Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods relating to advanced, high pressure oxidation are described. The devices, systems, and methods can be used to decontaminate ground water in a well or opening in a ground water table, and to recover minerals and hydrocarbons from subterranean deposits.

Abstract: A method for extracting zinc from an aqueous ammoniacal zinc solution containing impurities, the method comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the aqueous ammoniacal zinc solution containing impurities with an organic phase comprising an ammonium salt of an organic extractant dissolved in a hydrophobic diluent, allowing transfer of the zinc to the organic phase and transfer of ammonium to the aqueous phase, thereby providing a zinc-enriched, ammonium-depleted organic phase and an ammonium-enriched, zinc-depleted aqueous phase containing impurities; (ii) separating the zinc-enriched, ammonium-depleted organic phase from the ammonium-enriched, zinc-depleted aqueous phase containing impurities; (iii) contacting the zinc-enriched, ammonium-depleted organic phase with an aqueous solution containing positively charged species, allowing transfer of the zinc from the organic phase and transfer of positively charged species from the aqueous phase, thereby providing an aqueous zinc solution and an organic phase contai

Abstract: Procedure for obtaining calcium aluminate from the dry waste generated in the treatment, for recovery of metallic Al and salts, of the saline dross produced in the metallurgy of secondary aluminium and calcium oxide and/or CaO precursor. The procedure may produce briquettes or pellets of precursors of calcium aluminate through cold sintering or premolten calcium aluminate through hot sintering.

Abstract: A component part has a catalyst surface. This surface has metallic components and components of MnO2 (13) in contact with the former. The metallic components are preferably formed of Ag and/or Ni. These material pairs achieve a great improvement in catalyst action compared to the pure metals. Especially in the case of use of Ni, which is toxicologically safe, these surfaces, for example, may also find use in ambient air purification for reduction of the ozone content. The surface can be applied, for example, by a coating of the component part, in which case the metallic component and the component of MnO2 are applied in two layers.

Abstract: Various methods and structures of complexes and molecules are described herein related to a zinc-centered catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments. According to one embodiment, a method for creating a tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes contacting a pentaerythritol molecule with a propargyl halide molecule to create a trialkyne molecule, and contacting the trialkyne molecule with an azide molecule to create the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, a method for creating a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes alkylating an imidazole 2-carbaldehyde molecule to create a monoalkylated aldehyde molecule, reducing the monoalkylated aldehyde molecule to create an alcohol molecule, converting the alcohol molecule to create an alkyl halide molecule using thionyl halide, and reacting the alkyl halide molecule with a pentaerythritol molecule to create a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of enriching a gaseous effluent in acid compounds, which comprises the following stages: feeding into a contactor a feed gas comprising acid compounds and a composition comprising at least two liquid phases non-miscible with one another, including an aqueous phase, at least one amphiphilic compound and at least one mixture of promoters, establishing in said contactor predetermined pressure and temperature conditions for the formation of hydrates consisting of water, promoters and acid compounds, carrying the hydrates dispersed in the phase non-miscible in the aqueous phase through pumping to a hydrate dissociation drum, establishing in the drum the hydrate dissociation conditions, discharging the gas resulting from the dissociation enriched in acid compounds in relation to the feed gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for reducing the CO2 content of a gas by contacting the gaseous effluent to be treated with an absorbent that contains a CO2 trapping agent in the impregnated state on a substrate made of a solid composite material (M) containing a polymer (P) and a compound (C) selected from mineral oxides, silico-aluminates, and activated carbon, wherein said material (M) has an average particle size (D50) higher than or equal to 100 ?m, and a pore space (Vd1) defined by pores having a diameter of between 3.6 and 1000 nm and which is at least 0.2 cm3/g. The invention also relates to specific absorbents used in said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing a polycrystalline block of a halide of formula AeLnfX(3f+e) in which Ln represents one or more rare earths, X represents one or more halogen atoms selected from the group consisting of Cl, Br and I, and A represents one or more alkali metals selected from the group consisting of K, Li, Na, Rb and Cs, e, which may be zero, being less than or equal to 3f, and f being greater than or equal to 1, having a low water and oxyhalide content, in which the method comprises heating a mixture of, on the one hand, at least one compound having at least one Ln-X bond and, on the other hand, a sufficient amount of NH4X in order to obtain the oxyhalide content, resulting in a molten mass comprising the rare-earth halide, the heating being followed by cooling, and the heating, after having reached 300° C., never going below 200° C. before the molten mass has been obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for continuous treatment of two immiscible molten liquids having different densities. The apparatus comprises at least one open-ended helical reaction channel (3) arranged inside a substantially vertical housing (1), means for the continuous supply of the liquid with the higher density to the upper open end of said at least one reaction channel (3) and means for continuous supply of the liquid with the lower density to the lower open end of said at least one helical reaction channel (3), means for continuous removal of the liquid with the higher density at the lower open end of said helical reaction channel and means for removal of the liquid with the lower density from the upper open end of said helical reaction channel (3). The invention further relates to a method for continuous treatment of two immiscible molten liquids having different densities using the apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A method and system for converting waste using plasma into ammonia. The method uses minimal fossil fuel, and therefore produces a minimal carbon footprint when compared to conventional processes. The method includes the steps of supplying a biomass material to a plasma melter; supplying electrical energy to the plasma melter; supplying steam to the plasma melter; extracting a syngas from the plasma melter; extracting hydrogen from the syngas; and forming ammonia from the hydrogen produced in the step of extracting hydrogen.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for the synthesis of ammonia from a synthesis gas containing N2 and H2, comprising at least one first reactor. The apparatus comprises a first non-cooled catalyst bed unit, at least one heat exchanger apparatus, and at least two cooled catalyst bed units. Each cooled catalyst bed unit is equipped with a plurality of cooling pipes. The apparatus further comprises a circuit line having at least one feed apparatus and at least one outlet apparatus, wherein the circuit line, starting from the feed apparatus, comprises in consecutive downstream arrangement the plurality of cooling pipes, the first non-cooled catalyst bed unit, the at least one heat exchanger apparatus, and the at least two cooled catalyst bed units up to the outlet apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for removing CO2 from air, which comprises exposing sorbent covered surfaces to the air. The invention also provides for an apparatus for exposing air to a CO2 sorbent. In another aspect, the invention provides a method and apparatus for separating carbon dioxide (CO2) bound in a sorbent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing substantially uniform-sized carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the process includes the step of contacting methane with catalytic particles at a temperature of between 650 to 850° C.

Abstract: It is intended to provide methods of producing a chlorine gas having a small bromine content, an aqueous sodium hypochlorite solution having a small bromic acid content, and liquid chlorine having a small bromine content. More specifically, a chlorine gas is produced by a method comprising the steps of: (A) washing a chlorine gas that contains bromine, in a gas washing unit composed of a packed column or a tray tower, wherein the chlorine gas introduced via a lower part of the gas washing unit is brought into counterflow gas/liquid contact with a liquid chlorine introduced via an upper part of the gas washing unit; and (B) taking out a purified chlorine gas thus washed, via the upper part of the gas washing unit, wherein a weight ratio of the chlorine gas and the liquid chlorine introduced in the step (A) is 1/1.0 to 1/0.3.

Abstract: An object (first object) of the invention is to provide a waste water treatment technology (pretreatment technology in particular) which makes it possible to recover fluorine at a high recovery rate as highly pure calcium fluoride, without diluting waste water containing fluorine and silicon, i.e. to recover fluorine from high-concentration waste water containing fluorine and silicon. Waste water containing fluorine and silicon is supplied to a pH controlling tank 1 and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added thereto, with the result that sodium silicate is precipitated. Thereafter, the waste water is supplied to a solid-liquid separator 2 so that solid-liquid separation of sodium silicate is conducted.

Abstract: A process includes reacting a titanium compound with an oxalate compound in an acidic medium to form a titanium oxalate complex, where the titanium oxalate complex includes primary and secondary particles. The primary titanium oxalate complex particles may be from about 1 nm to about 200 nm; and the secondary titanium oxalate complex particles may be from about 0.5 ?m to 50 ?m. The titanium oxalate complex may be sintered to prepare a titania-based compound. The titania-based compounds may be used to fabricate electrodes for electrochemical cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are pigments comprising mostly rutile TiO2, wherein the mostly rutile TiO2 consists essentially of low abrasion TiO2 particles produced by introducing a metal halide into the chloride process. Further disclosed are ink, can coatings, fibers, papers, and plastics comprising the pigment. Also disclosed herein are pigments comprising the low abrasion TiO2 pigments comprising TiO2 particles which have been further heat treated at a temperature of at least about 800° C. in an oxidizing atmosphere for a time period of at least about 1 hour.

Abstract: The invention provides a water gas shift process comprising a reaction stage. The reaction stage comprises (a) providing a gas mixture comprising CO, H2O and an acid gas component to a reactor containing an adsorbent, and (b) subjecting the gas mixture to water gas shift reaction conditions to perform the water gas shift reaction. The adsorbent comprises an alkali promoted alumina based material. The acid gas component comprises H2S.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and systems reside in the decomposition of ammonia into a hydrogen gas mixture. A premixed, ammonia-rich gaseous mixture of anhydrous ammonia and air enters into a conduit within which combustion and decomposition of a portion of the mixture is initiated, thereby liberating heat and hydrogen. The hydrogen mixes with the bulk of the gas mixture and the liberated heat drives the combustion reaction to completion, including portions of the gas not associated with the initial combustion and decomposition process. A mixture of gaseous products resulting from the reaction is expelled from the outlet of the conduit, the mixture including non-combusted hydrogen gas, which may then be used for other purposes. In the preferred embodiment, combustion and decomposition of a portion of the mixture is initiated with a heating element disposed within the conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, which bind to EGFR on tumor cells that overexpress EGFR, and on tumor cells that express the truncated version of the EGFR receptor, de2-7 EGF. In particular, the epitope recognized by the specific binding members, particularly antibodies and fragments thereof, is enhanced or evident upon aberrant post-translational modification. These specific binding members are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The binding members of the present invention may also be used in therapy in combination with chemotherapeutics or anti-cancer agents and/or with other antibodies or fragments thereof.

Abstract: The present invention is in the fields of cell biology, immunology and oncology. The invention relates to the discovery that there is a relationship between the expression levels of the tumor suppressor gene smad4 (also known as dpc4) and integrin ?v?6, and the responsiveness of patient populations to ?v?6-active compounds and compositions (e.g., antibodies and other ligands that bind ?v?6), particularly in cancer cells from such patient populations, more particularly on carcinomas such as pancreatic carcinomas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to therapeutic conjugates with improved ability to target various diseased cells containing a targeting moiety (such as an antibody or antibody fragment), a linker and a therapeutic moiety, and further relates to processes for making and using the conjugates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of treating pruritic diseases, including but not limited to Contact dermatitis, Atopic Dermatitis, Drug induced delayed type cutaneous allergic reactions, Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Cutaneous T cell Lymphoma, Bullous pemphigoid, Alopecia wereata, Vitiligo, Acne Rosacea, Prurigo nodularis, Scleroderma, Herpes simplex virus, or combination thereof by administering IL-31 monoclonal antibodies. The invention further provides the hybridomas that generate the monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: Heterofunctional segment-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers, conjugates of these molecules with therapeutic and/or imaging agents, and methods for their use are disclosed. The heterofunctional segment-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers are useful as drug delivery conjugates, i.e., the heterofunctional segment-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers can be covalently attached to therapeutic agents (e.g., pharmaceutically active agents) and serve as delivery vehicles for the therapeutic agents. The heterofunctional segment-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers are also useful as imaging agent conjugates, i.e. the heterofunctional segment-poly(ethylene glycol) polymers can be covalently attached to imaging agents (e.g., tracers, imaging atoms, and imaging molecules) and serve as delivery vehicles for the imaging agents. Also disclosed are methods for treating a subject by administering to the subject an effective amount of the polymers conjugated to a therapeutic agent, an imaging agent, or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: The present invention concerns compositions comprising and methods of identification and use of targeting peptides for placenta or adipose tissue. In certain embodiments, the targeting peptides comprise part or all of SEQ ID NO:5-11, SEQ ID NO:13-22 or SEQ ID NO:144. The peptides may be attached to various therapeutic agents for targeted delivery. Adipose-targeting peptides may be used in methods for weight control, inducing weight loss and treating lipodystrophy syndrome. Adipose-targeting may also be accomplished using other binding moieties selectively targeted to adipose receptors, such as a prohibitin receptor protein complex. Placenta-targeting peptides may be used to interfere with pregnancy, induce labor and/or for targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to placenta and/or fetus. In other embodiments, receptors identified by binding to placenta-targeting peptides may be used to screen compounds for potential teratogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds that are useful as metal ligands and which either contain a molecular recognition moiety or can be bound to a molecular recognition moiety and methods of making these compounds. Once the compounds that contain a molecular recognition moiety are coordinated with a suitable metallic radionuclide, the coordinated compounds are useful as radiopharmaceuticals in the areas of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging. The invention therefore also relates to methods of diagnosis and therapy utilising the radiolabelled compounds of the invention.

Abstract: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) tracers such as D-[methyl-11C]-Deprenyl (DDE) and [11C]-GR205171 (GLD), methods for and methods of preparing biological mechanisms that identify treatment targets in connection with Whiplash-Associated Disorder (WAD) are provided. Associated kits for the evaluation of the biological mechanisms are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is radiolabeled ammonium salts and uses thereof as myocardial perfusion agents in molecular imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (E). The present invention also relates to a compound represented by the formula (E) for use in the treatment or prevention of diseases linked to protein aggregation and/or neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, the present invention relates to pharmaceutical and diagnostic compositions comprising the compound of the invention as well as to a kit. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of imaging deposits of aggregated protein. A kit for preparing a detectably labelled compound of the present invention is also disclosed. Formula (E) wherein X, Y and L are independently nondirectionally selected from —C(R1)(R2)—, —C(R3)?, —N(R4)—, —N?, —N+(R5)?, —O— and —S—; M and Z are independently nondirectionally selected from formula (I) and formula (II).

Abstract: Certain embodiments disclosed relate to compositions, including therapeutic compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and devices. Certain embodiments relate to anti-viral compositions, methods, articles of manufacture, systems and devices.

Abstract: Polymer surface modification method comprising the steps of first forming a surface of primary reactive end groups tethered to the polymer chain ends during fabrication of an article, and then modifying the reactive surface with bio-active molecules, hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, oligomers, or polymers to attain specific surface properties. Alternatively, a multifunctional coupling agent can be used to couple the primary reactive group to a second reactive group capable of reacting with a functional group associated with bio-active molecules, hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers, oligomers, and polymers to attain specific surface properties. The invention involves bringing reactive endgroups to the surface with surface active spacer attached to the polymer chain end. The surface active spacer allows the migration and enrichment of reactive end groups to the surface during fabrication.

Abstract: A method of conducting an endoscopic observation of an inner wall of a gastrointestine by applying a diagnostic agent to the inner wall of the gastrointestine, the diagnostic agent being an acidic aqueous solution of pH 1 to 5 containing a colorant, and conducting the endoscopic observation of the inner wall. The acidic aqueous solution can contain at least one acid selected from a carboxylic acid, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. By applying the diagnostic agent to the inner wall of the gastrointestine in the endoscopic observation, it is possible to clearly observe a lesion which is difficult to be determined. In particular, the method can be used for observing lesions having cancer cells in the stomach or the Barrett's esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for regulating lectin complement pathway (LCP)-associated complement activation. In particular, the invention relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting LCP-associated complement activation in order to inhibit hyperglycemic myocardial damage. The invention also relates to the treatment of cardiomyopathy and/or hypertrophy, such as cardiac hypertrophy. The invention also relates to methods and compositions for inhibiting the loss of cardiac progenitor cells by inhibiting LCP-associated complement activation. The methods include both in vitro and in vivo methods. The methods can be accomplished by contacting a mammalian cell having a surface exposed mannose binding lectin (MBL) ligand, such as a cardiac cell, with an effective amount of a MBL inhibitor to inhibit LCP-associated complement activation.

Abstract: Tumor stem cells can be obtained by culturing a tumor cell population, and exposing the cultured tumor cell population to free radicals. In certain embodiments, the free radical agent can be a nitric oxide (NO) donor. In one embodiment, the free radical agent can be Diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate) or agents that constitutively increase cellular nitric oxide, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors or L-arginine, or agents that increase NO synthase in the population. The methods can further include inducing stem cells present in the population to expand and/or inducing dedifferentiation of tumor cells into tumor stem cells. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of selecting stem cells from a tumor cell population.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods to modulate hair growth in a tissue comprising administering to the tissue an effective amount of an agent that inhibits or augments Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) signaling in the tissue, thereby facilitating or inhibiting hair growth.

Abstract: Modified viruses and methods for preparing the modified viruses are provided. Vaccines that contain the viruses are provided. The viruses can be used in methods of treatment of diseases, such as proliferative and inflammatory disorders, including cancer, and as anti-tumor and/or antiangiogenic agents. The viruses also can be used in diagnostic methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved methods of photodynamic treatment and diagnosis of cancer and non-cancerous conditions, and in particular to improved enema preparations for use in such methods, said enema preparations comprising a photosensitiser which is 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) or a precursor or derivative thereof, e.g. a 5-ALA ester. Such preparations may further comprise one or more viscosity enhancing agents, mucoadhesive or mucolytic agents, penetration enhancers or chelating agents. The methods and preparations herein described are particularly suitable for use in photodynamic methods of treating and/or diagnosing cancer and non-cancerous conditions in the colon and/or rectum.

Abstract: Fluorescent activatable probes for imaging biological processes and disease detection in vitro and in vivo. There is also described a method for detecting the presence of an enzyme. A sample is contacted with a nanoparticle including a monomer, at least one cleavable spacer comprising at least one fluorescence activation site, and at least two dyes of at least two types. The cleavable spacer is attached at one end to the nanoparticle. The at least two types comprise an energy donor type and an energy acceptor type. At least one dye of one type is embedded in the nanoparticle and the cleavable spacer has at least one dye of the other type attached. The at least two dyes comprise at least one matched pair capable of fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Fluorescence is detected by exposing the sample to a light source, and detecting emitted light with a detector.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for using tumor targeting compounds bound to microbubbles to facilitate drug delivery and diagnostic imaging at tumor sites.

Abstract: Porphyrazines capable of localizing in a tumor of a mammal are disclosed. The porphyrazines are used in methods of imaging a tumor and in methods of treating tumors, either alone or in combination with a chemotherapeutic agent and/or radiation.

Abstract: An antiperspirant composition may include an aqueous carrier; and at least 4 to 7 weight percent of an aluminum and/or aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant active containing at least a Peak 4 specie. An antiperspirant composition may also include an aqueous carrier; and an aluminum and/or aluminum-zirconium antiperspirant active containing at least a Peak 4 specie, wherein the antiperspirant active contains less than 3 area percent Peak 1 and/or Peak 2 species from an HPLC chromatograph of the antiperspirant composition.

Abstract: Disclosed are mixtures and compositions for controlling invertebrate pests relating to combinations comprising (a) 3-bromo-N-[4-chloro-2-methyl-6-[(methylamino)carbonyl]phenyl]-1-(3-chloro-2-pyridinyl)-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxamide, and its N-oxides, and suitable salts thereof and a component (b) wherein the component (b) is at least one compound or agent selected from neonicotinoids, cholinesterase inhibitors, sodium channel modulators, chitin synthesis inhibitors, ecdysone agonists, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, macrocyclic lactones, GABA-regulated chloride channel blockers, juvenile hormone mimics, ryanodine receptor ligands, octopamine receptor ligands, mitochondrial electron transport inhibitors, nereistoxin analogs, pyridalyl, flonicamid, pymetrozine, dieldrin, metaflumizone, biological agents, and suitable salts of the foregoing.

Abstract: A First Aid aerosol can spray using a propellant authorized for human use. Spray will be in the form of a ‘light emulsion’ for use on burns and wounds at incident sites. If propellant is not used, two of the spray constituents, namely sterile cornstarch granules, a nutritional cell scaffold and antibiotic(s) may be used for guided subcutaneous tissue repair. Specific cell culture techniques are described for both epidermal and dermal cells which are to be externally applied to aid wound healing of wider, deeper wounds/burns in terms of total body area affected.

Abstract: Composition intended for buccal absorption of nicotine into the system circulation and distribution to the central nervous system for the purpose of smoking cessation or nicotine substitution in conditions adverse for smoking according to the invention contains nicotine solution in form of a base and/or its salt with organic acid in concentration 0.01 to 8.00% by weight and substances with mucolytic effect. Single application dosage contains 0.05 to 3.00 mg of nicotine.

Abstract: Buccal aerosol sprays or capsules using polar and non-polar solvents have now been developed which provide zolpidem for rapid absorption through the oral mucosa, resulting in fast onset of effect. The buccal polar compositions of the invention comprise formulation I: aqueous polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation II: aqueous polar solvent, zolpidem, optionally flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation III: non-polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation IV: non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and propellant; formulation V: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, and optional flavoring agent; formulation VI: a mixture of a polar solvent and a non-polar solvent, zolpidem, optional flavoring agent, and propellant.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical formulation comprising at least one aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand and at least one cyclodextrin for the prevention and/or treatment of carcinomas, preferably squamous cell carcinomas, more preferably oral squamous cell carcinomas.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of rubusoside and certain mixtures containing rubusoside, preferably the use of certain rubusoside-containing mixtures, in particular Rubus suavissimus extracts, for masking, reducing or suppressing a bitter, sour and/or astringent taste impression. The invention further relates to orally consumable preparations, comprising at least one bitter, sour and/or astringent-tasting substance and rubusoside or certain rubusoside-containing mixtures, preferably certain Rubus suavissimus extracts, a corresponding method of producing said preparations and a method for reducing or suppressing the bitter, sour and/or astringent effect of a bitter, sour and/or astringent-tasting substance. The invention further relates to certain flavoring compositions that are particularly effective for masking, reducing or suppressing a bitter, sour and/or astringent taste impression.

Abstract: An oral care, personal care or cleansing composition with a carrier comprising a functional material and at least two polymers. One polymer has a greater solubility in water than the other polymer; one of the polymers may be water-soluble and the other polymer water-insoluble. The polymers are selected and apportioned to provide at least one of the following: (1) a desired stability of the film in the composition, (2) a desired rate of disintegration of the film during use of the composition, and (3) a desired rate of delivery of the functional material during use of the composition.

Abstract: Provided herein are branched polymers synthesized from: at least one (A1) reactive monomer having a vinyl functional group, or (A2) a hybrid reactive monomer having (a) at least one vinyl functional group and (b) at least one reactive non-vinyl functional group; and at least one: (B1) branching agent having at least two N-vinyl formamide functional groups or (B2) a hybrid branching agent having (a) at least one N-vinyl formamide functional group, and (b) at least one vinyl functional group. The polymers exhibit branching behavior, which in some embodiments lends to lower viscosity, enhanced processability, and/or improved sprayability compared to a corresponding polymer of equal molecular weight synthesized without the second reactive moiety. Formulations with the invention's polymers also are presented.

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of making an oral care composition comprise providing plant material comprising silica, burning the plant material to remove organic impurities from the plant source material, removing inorganic impurities from the burnt plant material by hydrolyzing with an aqueous acid solution, separating the silica from the burnt plant material, and incorporating the separated silica into an oral care composition.