An improved error bound for a finite element approximation of a model for phase separation of a multi-component alloy

Using the approach of Rulla (1996 SIAM J. Numer. Anal. 33, 68-87)for analysing the time discretization error and assuming moreregularity on the initial data, we improve on the error boundderived by Barrett and Blowey (1996 IMA J. Numer. Anal. 16,257-287) for a fully practical piecewise linear finite elementapproximation with a backward Euler time discretization of amodel for phase separation of a multi-component alloy.     

Seltenerd-Trennung durch verbesserte Craig-Verteilung mit einer vollautomatischen,erweiterten Apparatur

Summary For the separation of mixed rare earth (RE) nitrates by Craig-distribution between nitric acid and tri-n-butylphosphate an improved apparatus was used: 200 elements (tubes) and automatic operation instead of 160 elements and operation by hand. A comparison of the separation was made and the efficiency characterised by the practical separation coefficients _eff and the effective distribution numbern. The new apparatus yielded a better separation of the same quantity ofRE-nitrates or the same separation of a bigger quantity. The conditions seem especially apted for the separation of the heavier yttrium earths.

     

Die chemische Zersetzung von Seltenerd-Nitraten: Eine neue Methode zur Anreicherung schwerer Yttererdnitrate im kg-Maßstab

Summary On addition of oxidizable organic substances to molten rare earth nitrates reaction takes place with evolution of nitric oxides and formation of basic nitrates, the two-step hydrolysis of which results in effective enrichment of heavy yttrium earths (YE) from rare earth mixtures in kg-quantities. Using methanol as reducing agent the reaction takes place at 160°C, much lower than using the method of purely thermal decomposition. In both methods after the first hydrolysis step a productYE(OH)_1.5(NO₃)_1.5·H₂O can be isolated.

     

Investigation of the quantitative properties of the quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer with electrospray ionisation using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine

This paper describes the investigation of the potential of a quadrupole orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometer (Q-TOF) equipped with an atmospheric pressure ionisation interface for quantitative measurements of small molecules separated by reversed phase liquid chromatography. To this end, the detection limits and linear dynamic range in particular were studied in an LC/MS/MS experiment using 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine standards and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine for internal standardisation. In a second phase, the experiment was repeated with real biological extracts (whole blood, serum, and vitreous humour). A calibration for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine and its metabolite 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine was prepared in each of these matrices again using 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine as internal standard. The resulting quantitative data were compared with those obtained by liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection for the same extracts. The Q-TOF results revealed excellent sensitivity and a linear dynamic range of nearly four decades (2-10 000 pg on-column, r(2) = 0.9998, 1/x weighting). Furthermore, all the calibration curves prepared in biological material were superimposable, LC/MS/MS and LC-fluorescence, and the quantitative results for actual samples compared very favourably. It was concluded that the Q-TOF achieves a linear dynamic range for quantitative LC/MS/MS work exceeding that of fluorescence detection and at much better absolute sensitivity. Copyright 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.