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Objective: This study aims to evaluate and compare the film thickness obtained with a resin cement and two composite resins, preheated and/or ultrasonically vibrated, as luting agents. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty‐six (126) pairs of resin discs were randomly assigned to six experimental groups (n = 21) according to luting agent (Variolink Esthetic LC, IPS Empress Direct or Estelite Omega) and cementation technique (preheating at 68°C and/or ultrasonic vibration). Specimens were luted by applying a controlled force. Following sectioning and film thickness measurement through field emission gun scanning electron microscopy, statistical analysis was carried out considering a 5% significance level. Results: Statistically significant lower film thickness was observed in Variolink Esthetic LC group when compared to all composite resin groups (p < 0.001), except IPS Empress Direct preheated and ultrasonically vibrated group (p = 0.073). IPS Empress Direct with ultrasonic vibration yielded statistically lower film thickness values than Estelite Omega groups, regardless of luting technique (p < 0.05). Ultrasonically vibrated Estelite Omega groups showed statistically lower film thickness values than solely preheated groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both Variolink Esthetic LC and IPS Empress Direct preheated and ultrasonically vibrated provided the lowest film thickness. The addition of ultrasonic vibration during cementation proved to be effective in reducing film thickness of both tested composite resins. Clinical significance: The cementation technique will have variable results depending on the luting material. Adhesive cementation protocols with composite resins should mainly consider ultrasonic vibration, but also preheating, as strategies for reducing film thickness. The tested resin cement, alongside with IPS Empress Direct composite resin preheated and ultrasonically vibrated, provided the lowest film thickness among the tested materials and techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resin glycosides are commonly found in plants belonging to the Convolvulaceae family. Ipomoea lacunosa L. (Convolvulaceae) is an herbaceous vine native to the United States. The resin glycosides of this plant have not been studied in detail. In this study, the components of the crude resin glycoside fraction extracted from the seeds of I. lacunosa are characterized. Alkaline hydrolysis of the crude resin glycoside fraction obtained from methanolic extract of the seeds yielded three organic acids, namely, 2 S -methylbutyric, (E)-2-methylbut-2-enoic, and 2 R -methyl-3 R -hydroxybutyric acids, and a glycosidic acid fraction. Acidic hydrolysis of the glycosidic acid fraction yielded hydroxyl fatty acid components, including 7 S -hydroxydecanoic, 11 S -hydroxytetradecanoic, 11 S -hydroxyhexadecanoic, 3 S ,11 S -dihydroxytetradecanoic, 3 S ,11 S -dihydroxyhexadecanoic, and 3 S ,12 S -dihydroxyhexadecanoic acids, as well as monosaccharide components, including d -glucose, d -quinovose, d -fucose, and l -rhamnose. Trimethylsilyldiazomethane–hexane treatment of the glycosidic acid fraction further yielded eleven previously undescribed glycosidic acid methyl esters and two known glycosidic acid methyl esters. The structures of the obtained compounds were characterized using various spectral techniques. Four of the undescribed compounds were hexaglycosides, five were heptaglycosides, and two were octaglycosides. The aglycone of these compounds was either methyl 11 S -hydroxytetradecanoate, methyl 3 S ,11 S -dihydroxytetradecanoate, or methyl 3 S ,11 S -dihydroxyhexadecanoate. Among the undescribed compounds identified, eight contained novel glycans, and three were rare bisdesmosides with sugar linkages at the C-3 and C-11 positions of methyl 3 S ,11 S -dihydroxytetradecanoate. [Display omitted] • Thirteen glycosidic acid components of I. lacunosa were isolated as methyl esters. • Of the glycosidic acid methyl esters isolated, eleven were undescribed compounds. • Eight glycosidic acid methyl esters contained undescribed glycans. • Two of the undescribed glycosidic acid methyl esters were octaglycosides. • Three glycosidic acid methyl esters were rare bisdesmosides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a series of abstracts of publications in the field of marketing of specific goods, including "Balance Sheet of Agriculture, 1956," "Foreign Agricultural Trade of the United States, Fiscal Year 1955-1956," and "More Riddles for Rosin."

Ethnopharmacological relevance Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. is a multiple-use tree species used for fodder, timber and is tapped for an oleo-resin known internationally as Indian frankincense or Indian olibanum. The main commercial uses of B. serrata oleo-resin are medicinal, religious, and in cosmetics and perfumery. B. serrata , like other frankincense species, is an important source of boswellic acid used in the pharmaceutical industry. India is the only producer of B. serrata oleo-resin, mainly from the states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Jharkhand. Market demands, harvesting and managing practices have pressured Indian frankincense populations into imminent decline and start to affect populations of African frankincense as buyers turn to look for substitutions. Aims of the review We have assessed the ecological status of Indian frankincense based on the assumption that current species management practices are not sustainable. This review summarizes the outcomes of this assessment in terms of habitat and population trends, harvesting/collection practices and uses, current threats and management measures. Materials and methods Firstly, we reviewed published information on B. serrata population biology and studies on impacts of wild harvest from across the geographic range of this species. Secondly, global trade data for B. serrata were analysed. Thirdly, we reviewed published information on B. serrata management measures and cultivation practices. Results The five largest importers of frankincense from India in 2016–2017 were Trinidad & Tobago, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico and the USA, in order of volume. Total volumes exported were 102.8 metric tonnes in 2015–2016 and 74.56 metric tonnes in 2016–2017. Collection data are less readily available. What could be found, however, points toward market demand for Indian frankincense and its derivatives by far exceeding what can reasonably be harvested/collected without endangering populations of this species, opening the door to adulteration and substitution. Conclusions In conclusion, not only sustainable harvesting and management practices, but also establishing sustainable supply chains are needed to protect this species from overexploitation and thus endangerment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. An expert panel convened by the American Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs and the Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry conducted a systematic review and formulated evidence-based clinical recommendations for the arrest or reversal of noncavitated and cavitated dental caries using nonrestorative treatments in children and adults. Types of Studies Reviewed. The authors conducted a systematic search of the literature in MEDLINE and Embase via Ovid, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Cochrane database of systematic reviews to identify randomized controlled trials reporting on nonrestorative treatments for noncavitated and cavitated carious lesions. The authors used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess the certainty in the evidence and move from the evidence to the decisions. Results. The expert panel formulated 11 clinical recommendations, each specific to lesion type, tooth surface, and dentition. Of the most effective interventions, the panel provided recommendations for the use of 38% silver diamine fluoride, sealants, 5% sodium fluoride varnish, 1.23% acidulated phosphate fluoride gel, and 5,000 parts per million fluoride (1.1% sodium fluoride) toothpaste or gel, among others. The panel also provided a recommendation against the use of 10% casein phosphopeptide--amorphous calcium phosphate. Conclusions and Practical Implications. Although the recommended interventions are often used for caries prevention, or in conjunction with restorative treatment options, these approaches have shown to be effective in arresting or reversing carious lesions. Clinicians are encouraged to prioritize use of these interventions based on effectiveness, safety, and feasibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As kidney disease progresses, phosphorus retention also increases, and phosphate binders are used to treat hyperphosphatemia. Clinicians prescribe phosphate binders thinking that reducing total body burden of phosphorus may decrease risks of mineral and bone disorder, fractures, cardiovascular disease, progression of kidney disease, and mortality. Recent meta-analyses suggest that sevelamer use results in lower mortality than use of calcium-containing phosphate binders. However, studies included in meta-analyses show significant heterogeneity, and exclusion or inclusion of specific studies alters results. Since no long-term studies have been conducted to determine whether treatment with any phosphate binder is better than placebo on any hard clinical endpoint (including mortality), it is unclear whether possible benefit with sevelamer represents net benefit of sevelamer, net harm with calcium-containing phosphate binders, or both. Although one meta-analysis suggested that calcium acetate may be more efficacious gram for gram than calcium carbonate as a binder, calcium acetate did not reduce hypercalcemia, and gastrointestinal intolerance was higher. Data are insufficient to determine whether calcium acetate provides lower risk of vascular calcification than calcium carbonate. Fears of lanthanum accumulation in the central nervous system or bone with long-term treatment do not appear to be warranted. Newer iron-containing phosphate binders have potential benefits, such as lower pill burden (sucroferric oxyhydroxide) and improved iron parameters (ferric citrate). The biggest challenge to phosphate binder efficacy is non-adherence. This article reviews the current knowledge regarding safety, effectiveness, and adherence with currently marketed phosphate binders and those in development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Propolis is a substance derived from antimicrobial plant resins that honey bees use in the construction of their nests. Propolis use in the hive is an important component of honey bee social immunity and confers a number of positive physiological benefits to bees. The benefits that bees derive from resins are mostly due to their antimicrobial properties, but it is unknown how the diversity of antimicrobial activities among resins might impact bee health. In our previous work, we found that resins from different North American Populus spp . differed in their ability to inhibit in vitro growth of the bee bacterial pathogen Paenibacillus larvae . The goal of our current work was to characterize the antimicrobial activity of propolis from 12 climatically diverse regions across the US against the bee pathogens P. larvae and Ascosphaera apis and compare the metabolite profiles among those samples using LC–MS-based metabolomic methods. Samples differed greatly in their ability to inhibit both bacterial and fungal growth in vitro , but propolis from Nevada, Texas, and California displayed high activity against both pathogens. Interestingly, propolis from Georgia, New York, Louisiana, and Minnesota were active against A. apis , but not very active against P. larvae . Metabolomic analysis of regional propolis samples revealed that each sample was compositionally distinct, and LC–FTMS profiles from each sample contained a unique number of shared and exclusive peaks. Propolis from Aspen, CO, Tuscon, AZ, and Raleigh, NC, contained relatively large numbers of exclusive peaks, which may indicate that these samples originated from relatively unique botanical sources. This is the first study to characterize how the diversity of bee preferred resinous plants in the US may affect bee health, and could guide future studies on the therapeutic potential of propolis for bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Infants born with birth weights under the 10th percentile for their gestational age are classified as small for gestational age (SGA). TORCH infections are reported to be associated with SGA infants. With the low incidence of infections, screening is likely to be expensive and of low utility. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the utility and cost-effectiveness of screening SGA infants with TORCH serology titers, urine cytomegalovirus (CMV) cultures and cranial ultrasounds. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on all infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Los Angeles County and University of Southern California (LAC+USC) Medical Center from January 2003 to December 2011 with a diagnosis of SGA or intrauterine growth restriction. Birth characteristics such as birth weight, length, head circumference and gestational age were recorded. TORCH titer results, urine CMV results and cranial ultrasound findings were collected. Results: Between 2003 and 2011, 232 SGA infants were admitted to the NICU at LAC+USC Medical Center. Of these, 117 infants (50%) had TORCH titer testing performed; there was only 1 positive CMV IgM and 1 positive HSV IgM result. Repeat urine CMV testing was performed on 109 infants (47%), with a total of 296 urine CMV samples collected from these infants; 6 infants had positive results, of whom 3 had repeat positive urine CMV samples. Overall, 149 of the infants had a cranial ultrasound done, none of which were positive for calcifications. Conclusions: TORCH titer testing, urine CMV screening and cranial ultrasound screening are of low yield in screening clinically asymptomatic SGA infants for TORCH infections. Given the low number of positive results, a cost-effective alternative of selective TORCH testing may be limited to infants with additional clinical findings. This study serves as a reminder to periodically examine testing practices and patient population to maximize cost-effectiveness. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, a renewed debate has developed around the potential for modified tobacco products to play a role in reducing tobacco-related harm. During the 1960s and 1970s medical experts recommended to smokers who could not quit that they switch to cigarettes with lower tar and nicotine content. At the time, survey data suggested that smokers who switched did not compensate for the reduction in nicotine by increasing their intake. However, public health scientists were hindered in their ability to evaluate the population impact of the reduced tar strategy by a limited understanding of nicotine addiction. Smoking dependence was seen as primarily psychological and social, rather than pharmacological or biological, until the late 1970s, when addiction researchers began to apply experimental techniques from other forms of drug abuse to study smoking behavior. This history has important lessons for current discussions about tobacco harm reduction and regulation of nicotine delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we applied a reliable technique for measuring Fe isotope variations in coastal seawater at nanomolar levels. Iron was directly pre-concentrated from acidified seawater samples onto a nitrilotriacetic acid chelating resin and further purified using anion-exchange resin. Sample recovery, determined using a standard addition method, was essentially quantitative. Iron was then determined using a high-resolution multicollector ICP-MS (Neptune) coupled to an ApexQ desolvation introduction system. The external precision for δ56Fe values was 0.11‰ (2 s) when using total a Fe quantity between 25 and 100 ng. We initially applied this technique to measure the Fe isotope composition of dissolved Fe from several coastal environments in the north-eastern United States and we observed a range of δ56Fe values between -0.9‰ and 0.1‰ relative to the IRMM-14 reference material. Iron isotope compositions of several reference water materials for inter-laboratory comparisons were also reported. Our results suggest that iron in coastal seawater, derived from benthic diagenesis and/or groundwater has negative Fe isotopic signatures that are distinct from other iron sources such as atmospheric deposition and rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the stock structure of yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in the southern basin of Lake Michigan and in Green Bay, we analyzed recaptures from a lake-wide mark–recapture study implemented from 1996 to 2001 to infer the range and pattern of movement and spawning-site fidelity. Yellow perch generally moved south along the western shoreline, west along the southern shoreline, and north along the eastern shoreline during summer and non-summer months; the magnitude of movement was greater after spawning. Spawning yellow perch frequently returned to the same site, with 35%–80% of recaptured individuals returning to their marking site. Results from multiple tagging sites within Illinois indicated that spawners may return to larger areas rather than to specific sites, suggesting that large spawning complexes exist. Despite strong fidelity in some areas, straying was evident from all sites during spawning, resulting in mixing throughout the southern basin. Such mixing could promote gene flow and diminish stock differentiation. Dispersal of yellow perch within the southern basin of Lake Michigan occurred regularly across adjacent management boundaries. Therefore, adjacent jurisdictions may wish to consider re-examining their regulations based on this information to ensure consistent, complementary regulations that incorporate the movement patterns of yellow perch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the use of fluoropolymer resins as the binder in a paint or coating formulation. According to the author, the largest demand for fluoropolymer coatings can be found in the U.S. The author adds that Arkema and Solvay Solexis are the two key manufactures of polyvinylidenedifluoride (PVDF). She mentions that qualified formulations of coatings must contain a minimum of 70% PVDF based on total resin. She also discusses the biggest challenges that producers of coatings based on fluoropolymer resins face.

We determined the response of the small southern pine engraver, Ips avulsus (Eich- hoff); eastern fivespined ips, Ips grandicollis (Eichhoff); sixspined ips, Ips calligraphus (Germar); and pine engraver, ips pini (Say) to the pheromones (±) -ipsenol, (±) -ipsdienol, and lanierone in the southeastern United States. Catches of I. avulsus and I. grandicollis to baited multiple-funnel traps were increased by (±) -ipsenol and (±) -ipsdienol in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and North Carolina. In all four localities, the highest numbers of I. avulsus were caught in traps baited with the combination of (±) -ipsenol, (±) -ipsdienol, and lanierone. In Florida, the highest numbers of I. grandicollis were captured in traps baited with the combination of (±) -ipsenol and (±) -ipsdienol (with or without lanierone). In the remaining three localities, the largest catches of I. grandicollis occurred in traps baited with (±) -ipsenol alone or the combination of (±) -ipsenol and (±) -ipsdienol (with or without lanierone). (±) -Ipsdienol was the only consistent attractant for I. calligraphus and I. pini. Attraction of I. pini in North Carolina to (±) -ipsdienol-baited traps was synergized by lanierone but interrupted with (±) -ipsenol. The interruptive effect of (±) -ipsenol on attraction of I. pini to (±) -ipsdienol was negated by lanierone. (±) -Ipsdienol was attractive to black turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus terebraris (Olivier), in Florida but not North Carolina, whereas (±) -ipsdienol was attractive to L calligraphus in Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida. Both (±) -ipsenol and (±) -ipsdienol affected catches of Gnathotrichus materiarus (Fitch) in North Carolina. Trap catches of Hylurgops rugipennis pinifex (Fitch), Hylastes salebrosus Eichhoff, and Hylastes tenuis Eichhoff were unaffected by the pheromone treatments. The combination of (±) -ipsenol, (±) -ipsdienol, and lanierone may be a cost-effective general lure for I. avulsus, I. grandicollis, and I. pini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study evaluates differences in the utilization of breast conservation surgery (BCS) between major metropolitan areas in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Methods: Surgical and staging information were obtained from the Cancer Surveillance Program for Los Angeles County (LAC), the New York State (NYS) Department of Health Cancer Registry, and the UK National Health Service (NHS) Breast Screening Program. Demographic data were obtained from the census databases from the US, UK, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and chi-square tests were used to compare rates of BCS across the locations under study. Results: Breast conservation rates were highest in London (79.3%) compared to New York City (NYC) (69.7%) and LAC (66.5%) (P < .0001). Both in NYS and the UK, the cities differ from the surrounding regions in population density, education levels, agricultural activities, and unemployment. BCS rates tended to increase with population density and education levels, and decrease with increased unemployment and agricultural activity, but there was no impact on BCS rates when adjustments for these variables were included in regression models. BCS rates increase with increasing hospital case volume in LAC and NYC (P < .0001). Conclusion: When comparing large metropolitan areas in the US and UK there are significantly different rates of BCS in different locations. These differences reflect differences in population density, socioeconomic status (SES), education levels, hospital volume, and the effects of a nationally funded screening program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ion-sink methods, such as resin membranes or FeO coated strips or filter papers, have been used as soil tests for plant available P. We have standardized a resin procedure and compared extractable soil P with the FeO method for 24 soils from the continental USA. Bray-1 extractable P ranged from 0.3 to 221 mg kg-1 and Olsen's extractable P ranged from 1.4 to 131 mg kg-1 across all soils. We used anion resin membrane strips (RS) and traditional loose resin (LR) to extract soil P. Total surface area of one RS was 17.3 cm², compared with 47.5 cm² for one FeO-coated filter paper. We used one, two, or three RS saturated with bicarbonate (RSbic) or chloride (RSCl), along with 1.5 g of moist LR saturated with either bicarbonate (LRBic) or chloride (LRCl). Using LRBic, the mean P was 64.3 mg kg-1 compared with 52.5 with one RSBic, 55.2 with two RSBic, and 63.9 with three RSBic. Using LRCl, the mean P was 63.2 mg P kg-1 compared with 48.7 with one RSCl, 54.8 with two RSCl, and 57.3 with three RSCl. The mean FeO-P was 36.4 mg kg-1. Resin (Cl) hardly influenced pH of the extracting solution, LRBic and RSBic influenced pH most, and FeO-strips had an intermediate effect on solution pH. This study shows that RS with a total surface area of 51.8 cm² can be used to extract soil P in place of more time-consuming LR methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a directory of resin suppliers in the U.S.

Investigates the curing kinetics and chemorheological analysis of polyurethane formation in the U.S. Main difficulty in the model; Provision of the resin system; Provision of the isoconversional methods.

Evaluates the MIEX®, a magnetic ion exchange resin for water disinfection in line with the Disinfection Byproducts regulations in the Village of Palm Springs in Southeast Florida. Examination of treatment options in water treatment plants; Development of the MIEX® resin for dissolved organic carbon removal; Trial tests for the types of operating conditions.

Provides information on the demand for resins by the U.S. coatings market. Challenges faced by the suppliers of resins for the coatings market; Forecast on the sales of epoxy and acrylic resins for the U.S. coatings market in 2006; Factors that affect the increase in demand for resins in the coatings market; Breakdown of major resin types for the U.S. coatings market. INSET: RESINS -- Supplier Round Up.

The purpose of this randomized, clinical study was to evaluate the clinical performance of composite resin materials used for fillings and indirect inlays. Twenty-eight sets of five class II restorations (two fillings, three inlays) were placed in 88 premolars and 52 molars in 28 adults. Brilliant Dentin and Estilux Posterior were used for both fillings and inlays, and SR-Isosit for inlays only. After 11 years, 27 sets of restorations (96%) were evaluated clinically using modified United States Public Health Service criteria. Replaced or repaired restorations were observed in 16% of the fillings and 17% of the inlays, and a further 5% of the restorations were replaced for reasons not related to the restoration. The remaining 107 restorations exhibited optimal ratings in 30% of the fillings and 12% of the inlays (P<0.05) and acceptable ratings in 70% and 88%, respectively. The reasons for failure were fracture of restoration (four fillings, five inlays), secondary caries (two fillings, four inlays), fracture of tooth (two inlays), loss of proximal contact (two fillings), and loss of restoration (one inlay). Failures were seen more frequently in molar than premolar restorations (P<0.05), with no significant difference between fillings and inlays or between the five types of restoration (P>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical performance of two "packable" posterior composites: Prodigy Condensable (P) (Kerr) and Definite (D) (Degussa). Thirty-six patients participated in the study. A total of 78 restorations were made, 40 with D and 38 with P. Each patient received at least two restorations, one of each studied material. The materials were handled according to the manufacturer's instructions. The restorations were finished and polished after 1 week. They were evaluated at baseline and after 1 year by two independent evaluators using the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Colored slides were made of all the restorations. After 1 year, 35 patients and 76 restorations (39 with D and 37 with P) were available for evaluation. All restorations received A criteria except the following ones, which received B criteria: color P (one restoration) and D (one restoration), marginal staining P (three restorations) and D (two restorations), surface staining P (nine restorations) and D (three restorations), anatomic form P (one restoration) and D (three restorations), and marginal adaptation P (one restoration) and D (eight restorations). The obtained data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the Fisher and McNemar tests. After 1 year, P showed a significant increase in superficial staining. For D, the marginal adaptation became significantly worse than baseline and P. The studied materials can be considered acceptable during this evaluation period. Further evaluations are necessary for a better clinical performance analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the decline of gum naval stores production in the United States following World War II. Information on the resin production methods and contractual arrangements; Assessment of the changing relative prices and trade-offs; Discussion on the government's support program and empirical results; Persistence of the support program.

Several tables on American-made resin-bonded pigment colors are presented.

Background: Connections between China and the new Spanish colonies in America are known for an exchange of silver for silks and porcelains. That also medicinal drugs and medicinal knowledge crossed the Pacific Ocean is hardly known or discussed. Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms ("New World" or "Peruvian balsam") is a botanical balsam that has a long history of medicinal use, particularly as antiseptic and for wound healing. Except for a Chinese article discussing the reception of balsam in China and Japan, no scientific studies on its impact in China and Japan and the channels of transfer from the Americas to Asia exist. Methods: Description: (1) This section provides a general introduction into Commiphora gileadensis ("Old World" balsam) as a medicinal category and discusses the specific medicinal properties of Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms. The section "Historical research and uses" provides a brief survey on some historical analyses of balsam. Aim, design, setting: (2) Applying a comparative textual and archaeological analysis the article critically examines Chinese and Japanese sources (texts, maps) to show (i) what Chinese and Japanese scholars knew about balsam, (ii) where and how it was used, and (iii) to identify reasons why the "digestion" of knowledge on balsam as a medicinal developed so differently in China and Japan. Results and discussion: This chapter discusses the introduction of "Peruvian balsam" into, its uses as a medicinal as well as its scholarly reception in early modern China and Japan and introduces the channels of transmission from Spanish America to Asia. It is shown that Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms was partly a highly valued substance imported from the Americas into China and Japan. But the history of the reception of medicinal knowledge on Peruvian balsam was significantly different in China and Japan. Conclusions: In Japan, the knowledge on Myroxylon balsamum was continuously updated, especially through mediation of Dutch physicians; Japanese scholars, doctors and pharmacists possessed a solid knowledge on this balsam, its origin and its medicinal uses. In China, on the contrary, there was no further "digestion" or development of the knowledge on either Myroxylon balsamum (L.) Harms var. pereirae (Royle) Harms or Commiphora gileadensis. By the late nineteenth century, related medicinal and even geographic knowledge had mostly been lost. The interest in "balsam" in late Qing scholarship was pure encyclopaedic and philosophic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduces several new products in the coatings industry available in the U.S. Information on Alpha Tacto textile-effect paint from Akzo Nobel; Details of the four resins added to Setalux product line from Nuplex Resins; Description of Floor Savers, a line of concrete floor coatings products, from Devcon.

Presents news briefs on the coatings industry as of April 2005. Plans of Union Carbide Corp. to undertake an investment and upgrade program of Dow's Solvents & Intermediates business; Investment options being considered by the Dow Chemical Co.; Acquisition of the resins business of UR-Cryl Polymer Corp. by NewChem Resins.