Abstract: A process for producing an aluminum-scandium based alloy from aluminum and scandium chloride, the process also producing aluminum chloride as a by-product and including the step of reducing scandium chloride in the presence of aluminum in a reaction zone and under reaction conditions which favor production of the aluminum-scandium based alloy.

Abstract: An X-ray fluorescence analyzer is provided which comprises: (1) an X-ray source selected to produce an intense X-ray beam, (2) a first optical element that focuses the X-ray beam produced by the X-ray source onto a sample and selects X-rays of a desired energy, (3) an energy resolving detector, and (4) a second optical element that receives fluorescent X-rays emitted from elements in the sample and focuses a selected energy range of said fluorescent X-rays onto said energy resolving detector. Each of the first and second optical elements includes a crystal component. The X-ray fluorescence analyzer is configured such that: (i) the X-ray source has a spot size dimensioned so that it is substantially in a field of view of the first optical element, and (ii) the first optical element focuses the X-ray beam emitted by the X-ray source onto an area of the sample that corresponds to a field-of-view of the second optical element.

Abstract: Rice having reduced levels of starch branching enzymes produce grain having a high relative amylose content in the endosperm. The rice grain of this invention can be of a non-shrunken phenotype despite a lesion in the amylopectin synthesis pathway and may be transgenic or nontransgenic.

Abstract: An optical device which generates an optically variable image, the image being optically variable in that it varies according to the position of observation, is manufactured by dividing an optically invariable image into multiple pixels. Color component values are determined for each pixel. For each of the pixels of the optically invariable image, there is determined an associated pixel surface structure which has a three-dimensional surface shape and curvature which is related via a mathematical of computer algorithm to the color component values of the associated pixel in the optically invariable image, each pixel surface structure being an individual reflective or diffractive surface structure which produces an observable optical effect. An assembly of the reflective or diffractive pixel surface structures is produced which when illuminated generates a plurality of observable optical effects which combine to form an optically variable reproduction of the optically invariable image.

Abstract: An optical device which generates an optically variable image, the image being optically variable in that it varies according to the position of observation, is manufactured by dividing an optically invariable image into multiple pixels. Color component values are determined for each pixel. For each of the pixels of the optically invariable image, there is determined an associated pixel surface structure which has a three-dimensional surface shape and curvature which is related via a mathematical of computer algorithm to the color component values of the associated pixel in the optically invariable image, each pixel surface structure being an individual reflective or diffractive surface structure which produces an observable optical effect. An assembly of the reflective or diffractive pixel surface structures is produced which when illuminated generates a plurality of observable optical effects which combine to form an optically variable reproduction of the optically invariable image.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for controlling the architecture of copolymers of at least two unsaturated monomers, made by free-radical polymerization in the presence of a cobalt-containing chain transfer agent, including the control of molecular weight, degree of branching and vinyl end group termination, by varying at least one of the variables of molar ratio of monomers, their relative chain transfer constants, polymerization temperature and degree of conversion and amount of cobalt chain transfer agent; and polymers made thereby.

Abstract: A process for the production of lower molecular weight polymers by free radical polymerization, characterized in that there is added to the polymerization system a compound of the general formula I ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, chlorine, an alkyl group, or a group capable of activating the vinylic carbon towards free radical addition;R.sup.2 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, cycloalkenyl or cycloalkyl group or the group --COZ, where Z is R.sup.3 or OR.sup.3, where R.sup.3 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group.X is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or aryl group, or a halogen, and the two X groups may be the same or different.The invention also includes polymers or oligomers made by the process and novel compounds of the general formula I as defined above.