Polysaccharide metabolism in Anacardiaceae (Asian lacquer) cross-linked polymers elucidated using in situ trimethylsilylation pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Carbohydrates from polysaccharides in natural thermoset Anacardiaceae polymers of Gluta usitata, Toxicodendron succedaneum and Toxicodendron vernicifluum were identified using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry with in situ trimethylsilylation. Pyrolysates resulting from the pyrolytic intermolecular chain scission of the polysaccharides were used to elucidate monomeric units. Polysaccharides, dispersed in the phenolic lacasse catalysed cross-linked macromolecules, showed to be metabolised through various catabolic and anabolic routes.

Middle Paleolithic complex technology and a Neandertal tar-backed tool from the Dutch North Sea.

We report the discovery of a 50,000-y-old birch tar-hafted flint tool found off the present-day coastline of The Netherlands. The production of adhesives and multicomponent tools is considered complex technology and has a prominent place in discussions about the evolution of human behavior. This find provides evidence on the technological capabilities of Neandertals and illuminates the currently debated conditions under which these technologies could be maintained.

Nontargeted Pattern Recognition in the Search for Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry Resin Markers in Historic Lacquered Objects.

A differential expression analysis technology developed for linear modeling of gene expression data was used in combination with thermally assisted hydrolysis and methylation gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (THM-GC/MS) to support the analysis of lacquers and varnishes on historical objects. Exudates from tropical trees, such as Manila copal, sandarac, South American copal, and Congo copal, which were frequently used in finishing layers on decorative objects up to the early 20th century, were compared through this approach. Highly discriminating features indicate biomarkers that can help to identify copals in resinous lacquers.