Corrected version of ssu_jan04.arb !!! !!!! Bit string filters (can be recognized as sucho in the primary structure editor: indicated by 'bit'; consisting of '+' and '.'; SAI group 'filter') are not crrectly aligned in ssu_jan04.arb !!!!! Filters, trees and groups have been corrected in ssu_jan04_corr_opt.arb ssu_jan04*.arb is an update of ssu_jan03.arb !!!Caution!!! This database contains fields with higher than '0' protection levels assigned. (This was done to indicate those databse fields which contain entries derived from the public source databases and to prevent them from overwriting) !!!Whenever you peform database optimization ('file' menu of the ARB_NT window) take care to switch to protection '6' (pop up menu in the upper right of the ARB_NT window)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Entries in fileds with higher protection levels than '0' probably might be damaged if your ARB_NT protection is lower than that of the respective fields. This bug will be removed in the next software release. For further information on updates in ssu_jan04 see 'database description' which is visualized when selecting the save options from the 'file' menu in the ARB main window. Information on tree reconstruction and filters can be visualized using the tree_admin tool To adapt your current ARB database version it is recommended to use the most recent release of the ARB software pakage. In this version the merge tool allows to use SAIs for adaptation of the alignments. In case you were using ssujun03.arb alignment as template for your additional data and didn't insert additional alignment gaps, the following procedure is recommended: Before merging, take care that your datbase is formatted (in 'ARB_NT' window: 'Sequence' > 'Sequence/Alignment Admin' > 'Format'. The new ARB software reminds you any time you start it or can be customised to automatically format the database (my choice). Furhtermore, check for damaged sequence data. (Damaging my occure occasionally working with not formatted sequences or importing 'poisoned' sequences (never pass data through MS windows or similar word processors!!!). Checking for 'poisoned' sequences can be done by searching (SEARCH and QUERY') for all 'species', 'More Functions' > 'Modify fields of listed ..' > 'Count poisonde characters ..' The searching result is stored in the fiels 'poisoned' and should be '0'. If not, remove, correct or replace the respective entries! Take care to synchronise the 'name' entries ('Check Names ...') before searching or transferring any data!!! Serach for the sequences in 'Database I' you want to transfer. ! Empty 'Search string' field means: compare the respective field in 'Database I' and 'Database II' for identity or difference according to your selection in 'QUERY TYPE'. To adopt the alignments check 'Preserve Alignment' (we know, it's misleading, term will be changed), press 'SELECT'. In the window popping up press 'Find candidates', select 'gap_updt_jan03' and press 'Add'. Then press the respective 'Transfer ..' button of the 'TRANSFER SPECIES' window. In case your database is not based upon a previous ARB database release or the alignmet has been substantially modified try to 'Add' a selection of 'species' present in both databases and 'related' to those you want to transfer. See also the information accessible via the 'HELP' buttons of the respective windows. WL, Aug04