Multichannel Preamp Components
55-40-0: PAU: 12 Channel Preamp Unit
55-40-3: SCM: Switching Control Module
55-40-1-01: SPCB-12: Switching PCB
55-40-1-03: ACPCB-12: AC Coupling PCB
FH
T
QUALITY INSPECTION SUMMARY
We have made every effort to manufacture this instrument to the highest quality standards. All assemblies
have been thoroughly tested and inspected at the factory as follows:
Initial Assembly Inspection
Initial QC Inspection/Calibration
24 Hour Burn-In
Final Performance Inspection
Packaging Inspection
________
________
________
________
Initials: __________ Date: __________
Items included with any catalog number may be labeled and packaged separately in shipping carton.
Description
55-40-0 PAU 12 Channel Preamp Unit
Containing:
Acquisition/Processor Module
Accessory Kit
55-40-3 SCM Switching Control Module
55-40-1-01 SPCB Switching PCB
55-40-1-03 ACPCB Coupling PCB
Quantity
________
55-00-1
55-AUS
55-CH
55-DAN
55-EURO
55-ISR
55-ITA
55-JA
55-SAF
55-SWI
55-UK
55-USA
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
________
12V Desktop Power Supply
Australia
China
Denmark
Europe
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Africa
Switzerland
United Kingdom
North America
Checked
________
________
________
________
________
FHC, Inc. maintains a system of traceability to allow for product notifications in the event that issues arise pertaining to the recall or failure of critical components contained
in this instrument. In order that we may properly notify you, we ask you to complete the following information and return to:
Quality Assurance Department
FHC, Inc.
9 Main Street
Bowdoinham ME 04008 USA
Serial Number(s) __________ __________ __________
Installation and Functional Checkout Complete per section 2.2 and 2.4 of this manual:
Accepted by: _____________________
Institution: _______________________
Date: ___________________________
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Manual A997: Multichannel Preamp Components
0 Declarations
0.1 Declaration Of Conformity
0.2 Conditions For Use
0.3 Symbols Used
1 Operational Manual
1.1 Features
1.2 Description
1.3 Operating Environment
1.4 Inventory
1.4.1 Items Described In This Manual
1.4.2 Additional Items Required For Operation
1.4.3 Replacement Items
1.4.4 Optional Accessories
1.4.5 System Configurations
1.5 Concepts
1.5.1 Terminology
1.5.2 Design Description
1.6 Technical Summary
1.6.1 Specifications
1.6.2 Controls / Connectors
1.6.3 Compatibilities
1.7 Illustrative Procedure
2 Reference Manual
2.1 Reference Information
2.1.1 Packaging
2.1.2 Mounting
2.1.3 Inspection
2.1.4 Power Connections
2.1.5 Warranty
2.1.6 Policies
2.1.7 Service
2.2 Installation
2.2.1 Hardware Installation
2.2.2 Software Installation
2.2.3 Software Upgrade
2.3 Functional Checkout
2.4 Operational Information
2.5 Scheduled Maintenance
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0.2 CONDITIONS FOR USE
Intended Use
The Multichannel Preamp components are intended to convert high impedance biological signals from
electrodes to an amplified low impedance signal for interfacing with recording instrumentation. The user is
provided with options for configuring the systems to set recording modes, shielding, and inserting an
electrical stimulus or impedance check input.
Warnings
The Multichannel Preamp components should not be disassembled beyond the indications of this manual.
Any disassembly beyond this may affect function and calibration. If repair is required please contact FHC at
(207) 666-8190.
Storage Precautions
Store at normal room temperatures between -34°C (-29°F) and 57°C (135°F). Do not expose to
temperatures below -39°C (-29°F) or greater than 70°C (158°F), or a relative humidity of less than 10% or
more than 100%, including condensation, or an atmospheric pressure less than 500hPa or greater than
1060hPa for long-term storage.
Sterilization
The Multichannel Preamp components are not designed for sterilization. Any attempt to sterilize may result
in malfunction or component failure.
Handling
While a high degree of durability has been designed into the Multichannel Preamp components, care should
be taken not to drop them. Do not force the electrical connections. Place all cables and leads where they will
not be inadvertently pulled or tangled.
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1 OPERATIONAL MANUAL
1.1 FEATURES
•
•
Customized electrode terminations.
•
Driven shield electrode connection allows the preamp to be placed up to 50cm from electrode
without concern for cable artifacts.
•
•
•
•
User configuration of recording mode (single-ended or differential) and method of cable shielding
(common ground or driven) for each channel. (Single-ended, common ground only with add-on
SPCB switching pcb)
X20 factory set gain. The user can set other amounts.
Add-on ACPCB AC Coupling board available to eliminate DC offset caused by charge buildup at
the electrode tip.
Add-on switching components (SCM and SPCB) allow remote insertion of electrical stimulus or
impedance check input directly to the PAU.
Pushbuttons on SCM toggle between input (AUX) and recording (AMP) states for each selected
electrode. Eliminates reconnection during the experiment.
•
Preamp inputs directly to FHC PFC Powered Channel Frame for use with APC
Acquisition/Processor system. Adaptors available for interfacing other data collection systems.
(Plexon, Neuralynx, etc.)
•
SCM controller can stand alone on a desktop or rack-mount in our SAF rack frame.
1.2 DESCRIPTION
The Multichannel Preamp components convert high impedance biological signals to amplified low
impedance signals for use by amplification and recording instrumentation. The switching components add
the ability to remotely insert inputs (electrical stimulus or impedance checking for example) directly into the
PAU Preamp Unit channels. The stimulus can be assigned to the 12 channels in any combination via the
SCM Switching Control Module front panel. This eliminates the need to perform any
connection/reconnection of the electrodes.
The PAU utilizes a jumper setup that allows the user to configure recording mode (single-ended or
differential) and cable shielding (common or driven) for each channel. The user may select different gain
settings other than the X20 factory setting by plugging different resistor values into a socket on the PCB. An
add-on ACPCB AC coupling board plugs directly onto the PAU motherboard. The ACPCB AC couples the
inputs to the preamp to eliminate any DC offset caused by charge buildup at the tip of the electrode. 55-406(001) Differential Electrode Leads are provided for each channel. Other terminations can be specified. The
leads use miniature coaxial cables, which allow for a driven shield of the electrode cables. The driven shield
allows the preamp to be positioned farther from the electrode (up to 50cm) without concern for cable
artifacts. The preamp connects to either the FHC PCF Powered Channel Frame (for use with the APC
Acquisition/Processor Channel system.), or the SCM Switching Control Module with a 3m (10’) cable
Adaptors are available for use with most available amplifiers or data acquisition systems.
The SCM Switching Control Module is used with the SPCB Switching PCB to provide remote
switching of any or all channels of the PAU between recording (AMP) and input insertion (AUX). Switching
of modes (AMP/AUX) is accomplished for each channel via a pushbutton toggle switch. Additional jacks on
the control module provide an analog output of each channel for monitoring or further signal processing.
Bicolor LED’s indicate mode. The SPCB Switching PCB plugs directly into the jumper connectors of the
PAU to add the necessary switching relays.
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1.3 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
The Multichannel Preamp components have been designed to operate in a typical laboratory setup.
1.4 INVENTORY
1.4.1 ITEMS DESCRIBED IN THIS MANUAL
The following items are included under these catalog numbers:
1 ea. 55-40-0 PAU
Includes: PAU
Differential Electrode Leads (12 ea.)
DB37 Cable
A997 Manual (not shown)
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Use Optional:
1 ea. 55-40-3 SCM-12: 12 Channel Switching Control Module
Includes: 1 ea. SCM-12
1 ea. 55-40-1-01 SPCB-12: 12 Channel Switching Control PCB (not shown)
Includes: 1 ea. SPCB-12
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1 ea. 55-40-1-03 ACPCB-12: 12 Channel AC Coupling PCB (not shown)
Includes: 1 ea. ACPCB-12
1.4.2 ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED FOR OPERATION
The following additional items are ORDERED SEPERATELY:
For SCM use ONLY:
1 ea. 55-00-1 12V Desktop Power Supply
1 ea. 55-XXX Line Cord (Country specific see sec 2.1.4 of this manual for catalog number)
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Not Shown:
Microelectrodes, Electrodes, Pipettes
Amplifier or Data Acquisition System (ex FHC APC Multichannel Neural Recording System)
Electrode Positioning System (FHC Multidrive Electrode Positioning Systems)
Host PC (Pentium II at 333 MHz or higher with 64 MB RAM running Windows 98SE, Me, 2000,
or XP)
1.4.3 REPLACEMENT ITEMS
55-00-10
DB37 Cable
55-40-6(001)
Differential Electrode Leads (1 pair)
1.4.4 OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
The following accessories are available:
55-11-0 SAF Rack Frame for Stand-Alone Modules (For use with SCM ONLY)
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1.4.5 SYSTEM CONFIGURATIONS
Basic Configuration:
Data Acquisition System
Ex. FHC APC Neural Recording
System
PAU
Electrode
Switching Configuration
Data Acquisition System
Ex. FHC APC Neural Recording
System
PCF/Analog
Output
SPCB
SCM
Analog Output
PAU
Aux
Stimulus or
Impedance
Check Module
Electrode
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1.5 CONCEPTS
1.5.1 TERMINOLOGY
AC Coupling: In an AC coupled circuit the static DC component (brought on by charge buildup at the
electrode tip for example) is removed, leaving only the components of the signal that vary with time (like the
neuronal spike.)
DC Offset: A component of the input signal that skews the time varying (AC) portion of the signal. A DC
offset “shifts” an AC waveform from a center of 0.
Driven Shield: A method of cable shielding where the input signal from the cable is copied and converted to
a low impedance signal (buffered) and sent back through the cable in the shield wiring. This eliminates any
voltage differential (capacitance) between the two wires that could attenuate the input signal.
Single Ended Recording: In single ended recording, input signals referenced to an earth ground.
Differential Recording: In differential recording, input signals are referenced to a ground (reference)
electrode in the preparation. Any signal that is equally common to both the recording and reference
electrodes is cancelled out. (This is referred to as Common Mode Rejection)
1.5.1 DESIGN DESCRIPTION
55-40-0: PAU 12 Channel Preamp Unit:
The PAU consists of 12 instrumentation amplifier circuits surface-mounted on a circuit board. The gain is
factory-set at X20. Users may set other gain amounts by installing resistors of different values into a socket
on the board. 2 jumper connectors are mounted onto the circuit board (6 channels per side). The user can
use this jumper system to set (and change at any time) selections for the mode of recording (single-ended
or differential) and shielding method (common or driven). The preamp connects directly to the electrode via
a pigtail of miniature coaxial cables. The length and termination will be user-defined and catalogued per
customer. 2 pole filtering of frequencies above 20kHz is built into the output circuit of the preamp board. The
preamp connects directly to the FHC PCF Powered Channel Frame back panel, which provides signal
transfer to the APC acquisition system and power for the preamp via a 3m cable (other lengths available).
Alternately the PAU connects directly to the SCM to insert switching capabilities into the chain. Adaptors are
available for interfacing other systems (Plexon, Neuralynx, etc), including power requirements. The preamp
is housed in an aluminum case for shielding purposes.
55-40-1-01: SCM Switching Control Module:
The SCM Switching Control Module consists of the PCB drivers necessary to control the relays of the SPCB
Switching PCB. The preamp connects to the SCM through a DB37 socket on the front panel. The SCM
outputs to an FHC Powered Channel Frame input via a DB37 connector on the SCM back panel. Pressing
the push-button on the front panel routes the input from a stimulus generator or z-check unit to the selected
channel of the preamp while disconnecting the preamp input. Pressing the push-button again disconnects
the signal in, and returns the preamp channel to record mode. A bicolor LED indicates AUX input (RED) or
AMP recording (GREEN) mode for each channel. Alternately, switching can be accomplished digitally
through a DB15 connection on the back panel of the SCM (front panel buttons override digital control). A
phono jack on the SCM front panel provides an analog out of the signal for monitoring the signal at the
preamp stage, or for connecting to a non-APC amplifier. The SCM is housed in a neuro/craft type 4
package. The module is powered with a +12V desktop power supply or daisy-chained from other neuro/craft
instruments. A rocker switch on the back panel turns the power on and off. If the SCM is going to be used
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with an APC system, it is powered through the APM connection (the rocker switch will have to be in the “Off”
position.)
55-40-1-02: SPCB Switching PCB:
The SPCB Switching PCB consists of 12 relay circuits that switch the PAU electrode interface to either
accept an input (AUX) or to pass electrode input to the preamp PCB (AMP). The switching PCB is mounted
directly to the jumper connectors on the PAU board, and to the stimulus or impedance check AUX jack of
the PAU with a slide-on spade terminal type connector. The user connects a stimulus or impedance
checking input to the AUX jack of the PAU.
55-40-1-03: ACPCB AC Coupling PCB:
The ACPCB consists of 12 coupling circuits that add a hi pass cutoff of .15 Hz to eliminate DC offset of the
input signal. The PCB mounts directly to the jumper connectors on the PAU board. There are no user
settings for this PCB
1.6 TECHNICAL SUMMARY
1.6.1 SPECIFICATIONS
PAU:
Channels: 12
Gain: Factory set X20; User selectable by replacing the gain set resistor according to the
formula: G = 1+ 50,000/R. Please see section 2.4 of this manual for instructions on changing
this resistor.
Isolation: None, Analog Common to Earth isolation is maintained to 1kVrms by the preamplifier
itself, but they are tied together by both the SCM and APC.
Input Configuration: User selectable Single Ended or Differential according to jumper settings
Input Shielding: User selectable. Shields can be either driven or tied to analog common according
to jumper settings
Input Connector: UMP H2 Pigtail 0.8/50/S Replacement leads and cable assemblies are available
from FHC in lengths up to 200cm.
Input Cable: coaxial (0.8pF/cm @ 1kHz), 1.1mm dia.
Output Connector: DB37, interfaces directly with the APC or the SCM
Analog Common Connector: Banana Jack (tied to case)
Stimulus Connector: Isolated Banana Jack (only used with SCM)
Bandwidth: DC – 20kHz (20dB/dec. high cut)
Input Over-voltage protection: ±40V maximum
Input Bias Current: 3fA typ. (25fA max)
Input Impedance: 1015 Ω, 7pF
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CMMR (60Hz): >70dB
Common Mode Range: ±11V
Cross-talk: >46dB attenuation
Offset Voltage: ±2mV
Output Voltage Range: ±14V
Weight: 265g (without any cables)
Dimensions:
Height: 1.69” (4.3cm)
Width: 3.07” (7.8cm)
Length: 4.84” (12.3cm)
Case: Anodized Aluminum, (analog common), 4 rubber feet.
Output Cable: Shielded, DB37M-M, 1.0cm dia. 3m (10’) (other lengths available).
SCM:
Channels: 12
Analog Input: Female DB37 connector
Analog Output: Female DB37 connector located on the back panel for interface with an FHC
PCF Frame. 3.5mm mono jack for each channel located on the front panel for interface with other
monitoring or processing equipment.
Digital Interface: RS232 jack on the backpanel for computer interface.
Display: Bicolor LED for each channel (RED – AUX, GREEN – AMP)
Dimensions:
Height: 1.69” (4.3cm)
Width: 3.07” (7.8cm)
Length: 4.84” (12.3cm)
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1.6.2 CONTROLS/CONNECTORS
Connections– SCM Front Panel
Analog Out: 3.5mm mono jack for interfacing with other instruments (amplifier, oscilloscope etc.)
PAU: Female DB37 connector for interfacing with the PAU.
Control – SCM Front Panel
Mode (not labeled): Pushbutton for switching between modes (AMP – recording, AUX – current
injection)
Display – SCM Front Panel
AMP/AUX, GRN/RED: Bicolor LED indicates mode for each channel (AMP – GRN, AUX – RED)
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Connections – SCM Back Panel
Power In: 2.1mm female jack. 12VDC 2A input.
Power Out: 2.1mm female jack. 12VDC pass-through outlet for daisy chaining of modules.
PCF/Analog Out: Female DB37 connector for interfacing with an FHC PCF backpanel, (for use
with APC systems) or other high channel count systems.
Digital Control: DB15 male receptacle, for PC interface.
Control – SCM Back Panel
0|I: Rocker switch used to activate power.
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Connections – PAU
COM: female jack for common ground connection on all electrode channels.
1-12 (+,-): Spade connectors for connection of the 50-40-6 electrode connection cable. Allows
connection of two electrodes per channel (+ and – polarity) for differential recording.
AUX: Female jack for connecting injection current (stimulus, impedance check etc.)
Output: Female DB37 connector for interfacing with PCF or SCM.
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1.6.3 COMPATIBILITIES
The PAU preamp is designed to interface directly to the FHC PCF Powered Channel Frame for
use with the APC acquisition system. Adaptors are available for interfacing with other available data
acquisition systems (Plexon, CED, etc.)
1.7 ILLUSTRATIVE PROCEDURE
1. The PAU shielding and recording jumpers are factory set for single ended, driven shield
recording. If a different configuration is needed, open the PAU and arrange the jumpers to
change.
2. Connect the electrode cable to the appropriate channels of the PAU.
3. Connect the PAU to either the data acquisition system or SCM front panel.
4. If applicable, connect the output of the current injection instrument (stimulator or impedance
check) to the AUX jack of the PAU.
5. If applicable, connect the COM jack to a ground reference. It is suggested that the ground
reference be the same for all elements of the recording setup.
6. Connect the connection cable to the electrode, position electrode into place, and perform
recording.
7. To inject current or test impedance, select the channels by pressing the appropriate pushbutton
on the front panel of the SCM. Ensure that the LED for the selected channel is RED. Apply
current from the stimulus generator or measure impedance.
8. To change between AUX and recording mode at any time, press the appropriate channel
pushbutton.
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2 REFERENCE MANUAL
2.1 GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1.1 PACKAGING
The stand-alone modules of the neuro/craft series instruments are packaged in metal cases, which
consist of standard 5.25" high front panels. Front panel widths are specified as Type 2 modules (2.05"
actual), Type 4 modules (4.15" actual), and Type 6 modules (6.25" actual) Front panels are mounted on
extruded top and bottom panels. Flat side panels slide into slots in the extrusions, and are held in place
when the back panel is secured into the extrusion. All modules are 9.75" in depth.
Type 2 Module
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Type 6 Module
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The neuro/craft series instruments designated as Unit (as in PAU Preamp Unit) are designed to be
modular in nature. Generally located close to the subject, they are tethered through either captive or
detachable cabling to the stand-alone or channel type instruments. Shown above are two examples of this
type of packaging (a PAU type box to the left and an MCU type box on the right.). If the packaging will
require opening in order to set or calibrate, that will be described in the relevant instruction sections of the
manual.
2.1.2 MOUNTING
All stand-alone modules are completely encased and can be used without further mounting or
hardware. Provided rubber feet may be used to protect surfaces from scratching. However, it may be
suitable to group modules, and we have made provision for several configurations. The SAF-08 Rack
Frame for Stand-Alone Modules (cat #55-11-0) will hold up to eight Type 2 modules, four Type 4 modules,
or two Type 6 modules and 2 ea. Type 2 Dress Panels (cat #55-11-1 use optional), while occupying only 3
rack units (5.25") vertically on a standard 19” instrument rack. Several combinations are available for all of
the neuroCraft series stand-alone modules. For example an SAF frame could accommodate 3-Type 2, 1Type 4, and 1-Type 6 within its 16" of horizontal rack space.
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SAF-08 Rack Frame For Stand-Alone Modules
(Shown with a neuroCraft Type 2 Module)
Dress Panels for SAF-08 (Ordered Separately):
• 55-11-1 Type 2 Dress Panel
2.1.3 INSPECTION
FHC Modules are factory checked and calibrated but should be carefully inspected upon receipt,
before using, or activating power. If any exterior damage to the shipping carton is noted, the
instrument(s) should be inspected for obvious physical damage. The contents of each package
should be physically checked against the inventory list (sec. 1.3) to determine shortages or errors in
inventory.
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2.1.4 POWER CONNECTIONS
SCM Use Only:
All of the stand-alone modules in the NeuroCraft series are powered by a desktop 12V power supply.
(input:100-240VAC, 50-60Hz, 1.7A output: +12VDC,5000mA) (Cat. # 55-00-1) An international pattern
Line Cord (not shown) is ordered separately, and is specified by country per the catalog number. (See
table below for catalog numbers.) Additionally, the power transfer cord (not shown) supplied with the
NeuroCraft stand-alone modules can be used to "daisy-chain" the power between other instruments in
the series from one power supply. The amount of modules powered from one supply is determined by
the amount of current drawn by each module. Contact Technical Services at (207) 666-8190 for
assistance.
55-AUS
55-CH
55-DAN
55-EURO
55-ISR
55-ITA
55-JA
55-SAF
55-SWI
55-UK
55-USA
Australia
China
Denmark
Europe
Israel
Italy
Japan
South Africa
Switzerland
United Kingdom
North America
2.1.5 WARRANTY
All FHC products are unconditionally guaranteed against defects in workmanship for one year from
date of shipment as long as they have been exposed to normal and proper use. Although the one
year warranty may have expired, please contact our Service Department before attempting any
repairs or alterations. Many of these repairs will still be performed at the factory at no charge to the
customer.
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2.1.6 POLICIES
1.TECHNICAL SUPPORT: It is our policy to provide our customers with the most comprehensive
technical support in the industry. If any questions arise or problems occur, we encourage you to call
or write and we promise to promptly and comprehensively respond to your requirements.
2.TRADE-UP POLICY: It is our policy to offer customers trade-up ability as new and/or expanded
capabilities for their instruments are announced. In many cases, full credit will be given. In general,
we will allow 100% credit for two years and depreciate 20% per year thereafter. Please contact our
Marketing Department for information relating to your particular situation.
2.1.7 SERVICE
Should service be required, please contact our Service Department for return instructions
(207-666-8190). Please have the model and serial number on hand. Carefully pack the instrument
before returning.
Please include a note indicating:
1. The model number and purchase date of the instrument
2. The person to contact if questions arise
3. The "symptoms" indicating that repair is necessary
If the instrument is not covered by the warranty, a quotation will be forwarded to the sender detailing
the necessary repairs and charges, before the repair is begun.
2.2 INSTALLATION
Describes in explicit detail how to initially set up the product.
2.3 FUNCTIONAL CHECKOUT
Describes initial tests to ensure functionality before use.
2.4 OPERATIONAL INFORMATION
Describes in technical detail how to operate the product
.
2.5 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE
The Multichannel Preamp components are not user repairable or serviceable. The functional checkout
in section 2.3 of this manual should be performed on a yearly basis. If any discrepancies are found,
please contact Technical Services at (207) 666-8190 to discuss..
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