Additional Accessory Research Articles

Legal Protection of Creditors Against Letters of Undertaking as Additional Agreements

This research aims to learn about the Legal Protection of Creditors Against Letters of Undertaking as Additional Agreements. The research method is normative juridical, using deductive thinking and library data collection. One of them is using the Legal Protection Theory to examine problems in LoUs between debtors and creditors so that debtors commit themselves to fulfilling obligations so that they get their rights by bank rules and applicable laws and regulations in the event of payment failure or default with the conclusion of preventive and repressive measures. This research found that a Letter of Undertaking (LoU) is part of an additional agreement or accessory and an alternative third-party guarantee in the form of a statement of the promissory note to fulfil an obligation made by the Debtor. In this modern and rapidly developing era, LoUs are born as credit guarantees or financing in various fields of construction projects, infrastructure projects, and tender bonds, which are used to facilitate business to help smooth national and international trade transactions.

Product Development of Smartphone Accessories for Solo Creators for Self-Monitoring during Video Recording for Social Media Content

This paper aims to explore the development of new products from the Industrial Design Approach as smartphone accessories that help solo content creators as a new career in the new media revolution. Recognizing the limitations of recording via smartphones today, with features such as slow-motion video and better quality missing from existing smartphone selfie (front) cameras, additional accessory product projects were developed as a solution for solo creators of video content on social media to record themselves they use the back of the smartphone camera. This product is developed from problem-solving and supported with features that can give users a better smartphone screen display while recording videos.

The heterogenous and diverse population of prophages in Mycobacterium genomes.

Bacterial genomes commonly carry one or more integrated prophages, although prophage prevalence varies greatly in different bacterial genera and species. We have used the recently developed DEPhT software to discover prophages present in sequenced Mycobacterium genomes. Prophages are unevenly distributed among mycobacteria; Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are devoid of intact prophages, whereas 75% of Mycobacterium abscessus-chelonae strains carry at least one prophage, and some have up to nine. Newly discovered prophage sequences are generally distinct from those of lytic phages isolated using Mycobacterium smegmatis as a host, although assembly of over 3,800 phage and prophage genomes into clusters based on shared sequence similarity yields seven clusters containing both phage and prophage genomes. M. abscessus prophages use a usually large repertoire of attB sites for prophage integration, and new integration-proficient vectors demonstrate the functionality of integration systems identified in silico and provide tools useful for advancing M. abscessus genetics. Genomic analysis reveals additional accessory and likely mobile parts of Mycobacterium genomes including defective prophages, prophage-like regions, and satellite elements proposed to be candidate phage-inducible chromosomal islands (PICIs). M. abscessus prophages and PICIs are unusual in that they often encode phage-encoded ESX-secreted toxin (PEST) systems that are located adjacent to the phage integration functions and are lysogenically expressed and likely provide a fitness advantage to their host. IMPORTANCE Mycobacterium species include several human pathogens and mycobacteriophages show potential for therapeutic use to control Mycobacterium infections. However, phage infection profiles vary greatly among Mycobacterium abscessus clinical isolates and phage therapies must be personalized for individual patients. Mycobacterium phage susceptibility is likely determined primarily by accessory parts of bacterial genomes, and we have identified the prophage and phage-related genomic regions across sequenced Mycobacterium strains. The prophages are numerous and diverse, especially in M. abscessus genomes, and provide a potentially rich reservoir of new viruses that can be propagated lytically and used to expand the repertoire of therapeutically useful phages.

Mineralogical and radiometric studies of granitic rocks in Wadi Sabbagh area, south Sinai, Egypt

Wadi Sabbagh area is located at southern part of Sinai Peninsula. It is constrained by Latitudes 28° 05´ and 28° 15´ N and Longitudes 34° 00´ and 34° 15´ E. Gneisses, migmatites, metasediments, syn-and post-orogenic granites, in addition to pegmatites and post-granitic dykes are the main rock units encountered in this area. Geological, petrological and geochemical studies indicate that there are two distinct suites of granitoids: older tonalite to granodiorite assemblage and younger two phases (monzo- to syenogranites and alkaline granites). The field radiometric survey and lab investigations indicate that, the anomalous uranium contents are mainly restricted to the pegmatites and altered monzogranites. The eU contents of pegmatites reach up to 168 ppm with an average 117 ppm, while the eTh reach up to 257 ppm with an average 175 ppm. The eTh/eU ratios range from 1.1 to 2.4 with an average 1.6. In the altered monzogranites, eU reachs up to 305 ppm with an average of 126 ppm. The eTh reaches up to 382 ppm with an average of 166 ppm. The average values of Ra and K are 60 ppm and 2.93 wt percentage, respectively. The average values eTh/eU ratios in the examined anomalies monzgranites (1.56) indicating addition of uranium. The high eU and eTh contents may be attributed to the secondary ascending hydrothermal solutions that lead to the accumulation of radioactive mineralizations mostly along fractures, faults and shear districts. The recognized radioactive minerals in the studied pegmatites are thorite, uranothorite, zircon, fluorite, columbite, samarskite, monazite, xenotime and allanite, whereas thorite, uranothorite, zircon and fluorite are the foremost radioactive minerals in the altered younger granites. Additional accessory minerals such as ilmenite, magnetite, hematite, pyrite and rutile were found in the studied pegmatites. Hematite, magnetite and pyrite are the foremost accessories accompanying the radioactive minerals in the altered younger granites.

Novel modified endoscopic mucosal resection of large GI lesions (>\u200920\u2009mm) using an external additional working channel (AWC) may improve R0 resection rate: initial clinical experience

BackgroundEn-bloc resection of large, flat dysplastic mucosal lesions of the luminal GI tract can be challenging. In order to improve the efficacy of resection for lesions ≥2 cm and to optimize R0 resection rates of lesions suspected of harboring high-grade dysplasia or early adenocarcinoma, a novel grasp and snare EMR technique utilizing a novel over the scope additional accessory channel, termed EMR Plus (EMR+), was developed. The aim of this pilot study is to describe the early safety and efficacy data from the first in human clinical cases.MethodsA novel external over-the-scope additional working channel (AWC) (Ovesco, Tuebingen, Germany) was utilized for the EMR+ procedure, allowing a second endoscopic device to be used through the AWC while using otherwise standard endoscopic equipment. The EMR+ technique allows tissue retraction and a degree of triangulation during endoscopic resection. We performed EMR+ procedure in 6 patients between 02/2018–12/2018 for lesions in the upper and lower GI tract.ResultsThe EMR+ technique utilizing the AWC was performed successfully in 6 resection procedures of the upper and/or lower GI tract in 6 patients in 2 endoscopy centers. All resections were performed successfully with the EMR+ technique, all achieving an R0 resection. No severe adverse events occurred in any of the procedures.ConclusionsThe EMR+ technique, utilizing an additional working channel, had an acceptable safety and efficacy profile in this preliminary study demonstrating it’s first use in humans. This technique may allow an additional option to providers to remove complex, large mucosal-based lesions in the GI tract using standard endoscopic equipment and a novel AWC device.

The Influence of Brass Compensator Thickness and Field Size on Neutron Contamination Spectrum in 18MV Elekta SL 75/25 Medical Linear Accelerator with and without Flattening Filter: A Monte Carlo Study

One of the most significant Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy treatment benefits is a high target to normal tissue dose ratio. To improve this advantage, an additional accessory such as a compensator is used to deliver doses. Compensator-based IMRT treatment is usually operated with an energy higher than 10 MV. Photoneutrons, which have high linear energy transfer and radiobiological effectiveness, are produced by colliding high-energy photon beams with linear accelerator structures, then they deliver the unwanted doses to patients and staff. Therefore, the neutron energy spectra should be determined in order to calculate and reduce the photoneutron risk. We have conducted a comprehensive and precise study on the influence of brass compensator thickness and field size on neutron contamination spectrum in an Elekta SL 75/25 medical linear accelerator with and without the flattening filter by Monte Carlo method. MCNPX MC Code version 2.6.0 was utilized to simulate the detailed geometry of Elekta SL 75/25 head components based on Linac's manual. This code includes an important feature to simulate the photo-neutron interactions. Photoneutrons spectrum was calculated after the Linac output benchmarking based on tuning the primary electron beam. Based on the Friedman and Wilcoxon nonparametric tests results (P<0.05), photoneutron fluence directly depends on the field size and compensator thickness. Moreover, the unflattened beam provides lower photoneutron fluence than the flattened beam. Photoneutrons fluence is not negligible in compensator-based IMRT treatment. However, in order to optimize treatment plans, this additional and unwanted dose must be accounted for patientss.

The integrated lensing effect and its application in single cell refractive index measurement in a dual-fiber optical trap

We have fully investigated the integrated lensing effect that the beam suffers in a dual-fiber optical trap. A modified model for coupling of a beam to the opposing fiber has been built in consideration of the integrated lensing effect. We discussed the effect of z-axial position, radius and refractive index of the trapped sphere on the coupling efficiency using the modified coupling coefficient model. The measured and calculated coupling efficiency as a function of z-axial position have the same tendency in the allowable error. Comparison among above simulation and experiment has made clear that the magnitude relation between the smallest spot size and the mode field radius decide whether the spot size matching or wavefront phase matching dominate the coupling coefficient. What’s more, we point out that the dependence of relative coupling coefficient on the refractive index has knee point. That is an obstacle to the application of single live cell refractive index measurement method based on lensing effect. Nevertheless, this method is absorbing and promising because there is a linear range for the known experimental parameters in an optical trap, and it needs no additional accessory.

Feasibility of an In-House Phantom for Mechanical and Geometrical QA

We designed an in-house phantom for mechanical quality assurance (QA) and compared its performance against commercial available QA tools. The QA phantom is an acrylic cubic shape with dimensions of 150 mm × 150 mm × 150 mm, and with a pocket into which various adapter plates can be inserted. The plates were classified into three types (A, B, and C) according to their location and shape. An additional accessory can be used to check the alignment of lasers to the center of CT image scans. We evaluated the usefulness of the phantom by checking mechanical isocentricity, field size accuracy, isocenter and position coincidence between the treatment beam and the image guidance systems, and alignment of the lasers. All the tests carried out were within the tolerance limits. The isocenter of the gantry and collimator was within 1 mm and the field size was within 2 mm for both the commercial tool and the new phantom. The kV image of the isocenter was within 0.5 mm for both the commercial tool and the new phantom and that of the displacement of the off-center position from the isocenter was within 0.5 mm for both phantoms. Displacement between the laser origin and the center of a CT image scan was within 0.5 mm for the commercial tool and new phantom. The developed phantom can also be used to easily check the geometrical and mechanical parameters of medical linear accelerators (LINAC) and CT simulators.

Tamper asymmetry and its effect on transmission for x-ray driven opacity simulations

This paper reports on synthetic transmission results from Lasnex [Zimmerman and Kruer, Comments Plasma Phys. 2, 51 (1975)] radiation-hydrodynamics simulations of opacity experiments carried out at Sandia National Laboratories' recently upgraded ZR facility. The focus is on experiments utilizing disk targets composed of a half-moon Fe/Mg mixture tamped on either end with 10-μm CH and an additional 35-μm beryllium tamper accessory on the end facing the spectrometer. Five x-ray sources with peak power ranging from 10 to 24 TW were used in the simulations to heat and backlight the opacity target. The dominant effect is that the beryllium behind the Fe/Mg mixture is denser and more opaque than the beryllium unshielded by metal during the times of greatest importance for the transmission measurement for all drives. This causes the simulated transmission to be lower than expected, and this is most pronounced for the case using the lowest drive power. While beryllium has a low opacity, its areal density is sufficiently high such that the expected reduction of the measured transmission is significant. This situation leads to an overestimate of iron opacity by 10%–215% for a photon energy range of 975–1775 eV for the 10-TW case. It is shown that if the tamper conditions are known, the transmission through each component of the target can be calculated and the resulting opacity can be corrected.

Identification and characterization of the genes encoding carbon monoxide dehydrogenase in Terrabacter carboxydivorans

Terrabacter carboxydivorans is able to grow aerobically at low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) as a sole source of carbon and energy. The genes for carbon monoxide dehydrogenase (CO-DH) were cloned from T. carboxydivorans and analyzed. The operon encoding T. carboxydivorans CO-DH was composed of three structural genes with the transcriptional order of cutB, cutC and cutA, as well as an additional accessory gene (orf4). Phylogenetic analysis of CutA revealed that T. carboxydivorans CO-DH was classified into a group distinct from previously characterized CO-DHs. Expression of antisense RNA for the cutB or cutA gene in T. carboxydivorans led to a decrease in CO-DH activity, confirming that cutBCA genes are the functional genes encoding CO-DH. The CO-DH operon was expressed even in the absence of CO and further inducible by CO. In addition, CO-DH synthesis was increased in the stationary phase compared to the exponential phase during heterotrophic growth on glucose and glycerol. Point mutations of a partially inverted repeat sequence (TCGGA-N6-GCCCA) in the upstream region of the cutB gene almost abolished expression of the CO-DH operon, indicating that the inverted-repeat sequence might be a cis-acting regulatory site for the positive regulation of the CO-DH operon.

Using whole genome sequencing to identify resistance determinants and predict antimicrobial resistance phenotypes for year 2015 invasive pneumococcal disease isolates recovered in the United States

Our whole genome sequence (WGS) pipeline was assessed for accurate prediction of antimicrobial phenotypes. For 2316 invasive pneumococcal isolates recovered during 2015 we compared WGS pipeline data to broth dilution testing (BDT) for 18 antimicrobials. For 11 antimicrobials categorical discrepancies were assigned when WGS-predicted MICs and BDT MICs predicted different categorizations for susceptibility, intermediate resistance or resistance, ranging from 0.9% (tetracycline) to 2.9% (amoxicillin). For β-lactam antibiotics, the occurrence of at least four-fold differences in MIC ranged from 0.2% (meropenem) to 1.0% (penicillin), although phenotypic retesting resolved 25%–78% of these discrepancies. Non-susceptibility to penicillin, predicted by penicillin-binding protein types, was 2.7% (non-meningitis criteria) and 23.8% (meningitis criteria). Other common resistance determinants included mef (475 isolates), ermB (191 isolates), ermB + mef (48 isolates), tetM (261 isolates) and cat (51 isolates). Additional accessory resistance genes (tetS, tet32, aphA-3, sat4) were rarely detected (one to three isolates). Rare core genome mutations conferring erythromycin-resistance included a two-codon rplD insertion (rplD69-KG-70) and the 23S rRNA A2061G substitution (six isolates). Intermediate cotrimoxazole-resistance was associated with one or two codon insertions within folP (238 isolates) or the folA I100L substitution (38 isolates), whereas full cotrimoxazole-resistance was attributed to alterations in both genes (172 isolates). The two levofloxacin-resistant isolates contained parC and/or gyrA mutations. Of 11 remaining isolates with moderately elevated MICs to both ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin, seven contained parC or gyrA mutations. The two rifampin-resistant isolates contained rpoB mutations. WGS-based antimicrobial phenotype prediction was an informative alternative to BDT for invasive pneumococci.

Studies on the benthic genus Sinophysis (Dinophysales, Dinophyceae): I. a taxonomic investigation from Martinique Island, including two new species and elucidation of the epithecal plate pattern

:The benthic dinoflagellate genus Sinophysis is known from tropical and temperate areas with seven species described. To date, none of them has been fully characterized, and the epithecal plate pattern remains unclear at the genus level. A taxonomic investigation from Martinique Island facilitated the characterization of six species: Sinophysis microcephala, Sinophysis ebriola, Sinophysis stenosoma, Sinophysis cf. verruculosa and two new species. They were studied and illustrated by light and scanning electron microscopy. The two new species, Sinophysis hoppenrathiana sp. nov. and Sinophysis vespertilio sp. nov., were characterized morphologically and shown to differ from all existing species. The cells of S. hoppenrathiana sp. nov. were medium-sized, 32–40 μm long and 23–30 μm deep. They had a peculiar ovate shape, a small crown-like epitheca and the hypotheca was ornamented by shallow alveolae. Cells of S. vespertilio sp. nov. were small, 26–31 μm long and 20–25 μm deep. They were oval in shape with a medium epitheca, and thecal plates were devoid of ornamentation. The epithecal plate pattern was elucidated using scanning electron microscopy. In all species, the epitheca was asymmetrical, pointing to the right ventral side and composed of four epithecal plates E and two apical plates A. The E1 plate was the most ventral but partially hidden by projections of other plates. The large plate E2 bordered the cingulum on the left side, while the large plates E3 and smaller plate E4 were on the right side. Two other plates, A1 and A2, were located more apically, or on the left epithecal side, and encircled a large apical pore. These plates formed prominent projections in all species. In some species, an additional accessory pore was observed more ventrally and located on the suture between E1 and E2. The relative sizes of epithecal plates were variable among the species. These results confirmed that the pattern is consistent with Dinophysales but with a very different arrangement. The generic diagnosis of Sinophysis is emended to encompass these findings.

Development and Evaluation of Schematic Simulation Board for Automotive EFI System Trainer

Objectives: In this study is to evaluate the possibility of introducing innovation to the existing Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) by developing a Schematic Simulation Board (SBB) as an additional accessory. Methods: In this innovation, a Toyota 4A-FE engine (Japan surplus) trainer is used. The schematic diagram of the EFI trainer is determined since appropriate service manual was unavailable. The SBB is then developed and integrated to the EFI trainer. Possible laboratory and learning activities are then identified based on the capabilities of the trainer. Lastly, an evaluation on the usability and acceptability on the integration of SSB to an EFI trainer is conducted based on pre-determined criteria. Findings: The enhanced trainer has a very unique design in which the laboratory set-up procedures can be accomplished with greater accuracy in less time due to its plug and unplug features. It is more presentable because the component assemblies and wiring connections are properly fitted. It can also provide consistent performance and has an easy access for maintenance and servicing in the future. With the enhanced trainer, several laboratory activities related to EFI systems can be easily undertaken. Among these are demonstration of EFI system operation, testing EFI system individual circuit components, fault simulation and troubleshooting of EFI system failure, and many other laboratory activities. From the evaluation conducted, majority of the respondents strongly agreed on the usability and acceptability of the SSB. Application/Improvements: With the SSB, it is expected that the principles and operation of EFI system can be efficiently explained and understood by an average user and can be presented and demonstrated in a simplified manner.

Identification of minority resistance mutations in the HIV-1 integrase coding region using next generation sequencing

BackgroundThe current widely applied standard method to screen for HIV-1 genotypic resistance is based on Sanger population sequencing (Sseq), which does not allow for the identification of minority variants (MVs) below the limit of detection for the Sseq-method in patients receiving integrase strand-transfer inhibitors (INSTI). Next generation sequencing (NGS) has facilitated the detection of MVs at a much deeper level than Sseq. ObjectivesHere, we compared Illumina MiSeq and Sseq approaches to evaluate the detection of MVs involved in resistance to the three commonly used INSTI: raltegravir (RAL), elvitegravir (EVG) and dolutegravir (DTG). Study designNGS and Sseq were used to analyze RT-PCR products of the HIV-1 integrase coding region from six patients and in serial samples from two patients. NGS sequences were assembled and analyzed using the low frequency variant detection (LFVDT) tool in CLC genomic workbench. ResultsSseq detected INSTI resistance and accessory mutations in three of the patients (called INSTI Res+), while no resistance or accessory mutations were detected in the remaining three patients (called INSTI Res-). Additional INSTI resistance and/or accessory mutations were detected by NGS analysis of integrase sequences from all three INSTI Res+ and one INSTI Res- patient. ConclusionOur observations suggested that NGS demonstrated a higher sensitivity than sSEQ in the identification of INSTI relevant MVs both in patients at treatment baseline and in patients receiving INSTI therapy. Thus NGS can be a valuable tool in monitoring of antiretroviral minority resistance in patients receiving INSTI therapy.

Catheter ablation of an elusive accessory pathway in Ebstein's anomaly – Innovative surrogate for electroanatomic mapping

Ebstein's anomaly accounts for < 1% of congenital heart diseases, the hallmark of which is the downward apical displacement of the tricuspid valve and cardinal albeit variable clinical symptoms of cyanosis, right-sided heart failure and arrhythmias.1,2 The typical echocardiographic feature of the disease is the apical displacement of the septal leaflet of tricuspid leaflet relative to the anterior mitral leaflet greater than 8.0 mm/m2.1 In Ebstein's anomaly manifest accessory pathways have been reported in 5–25% patients and half of these have multiple accessory pathways, mainly located on the right side. Paroxysmal atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) may occur in 25%–30% of patients on account of these manifest and additional concealed accessory pathways.3,4 We report a case of successful radiofrequency catheter ablation in a patient with Ebstein's anomaly who had earlier undergone two failed attempts.

ラブドウイルス

The family Rhabdoviridae has a non-segmented single stranded negative-sense RNA and its genome ranges in size from approximately 11 kb to almost 16 kb. It is one of the most ecologically diverse families of RNA viruses with members infecting a wide range of organisms. The five structural protein genes are arranged in the same linear order (3'-N-P-M-G-L-5') and may be interspersed with one more additional accessory gene. For many years, a full of knowledge of the rhabdoviridae has been established on extensive studies of two kinds of prototype viruses; vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and rabies virus (RABV). Among them, the genus Lyssavirus includes RABV and rabies-related viruses naturally infect mammals and chiropterans via bite-exposure by rabid animals and finally cause fatal encephalitis. In this review, we describe the sketch of the various virological features of the Rhabdoviridae, especially focusing on VSV and RABV.

Decoding the roles of pilotins and accessory proteins in secretin escort services

Secretins are channels that allow translocation of macromolecules across the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria. Virulence, natural competence, and motility are among the functions mediated by these large oligomeric protein assemblies. Filamentous phage also uses secretins to exit their bacterial host without causing cell lysis. However, the secretin is only a part of a larger membrane-spanning complex, and additional proteins are often required for its formation. A class of outer membrane lipoproteins called pilotins has been implicated in secretin assembly and/or localization. Additional accessory proteins may also be involved in secretin stability. Significant progress has recently been made toward deciphering the complex interactions required for functional secretin assembly. To allow for easier comparison between different systems, we have classified the secretins into five different classes based on their requirements for proteins involved in their assembly, localization, and stability. An overview of pilotin and accessory protein structures, functions, and characterized modes of interaction with the secretin is presented.

Pediatric robotic surgery: A single-institutional review of the first 100 consecutive cases

Robotic surgery is a new technology which may expand the variety of operations a surgeon can perform with minimally invasive techniques. We present a retrospective review of our first 100 consecutive robotic cases in children. A three-arm robot was used with one camera arm and two instrument arms. Additional accessory ports were utilized as necessary. Two different attending surgeons performed the procedures. Twenty-four different types of procedures were completed using the robot. The majority of the procedures (89%) were abdominal procedures with 11% thoracic. No urology or cardiac procedures were performed. Age ranged from 1 day to 23 years with an average age of 8.4 years. Weight ranged from 2.2 to 103 kg with a median weight of 27.9 kg. Twenty-two patients were less than 10.0 kg. Examples of cases included gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, hepatobiliary, surgical oncology, and congenital anomalies. The overall majority of cases had never been performed minimally invasively by the authors. The overall intraoperative conversion rate to open surgery was 13%. One case (1%) was converted to thoracoscopic because of lack of domain for the articulating instruments. No conversions or complications occurred as a result of injuries from the robotic instruments. Interestingly, four abdominal cases were converted to open surgery due to equipment failures or injuries from standard laparoscopic instruments used through non-robotic accessory ports. Robotic surgery is safe and effective in children. An enormous variety of cases can be safely performed including complex cases in neonates and small children. Simple operations such as cholecystectomies have minimal advantages by using robotic technology but can serve as excellent teaching tools for residents and newcomers to this form of minimally invasive surgery (MIS). The technology is ideal for complex hepatobiliary cases and thoracic surgery, particularly solid chest masses.

From Spain to the Balkans: Textile Torah Scroll Accessories in the Sephardi Communities of the Balkans

The article deals with the development of three accessories of the Sephardic Torah scroll: the Torah binder–a narrow and long strip which fastened both parts of the scroll; the Torah wrapper–which protects the parchment; and the Torah mantle–the exterior covering of the Torah scroll. These textile accessories originate in the Talmudic mapppah/ miṭpaḥat , a square piece of fabric which, in the ancient period, was used to wrap the Torah scroll. This object turned out to be the origin of the European means of protecting and adorning the Torah scroll. While in Ashkenazi communities only the Binder and the Mantle are customary, the uniqueness of the Sephardi tradition is an additional accessory–the Wrapper. The Wrapper, a fabric equal in height to that of the parchment, is wound around the staves, and is customary to this very day in the Sephardic Diaspora. Although the Binder and the Mantle are common to all European and Sephardi communities, in the latter these ceremonial objects have unique visual features. One of them is the use of precious fabrics, mainly brocades and gold embroidered fabrics. Such a magnificent background did not encourage the development of dedicatory inscriptions, on the one hand, but on the other it did encourage the recycling of precious textiles that had previously served in other capacities in daily life. The article is based on the documentation of ceremonial objects from various collections as well as on Rabbinic literature and field research in Sephardi synagogues in Israel and abroad.

Analysis of Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Samples by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES), Using Pneumatic Nebulizer and Standard Spray Chamber

Abstract A method has been developed for accurate quantitative determination of additive elements and wear metals in gasoline and diesel fuel in the concentration range of 0 to 50 ppm using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). This method requires an ICP capable of detecting metals at the 0.02 mg/kg level, and capable of linear calibration over the range of 0.05 to 20.0 mg/kg with a correlation coefficient of 0.9999 or better. No additional ICP-AES accessory or lengthy sample preparation is required. The PerkinElmer Optima 4300 has been shown to meet this requirement.