Fatty acid methyl and ethyl esters as well as wax esters for evaluating the quality of olive oils

Erworben im Rahmen der Schweizer Nationallizenzen (http://www.nationallizenzen.ch)A promising correlation between chemical analysis and sensorial evaluation was confirmed: extra virgin olive oils with low contents of methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids as well as straight chain wax esters were sensorially evaluated as being of high quality, whereas some with high contents were even devaluated as not being of extra virgin quality. Methanol and ethanol formed during fermentation in degrading olives are esterified, largely by transesterification with fatty acids from the triglycerides, and in this way transferred into the pressed oil. The presence of high contents of methyl and ethyl esters in degrading olives was confirmed. Wax esters from the skin of the olives are extracted at low yields, whereby the yield increases when the olives are soft and possibly degrading. High wax ester contents may, therefore, stand for mild oils, but also for deficient oils

Choosing the right network strategy to manage exploration processes

We develop a social capital model that explains how networks of interorganizational relationships can be structured to manage exploration processes directed at gaining competitive advantage in different environmental contexts. We argue that a networkstructure of low density and high strength of relationships is beneficial if the main goal of the network is to actively configure the environment, e.g. under conditions of high environmental complexity. In contrast, a network structure of high density and low strength of relationships is advantageous if the adaptation to changing environmental conditions is the main concern of the embedded organizations, e. g., in contexts characterized by high environmental variability

Oxygen-sensitive 3He-MRI in bronchiolitis obliterans after lung transplantation

Oxygen-sensitive 3He-MRI was studied for the detection of differences in intrapulmonary oxygen partial pressure (pO2) between patients with normal lung transplants and those with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). Using software developed in-house, oxygen-sensitive 3He-MRI datasets from patients with normal lung grafts (n = 8) and with BOS (n = 6) were evaluated quantitatively. Datasets were acqiured on a 1.5-T system using a spoiled gradient echo pulse sequence. Underlying diseases were pulmonary emphysema (n = 10 datasets) and fibrosis (n = 4). BOS status was verified by pulmonary function tests. Additionally, 3He-MRI was assessed blindedly for ventilation defects. Median intrapulmonary pO2 in patients with normal lung grafts was 146 mbar compared with 108 mbar in patients with BOS. Homogeneity of pO2 distribution was greater in normal grafts (standard deviation pO2 34 versus 43 mbar). Median oxygen decrease rate during breath hold was higher in unaffected patients (−1.75 mbar/s versus −0.38 mbar/s). Normal grafts showed fewer ventilation defects (5% versus 28%, medians). Oxygen-sensitive 3He-MRI appears capable of demonstrating differences of intrapulmonary pO2 between normal lung grafts and grafts affected by BOS. Oxygen-sensitive 3He-MRI may add helpful regional information to other diagnostic techniques for the assessment and follow-up of lung transplant recipients

The influence of the board chairman on CEO dismissals and replacements ; Paper presented at the 26th annual conference of the Strategic Management Society, Vienna, October 2006

Based on a sample of large, publicly traded German companies, we study performance implications of CEO duality for executive succession events. We find that CEO dismissals are more frequent at low levels of pre-succession market-based performance and CEO duality. Postsuccession sales growth and operating earnings are higher for firms with CEO dismissals and CEO duality. Our results provide partial support to stewardship theory and no support to agency theory

evidence from a stakeholder environment ; presented at the 25th annual international conference Strategic Management Society, 2005, Orlando, USA

Based on a sample of large, publicly traded German companies, we study performance implications of CEO dismissals. We find that measures of accounting performance are good predictors of CEO dismissal events: Low pre- succession accounting performance increases the probability of dismissals. However, replacement CEOs do not manage to turn things around because they do not experience significant increases in either operating or market performance during a two-year post-succession period

The high molecular weight dipeptidyl peptidase IV Pol d 3 is a major allergen of Polistes dominula venom

Abstract Hymenoptera venom allergy can cause severe anaphylaxis in untreated patients. Polistes dominula is an important elicitor of venom allergy in Southern Europe as well as in the United States. Due to its increased spreading to more moderate climate zones, Polistes venom allergy is likely to gain importance also in these areas. So far, only few allergens of Polistes dominula venom were identified as basis for component-resolved diagnostics. Therefore, this study aimed to broaden the available panel of important Polistes venom allergens. The 100 kDa allergen Pol d 3 was identified by mass spectrometry and found to be a dipeptidyl peptidase IV. Recombinantly produced Pol d 3 exhibited sIgE-reactivity with approximately 66% of Polistes venom-sensitized patients. Moreover, its clinical relevance was supported by the potent activation of basophils from allergic patients. Cross-reactivity with the dipeptidyl peptidases IV from honeybee and yellow jacket venom suggests the presence of exclusive as well as conserved IgE epitopes. The obtained data suggest a pivotal role of Pol d 3 as sensitizing component of Polistes venom, thus supporting its status as a major allergen of clinical relevance. Therefore, Pol d 3 might become a key element for proper diagnosis of Polistes venom allergy