Abstract: The sensitivity of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system employing stretch processing is improved in the presence of radio-frequency interference (RFI). The sequence of data processing operations initially uses a high number of bits to digitize radar echoes plus RFI, then uses floating-point arithmetic to perform range deskewing to "compress" RFI tones, followed by threshholding and nulling the primary RFI contributors, and finally re-quantizes the resulting radar signal to a lower number of bits and appropriately allocating these bits over the range of signal levels.

Abstract: Gaseous hydrocarbons, especially methane, may be oxidized with high selectivity and efficiency essentially only to carbon monoxide and hydrogen by contacting them with gallium oxide at a temperature above 900.degree. C.

Abstract: Systems of three, four, and five mutually immiscible liquid phases suitable for use in display devices. Preferred four phase systems comprise one highly hydrophobic organic phase, one organic phase containing compounds which are moderately polar, one phase containing hydrogen-bonding organic compounds, and one aqueous phase. Systems can be multicolored, not toxic, not combustible, and not corrosive to plastic.

Abstract: Devices comprising a transparent chamber containing three mutually immiscible liquids two of which are colored yellow, cyan, or magenta with an external region colored yellow, cyan, or magenta. Static, they display four or more colored regions. When deformed or inverted, they create multicolor kinetic displays. Preferred devices comprise two liquid-filled, sheet-like chamberss in face to face relationship with five colored bands forming a rainbow pattern.

Abstract: A copper stabilized dipping solution for a photovoltaic device incorporating a Cu.sub.x S layer. The dipping solution contains copper metal which stabilizes the solution by providing a source of copper to continuously reduce CU.sup.++ ions to Cu.sup.+ ions. The copper has no adverse effect on the topochemical formation of a copper sulfide layer on, for example, a semiconductor cadmium sulfide layer in a photovoltaic device. Preferably, the copper stabilized dipping solution has a pH less than about 4.5 and includes counter ions such as chloride or bromide ions.

Abstract: A composition comprising 50 to 98 weight percent sulfur, 0.2 to 20 weight percent of an organic compound reactive with sulfur to plasticize sulfur, 1 to 40 weight percent mica, and 0.02 to 5 weight percent phosphorus sulfide. Preferably the organic compound used to plasticize the sulfur is dicyclopentadiene or a glycol. The composition is advantageously used to coat a concrete or metal surface and thereby obtain a coated surface which is resistant to acid attack and resistant to crazing on exposure to fluctuating temperatures.

Abstract: A plasticized sulfur composition comprising at least 75 weight percent sulfur, 0.2 to 5 weight percent of an essentially linear alpha-olefin having 6 to 14 carbon atoms as sulfur plasticizer, and 5 to 20 weight percent of a solid filler.

Abstract: Shaped concrete compositions can be pre-stressed to obtain improved flexural strength by embedding nylon-4 reinforcing bars in a wet-laid concrete prior to curing.

Abstract: Acrylic acids and esters are produced by reacting a lower alkanoic acid or lower alkyl ester thereof with formaldehyde in the presence of a vanadium orthophosphate catalyst having an intrinsic surface area of from about 10 m.sup.2 /g to about 50 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: 3,3'-(3-Methylpentylene-1,5-dioxy) dipropionic acid and esters thereof useful as plasticizers.

Abstract: A solid vanadium (IV) phosphate having an improved intrinsic surface area is prepared by precipitating the solid from an essentially organic liquid medium at a temperature in the range 0.degree. C. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: An improved vanadium-phosphorus mixed oxide is prepared by a unique method employing an organic medium. The substantial intrinsic surface area and the microcrystalline structure of the new oxide result in advantageous activity and selectivity effects in the catalysed vapor phase oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride. These oxides are also useful for the production of acid anhydrides from suitable hydrocarbon feeds.

Abstract: 3,3'-(3-Methylpentylene-1,5-dioxy) dipropionic acid and esters thereof useful as plasticizers.