This versatile instrument finds extensive applications in biomedical research, materials science, and industrial sectors. It operates on the principle of measuring infrared radiation absorption to reveal valuable insights into the chemical bonds and functional groups present within samples.
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- Model: FT/IR-4200
- Manufacturer: Jasco
Applications: The FT/IR-4200 finds versatile use across biomedical research, materials science, the pharmaceutical industry, environmental monitoring, and forensic science. It analyzes biological samples, materials, drug compounds, pollutants, and various specimens to glean critical insights into composition, quality, and origins.
- Location: CPH, Teaching Labs, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) 8000
Overview: The DSC 8000 is a thermal analysis instrument commonly used in biomedical research, materials science, and industrial applications. It is designed to measure the thermal properties of various materials, including polymers, metals, and organic compounds. It is equipped with a highly sensitive sensor that measures the heat flow changes of a sample as it is heated or cooled, providing information about the sample's thermal behavior.
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- Model: DSC 8000
- Manufacturer: Perkin Elmer
Applications: The DSC 8000 assesses thermal properties of materials, ensures product quality, investigates energy materials, and explores thermal properties of biological samples, providing insights into stability, denaturation, and tissue behavior.
Food Industry: The DSC 8000 is used in the food industry for quality control and testing, including the determination of melting and crystallization properties of food products.
- Location: CPH, Teaching Labs, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Flash Chromatography System
Overview: The Buchi C815 flash chromatography system is a powerful tool in the analytical core lab, designed for the purification of complex mixtures through column chromatography, employing stationary and mobile phases. This system excels in separating compounds based on their interactions with the stationary phase.
Useful Information
- Model: C815 flash
- Manufacturer: Buchi
Applications: The Buchi C815 flash chromatography system is utilized across various fields. It excels in natural product isolation, drug discovery, peptide purification, chemical synthesis, and quality control, ensuring compound and material purity with precision and efficiency.
- Location: Drug Discovery theme, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
Overview: Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GSMS) is an analytical technique used in chemistry and biochemistry to identify and quantify the components of complex mixtures. The GCMS-TRACE1310 system manufactured by Thermo Scientific is a high-performance GSMS system designed for a wide range of applications.
Some features of the GCMS-TRACE1310 system include:
High sensitivity: The GCMS-TRACE1310 system can detect and quantify very low levels of compounds, making it suitable for trace analysis.
High resolution: The system has high chromatographic resolution, allowing for the separation of complex mixtures into individual components.
User-friendly interface: The GCMS-TRACE1310 system has a user-friendly interface that allows for easy programming and control of the system.
Useful Information
- Model: GCMS-TRACE1310
- Manufacturer: Thermo Scientific
Applications: Some applications of the GCMS-TRACE1310 system include:
Environmental analysis: GCMS is commonly used in environmental analysis to identify and quantify pollutants in air, water, and soil samples.
Forensic analysis: GCMS is used in forensic analysis to identify and quantify drugs, explosives, and other compounds in forensic samples.
Food and beverage analysis: GCMS is used in food and beverage analysis to identify and quantify flavors, fragrances, and contaminants in food and beverage products.
Petrochemical analysis: GCMS is used in petrochemical analysis to identify and quantify hydrocarbons in crude oil, gasoline, and other petroleum products.
Pharmaceutical analysis: GCMS is used in pharmaceutical analysis to identify and quantify active ingredients, impurities, and degradation products in drug products
- Location: Drug Discovery theme, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Xevo LC-MS/MS System
Overview: The Xevo TQ-S, a top-tier benchtop tandem quadrupole mass spectrometer, revolutionizes quantitative LC-MS/MS applications. Its StepWave™ ion transfer optics enhance ion transfer efficiency and eliminate unwanted contaminants. It also boasts ScanWave™ collision cell technology for high-speed MRM and information-rich RADAR mode.
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Benchtop Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) System
Overview: The benchtop electron spin resonance (EPR) spectrometer measures paramagnetic species at X-Band frequencies in continuous-wave (CW) mode. Measurements of solid or liquid samples with a volume of 12-100 µL can be performed at temperatures from the boiling point of liquid nitrogen up to 200 °C. EPR spectroscopy is suitable for the investigation of bio-chemical systems with strongly localized spin density and their interaction with the environment. It provides information about structure and dynamics of the system of interest.
Useful Information
- Model: MiniScope MS 5000
- Manufacturer: Freiberg Instruments/Bruker
Applications: EPR/ESR spectroscopy has wide field of applications in investigating radicals in polymers, detection of chemical functions using spin labeling, crystal defects and paramagnetic transition metals. That can be utilized in alanine dosimetry, life sciences, food chemistry and pharmacology, bioinorganic chemistry, cosmetics and many more.
- Location: Lab-22,I06,2ndFloor
- Contact
Melting Point System
Overview: The MP55 is the ideal starter model and offers simultaneous determination of up to 3 melting point/melting range or 2 slip melting point samples up to a maximum temperature of 570°F/300°C.
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Semi-automated microtome
Overview: This tool is crucial in biomedical labs, offering efficient, precise preparation of thin tissue sections for microscopic examination. It has semi-automated functionality, LCD display, and adjustable thickness settings.
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- Model: HM340E
- Manufacturer: Thermo Scientific
Applications: This versatile tool serves multiple applications: it prepares tissue sections for diverse biomedical research areas, supports crucial disease diagnosis in clinical settings, aids in drug discovery by facilitating tissue sample preparation for studies spanning efficacy, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics, and plays a pivotal role in ensuring rigorous quality control in industries like food, cosmetics, and materials science.
- Location: I06 lab, 2nd floor
- Contact
Cryostat
Overview: This tool, designed primarily for histology, excels in cutting thin material sections for microscopy. Its versatility extends to preparing samples for electron microscopy and various analyses requiring thin sections. Key features include motorized advancement, a user-friendly touch-screen interface, and a compact design that seamlessly integrates into laboratory settings.
Useful Information
- Model: MEV PLUS
- Manufacturer: SLEE
Applications: This versatile tool finds application in histology, pathology, material science, forensic analysis, botany, clinical diagnostics, drug studies, and quality control across various industries.
- Location: I06 lab, 2nd floor
- Contact
Vacuum Tissue Processor
Overview: This tool efficiently replaces tissue fluids with fixatives for analysis. Its user-friendly design features programmable controls and automatic vacuum operation, making it a valuable asset in laboratory settings.
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Tissue Embedding System
Overview: This versatile tool is designed to prepare tissue samples for histological examination by embedding them in wax. Its efficient operation allows for precision through adjustable time, temperature, and capacity options. Furthermore, it boasts user-friendly features, making it easily accessible for accommodating various sample sizes with ease of operation.
Useful Information
- Model: LB-10TES-1, 2,3
- Manufacturer: Labotronics Scientific
Applications: This versatile tool is utilized for preparing tissue samples in histology and pathology, supporting biological research through sample preparation, and aiding quality control in industries like cosmetics, textiles, and food by embedding tissue samples for defect and impurity examination.
- Location: I06 lab, 2nd floor
- Contact
Dako CoverStainer
Overview: This automation tool streamlines stained slide preparation for histopathology, guaranteeing high-quality staining while offering user-friendly controls.
Useful Information
- Model: CS100
- Manufacturer: Agilent - Dako
Applications: This versatile tool finds application in various fields. It is primarily used in histopathology for preparing tissue samples for diagnosis and examination, including H&E staining. In immunohistochemistry (IHC), it aids in detecting antigens, facilitating disease diagnosis, treatment assessment, studying disease mechanisms, drug development, and biomarker discovery.
- Location: I06 lab, 2nd floor
- Contact
Dako Omnis Staining Platform
Overview: The Dako Omnis GI100 DAKO is a fully automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining platform. It is designed to meet the needs of high-volume pathology labs, offering high-quality staining with minimal hands-on time.
Useful Information
- Model: GI100
- Manufacturer: Agilent - Dako
Application: The Dako Omnis GI100 is a cutting-edge, fully automated immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) staining platform. Tailored for high-volume pathology labs, it delivers top-notch staining quality while minimizing hands-on time. This versatile system plays a crucial role in applications ranging from precise tissue analysis to biomarker detection and diagnosis in clinical pathology.
- Location: I06 lab, 2nd floor
- Contact
High Pressure Homogenizer
Overview: The Emulsiflex C3 uses a dynamic homogenizing valve to produce uniform liposomes and micro emulsions with nanometer size distribution. The electric motor driven pump provides homogenizing pressures up to 30,000 psi (207 MPa).The processing capacity is up to 3 L/hr and the flow rate is independent of pressure. It can process samples as small as 10mL. The dynamic homogenising valve can be exchanged with a high-pressure extruder. This enables the extrusion of liposomes or emulsions through membranes of specific pore sizes.
Useful Information
- Model: Emulsiflex C3
- Manufacturer: Avestin
Application: High-pressure homogenization is an efficient and easy to use technique for cell disruption and liposome/emulsion processing. The EmulsiFlex-C3 is capable of handling a wide range of applications from cell rupture, liposomes, emulsion and dispersion.
- Location: Lab-14, I06, 2nd floor
- Contact
Vibrational Microtome
Overview: The fully automated Leica VT1200 S vibrating blade microtome is designed for sectioning fresh specimens in neuroscience. Automatic feeding, specimen retraction and the use of a cutting window help to minimize sectioning time.
Useful Information
- Model: VT 1200 S
- Manufacturer: Leica
Application: The vibrating microtome accurately cuts tissue under physiological conditions without freezing or embedding. These precise instruments maintain cell morphology, enzyme activity, as well as cell viability of the tissue.
- Location: Lab-17, I06, 2ndfloor (New machine, still not installed)
- Contact
Fluorescence Digital Microscope
The EVOS M5000 Fluorescence Digital Microscope by Invitrogen offers versatile imaging capabilities with fluorescence, brightfield, color brightfield, and phase contrast modes. It supports single color and multicolor imaging, time-lapse, Z-stacking, and movie capture. Illumination is provided by long-lasting LED light cubes with integrated filters.
Useful Information
- Model: EVOS M5000
- Manufacturer:Invitrogen
Applications: The microscope is ideal for precise structure identification in live and fixed biological samples, aided by multicolor staining. Researchers can assess cell physiology, automate cell counting, and analyze confluence. Advanced 2D and 3D image processing, deconvolution, and visualization are easily achievable through the included software.
- Location: Imaging Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Confocal Scanning Microscope
The FV3000RS by Olympus features a main laser combiner with visible light lasers at 405 nm (50 mW), 488 nm (20 mW), 561 nm (20 mW), and 640 nm (40 mW). It offers versatile scanning capabilities with resolutions ranging from 64 × 64 to 4096 × 4096 pixels. Scanning speed varies from 512 × 512 with 1.1 s to 264 s pixel time (one way) and 512 × 512 with 63 ms to 250 ms, 256 × 256 with 16 ms to 125 ms (round trip). The optical zoom allows for magnifications from 1X to 50X in 0.01X increments, and it supports free rotation (360 degrees) in 0.1-degree steps.
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Micro-CT scanner
NeoScan microCT features a 2.5 µm minimal pixel size, detects details down to a couple of microns, <4 µm low contrast resolution, fast scanning with more details in every slice and fits objects up to 100mm diameter and 220mm length.
Useful Information
- Model: N70
- Manufacturer: Neoscan
Applications: MicroCT scanner is supplied with an in-house developed all-in-one software tool for intuitive scanner control and processing data. From acquisition of a full series of 2D projection images, reconstruction into a 3D volume, to visualization and inspection of this volume in 2D and 3D, the software bundles all complementary steps from sample to results.
- Location: Dental Medicine's Research Laboratory, Building H10, Zone 4, Lab C111
- Contact
Circular Dichroism Spectrophotometer
The J-1100 utilizes a 150 W Xenon arc lamp (N2 cooled) as its light source and is compatible with sample chamber cuvettes ranging from 1 mm to 5 cm. Its wavelength range spans approximately 163 to 900 nm in the standard configuration. This instrument offers four-channel simultaneous data acquisition, with the ability to acquire 2 internal and 2 external signals concurrently.
Useful Information
- Model: J-1100
- Manufacturer: Jasco
Applications: The J-1100 by Jasco has a wide range of applications. It is used for secondary and tertiary structure analysis, detecting conformational changes, studying protein stability and folding, investigating binding interactions, and determining various nucleic acid conformations, including A, B, and Z forms, guanine quadruplexes, cytosine quadruplexes, and guanine and adenine-rich DNA fragments.
- Location: Imaging Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Isothermal Titration Calorimeter
NanoITC offers precise measurements with a fixed cylindrical cell geometry, composed of 24K gold, and an active cell volume of 190 µL. Operating in a temperature range of 2 °C to 80 °C, it provides accurate results with a low noise level of 0.0014 µW and a rapid response time of 11 seconds.
Useful Information
- Model: nanoITC
- Manufacturer: TA Instruments
Applications: NanoITC is the gold standard for studying binding interactions in solution, without sample immobilization or size restrictions. It's ideal for analyzing binding interactions of various species, including proteins, peptides, drugs, DNA/RNA, lipids, nanoparticles, and more.
- Location: Imaging Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Ultracentrifuge
The Sorvall WX80+ is a high-speed centrifuge capable of reaching a maximum speed of 80,000 rpm and generating a maximum RCF of 546,883 x g (with the T-890 rotor). This refrigerated centrifuge offers precise control with an accuracy of ±2 rpm and has a capacity of 6 x 250 mL. It operates within a temperature range of 0°C to 40°C, making it suitable for various applications.
Useful Information
- Model: Sorvall WX80+
- Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Applications: The Sorvall WX80+ finds extensive use in separating tissues, cells, subcellular components, and small particles such as viruses, viral particles, proteins, protein complexes, lipoproteins, RNA, and plasmid DNA.
- Location: Proteomics Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
MALDI TOF/TOF Mass Spectrometer
The ultrafleXtreme by Bruker is a versatile MALDI device known for its Smartbeam-IITM laser, achieving high-resolution imaging with 10µM spatial precision. It delivers a broadband mass resolving power of up to 40,000 (m/z) with 1 ppm mass accuracy. The instrument supports Tandem Mass Spectrometry, including LID-LIFT technology, and operates at speeds of 2 kHz in TOF mode and 1 kHz in TOF/TOF mode.
Useful Information
- Model: UltrafleXtreme
- Manufacturer: Bruker
Applications: This device finds extensive use in MALDI applications, including mass spectrometry imaging (MSI), protein and peptide identification, peptide fingerprinting, and the structural elucidation of various biomolecules, encompassing lipids, polymers, and glycans.
- Location: Proteomics Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Fast Performance Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) System
The AKTA Pure Protein, crafted by GE Healthcare, is a cutting-edge instrument tailored for biomolecule purification. With its versatile features, including a 2 mm flow cell path length (optional 5 mm) and the ability to handle flow rates ranging from 0.001 to 25 mL/min (normal range) and 0.01 to 50 mL/min (for column packing flow), it excels in delivering precise purification results. Operating at a maximum pressure of 20 MPa (2900 psi) and utilizing tubing with a 0.5 mm inner diameter, this instrument boasts UV wavelength capabilities up to 280 nm.
Useful Information
- Model: AKTA Pure Protein
- Manufacturer: GE Healthcatre
Applications: The AKTA Pure Protein is your trusted solution for the purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. Whether you're working with complex biological samples or intricate biomolecular structures, this instrument offers the efficiency and accuracy you need to isolate and purify your target molecules effectively. Its broad range of applications spans across various fields, making it an indispensable tool for researchers and scientists seeking reliable biomolecule purification.
- Location: Proteomics Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Biomolecular Imager
The Typhoon FLA 9500 by GE Healthcare is a high-performance imaging system with a pixel resolution of up to 10 µm and a broad linear signal response, ensuring precise quantification of proteins, nucleic acids, and biomolecules. Its large scanning area allows simultaneous imaging of up to 20 mini-gels or blots, and it features three lasers (473 nm, 532 nm, 635 nm) and four emission filters (BPB1, BPG1, LPG, LPR) for exceptional high-resolution imaging.
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- Model: Typhoon FLA 9500
- Manufacturer: GE Healthcatre
Applications: The Typhoon FLA 9500 is a versatile imaging solution suitable for quantifying various biomolecules, including proteins and nucleic acids. It offers multifluorescence, chemifluorescence, chemiluminescence, radioisotopic, and colorimetric imaging capabilities, making it ideal for a wide range of applications such as blot and gel imaging, tissue section analysis, well plate scanning, and more. Its high dynamic linear range ensures accurate quantification of multiple biological samples, catering to diverse research needs.
- Location: Proteomics Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Multi-angle Light-Scattering Detector
The Wyatt Dawn Heleos II, offered by GE Healthcare, provides comprehensive analytical capabilities. It covers a vast molar mass range from 200 Da to 1 GDa, with molecular size ranges (Rg) approximately spanning 10 to 500 nm and extending to 1000 nm with specialized shape models. In flow mode, it delivers precise molecular size measurements (Rh) ranging from 0.5 nm to 300 nm. It boasts impressive sensitivity, capable of detecting as little as 10 ng of 100 kDa polystyrene in THF or 200 ng of BSA in PBS.
Useful Information
- Model: Wyatt Dawn Heleos II
- Manufacturer: GE Healthcatre
Applications: This instrument is designed for the absolute characterization of biomolecules, macromolecules, and nanoparticles in solution. It enables researchers to accurately determine molar mass and size, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications in the fields of biology, chemistry, and nanotechnology.
- Location: Proteomics Core Facility – Zone 4 – H10
- Contact
Freeze Dryer
Virtis Benchtop Freeze Dryer are refrigerated condenser featuring temperatures of -55 °C to -105 °C, that can be used as freeze dryers, cold traps and for initial product freezing. It can remove up to 99% of the product moisture.
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- Model: VirTis Benchtop Pro BTP-8ZLEVX
- Manufacturer: SP Scientific
Freeze dryer is an incredibly flexible lyophilizing equipment with a range of condenser temperatures available to as low as –103°C for processing the widest range of products. A number of different accessories enable you to freeze dry product in trays, vials, ampoules, freeze-drying flasks, plates and more. Products may be freeze dried with different goals in mind. For instance, maintaining of flavour or appearance, extend shelf life, slow down biological activity or to prevent decay.
- Location: Lab-16, I06, 2nd Floor, Bench 9A
- Contact
Cell Sorter
The FACS ARIA III cell sorter is equipped with violet, blue, and red lasers operating at 405 nm (3 fluorescence), 488 nm (5 fluorescence), and 633 nm (3 fluorescence), respectively. It offers flexible sorting configurations, including two-way sorting for 12 x 75 mm and 15 ml Falcon tubes, and four-way sorting for 12 x 75 mm and 1.5 ml microtubes. Cell size can be adjusted using nozzles with sizes of 70, 85, 100, and 130 micrometers.
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