The convergence rate of continued fractions representing solutions of a Riccati equation

The aim of this note is to generalize and apply results on matrix continued fractions representing the solution of discrete matrix Riccati equations. Assuming uniform bounds for the norm of the matrix coefficients of the continued fraction, the minimal and maximal solutions of the corresponding algebraic Riccati equation can be accurately enclosed.     

Lifetimes of Hg(3P0) complexes with methanol,ammonia, and water

Lifetimes of Hg(³P₀) complexes were determined by simultaneous observation of Hg(³P₀) optical absorption and complex emission, using a modulation technique and phase sensitive detection. The lifetimes of the mercury complexes with methanol, (1.4 ± 0.7) × 10^-8 s, and water, ? 8 × 10^-8 s, were found to be much shorter than reported in earlier work. For the ammonia complex, however a lifetime was measured which is in good agreement with previous determinations. Reasons for the large errors in earlier work where the methanol and water complex lifetimes were determined from complex emission data alone are discussed, and these data are reinterpreted. In the reaction rate of Hg(³P₀) with methanol no detectable contribution from the termolecular process Hg(³P₀) + 2CH₃OH → (Hg·CH₃OH)^* + CH₃OH could be observed.     

Investigation of drift gas selectivity in high resolution ion mobility spectrometry with mass spectrometry detection

Recent studies in electrospray ionization (ESI)/ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) have focussed on employing different drift gases to alter separation efficiency for some molecules. This study investigates four structurally similar classes of molecules (cocaine and metabolites, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and small peptides) to determine the effect of structure on relative mobility changes in four drift gases (helium, nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide). Collision cross sections were plotted against drift gas polarizability and a linear relationship was found for the nineteen compounds evaluated in the study. Based on the reduced mobility database, all nineteen compounds could be separated in one of the four drift gases, however, the drift gas that provided optimal separation was specific for the two compounds.     

Template synthesis of a tetraazamacrocyclic ligand with two pendant pyridinyl groups: properties of the isomers of the metal-free ligand and of their first-row transition metal compounds

The one-step reaction of [Cu(en)(2)](2+) (en = 1,2-diaminoethane) with formaldehyde, ethyl 2-pyridyl acetate, and base produces a mixture of [Cu(s-pypymac)](2+) and [Cu(a-pypymac)](2+) (s-pypymac = syn-6,13-bis(2-pyridinyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, a-pypymac = anti-6,13-bis(2-pyridinyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane; syn-to-anti ratio approximately 1:9) in low yield (6%). Ion exchange chromatography is used for isomer separation, and the two isomers of the metal-free ligand are obtained by reduction of the copper(II) complexes and subsequent ion exchange chromatography. Crystal structure analyses of the metal-free a-pypymac ligand, of two isomeric copper(II) compounds of a-pypymac and one of s-pypymac, and of the cobalt(III) complexes of a- and s-pypymac and nickel(II), as well as zinc(II) complexes of a-pypymac, are reported and discussed on the basis of the expectations from force field calculations and from published experimental data of the transition metal compounds of the bis-pendant amine derivative diammac.     

Drag reduction in bubbly Taylor-Couette turbulence

In Taylor-Couette flow the total energy dissipation rate and therefore the drag can be determined by measuring the torque on the system. We do so for Reynolds numbers between Re=7 x 10(4) and Re=10(6) after having injected (i) small bubbles (R=1 mm) up to a volume concentration of alpha=5% and (ii) buoyant particles (rhop/rhol=0.14) of comparable volume concentration. In case (i) we observe a crossover from little drag reduction at smaller Re to strong drag reduction up to 20% at Re=10(6). In case (ii) we observe at most little drag reduction throughout. Several theoretical models for bubbly drag reduction are discussed in view of our findings.