Decade of Data
QBLAST Provides Quick Reformat Feature
A queuing system has been implemented for both Basic and Advanced BLAST. The new “QBLAST” system offers rapid reformatting of search results and enhances server performance by reducing the connection time with each user. The BLAST algorithm has not changed; QBLAST simply offers a modular approach that separates the search step from the output formatting step.
Previously, an output format had to be specified prior to running a BLAST search. To change formats, it was necessary to completely rerun the BLAST search. QBLAST saves the results under a Request ID number, which is then used to retrieve them in the desired formats. For secure data retrieval, Request IDs are unique numbers, containing a random component, and are not issued in sequential order. Therefore it is not possible for users to change any digit in their Request ID and receive the results of another person’s search.
To initiate a search, enter a sequence query as usual and press Search. A Formatting page reporting your Request ID and showing all the display options will be returned. At this point, you can wait at your browser for the search to finish, or jot down the Request ID and use it to call up the results later. To view results immediately, press the Format button and they will be displayed as soon as the search is completed. To view results later, go to “Click here to retrieve results if you already have a Request ID”, and enter your Request ID number. Although a few very large files will be deleted after 30 minutes, most results will be held for up to 24 hours.
From the Formatting page, you can choose from six alignment formats, adjust the number of alignments and descriptions, and toggle the display of both NCBI gi numbers and the graphical overview. To change output formats, simply select your entry and press the Format button again.
—DW
