Heterogeneity Of Partners Research Articles

R&D Cooperation and Absorptive Capacity of Russian Organizations

R&D cooperation is one of the main channels for new knowledge diffusion to create innovation. Therefore, it is important to understand exactly how enterprises use this channel. The purpose of this article is to identify the structure of R&D cooperation determined by both the heterogeneity of partners and the size of organizations. This structure is considered in dynamics. The analysis is based on Rosstat data characterizing the participation in joint R&D projects of innovation-active firms from 2019 to 2022. This approach allows us to find out how the structure of cooperation changes under the influence of crisis. However, unlike most Russian studies, this work also defines the relationship between the choice of R&D partners and the absorptive capacity of organizations in Russia. Differences in absorptive capacities (i.e. abilities of organizations to find, assimilate and apply new knowledge from external sources) largely determine the choice of partners in innovation activities and the results of cooperation. The article finds that despite government efforts the links between science and business are weakening in Russia, as not only small entities but even large companies have largely shifted their preferences to less risky projects. The persistence of such cooperation patterns leads to a decrease or even loss of Russian firms’ capacity to assimilate and use new knowledge to create radical innovations. Consequently, measures are needed not only to maintain the scale of R&D collaboration, but also to avoid negative changes in their structure. Such measures should also include incentives for enterprises to increase absorptive capacities. Unfortunately, these incentives have received little attention both in the practice of innovation management and in Russian economic literature.

Urban crowdsourcing: Stakeholder selection and dynamic knowledge flows in high and low complexity projects

Urban crowdsourcing is a new form of open innovation that aims to develop smart cities. Due to the heterogeneity of partners in urban planning, knowing the type of knowledge gained from each stakeholder at each stage of the crowdsourcing process needs to be understood for effective collaborations and innovative knowledge flow activation. Using a qualitative approach with experts involved in the Casablanca Smart City project, this research investigates complex multi-stakeholder ecosystems. More specifically, this study identifies and examines the role of external stakeholders at each stage of the innovation process, and the resulting dynamic knowledge flows that help improve the process of urban crowdsourcing in the development of smart city solutions. Depending on the complexity of the innovation project, findings identify three primary stakeholders (citizens, public authorities, and private and public firms) and three secondary stakeholders (NGOs, universities, consulting companies). Results show at which of the four steps of urban crowdsourcing they intervene. Furthermore, the findings reveal a dynamic learning environment composed of two knowledge flows (“learning with” and “learning from” stakeholders).

Boosting inclusive businesses' opportunities through the adoption of scrum: an execution strategy to enter low-end markets

As consumer markets in Western industries are saturated, the Bottom of the Pyramid has become increasingly important as a future mass market. Nevertheless, it remains difficult to adequately address the needs of low-income consumers. Approaches such as inclusive business have become more significant in both the literature and in practice. However, it is still unclear how inclusive business structures can be designed. Given the importance of networks based on local partnerships and knowledge transfer as key factors for success, this research proposes taking an agile approach to frame inclusive business approaches. Based on the Scrum framework, this study creates a conceptual model: the Inclusive Business Scrum Approach. Referring to the execution level, the model illustrates how inclusive business can emerge. It thus not only helps to address the 'how' of inclusive business, but it also considers topics related to the heterogeneity of partners and the composition of the team.

Osteoclast Fusion: Physiological Regulation of Multinucleation through Heterogeneity-Potential Implications for Drug Sensitivity.

Classically, osteoclast fusion consists of four basic steps: (1) attraction/migration, (2) recognition, (3) cell–cell adhesion, and (4) membrane fusion. In theory, this sounds like a straightforward simple linear process. However, it is not. Osteoclast fusion has to take place in a well-coordinated manner—something that is not simple. In vivo, the complex regulation of osteoclast formation takes place within the bone marrow—in time and space. The present review will focus on considering osteoclast fusion in the context of physiology and pathology. Special attention is given to: (1) regulation of osteoclast fusion in vivo, (2) heterogeneity of osteoclast fusion partners, (3) regulation of multi-nucleation, (4) implications for physiology and pathology, and (5) implications for drug sensitivity and side effects. The review will emphasize that more attention should be given to the human in vivo reality when interpreting the impact of in vitro and animal studies. This should be done in order to improve our understanding of human physiology and pathology, as well as to improve anti-resorptive treatment and reduce side effects.

Relational capability and strategic alliance portfolio configuration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to focus on evaluating relational capability regarding the configuration of a network of technological partners in Brazilian technology-based firms (TBFs).Design/methodology/approachThe data were collected using an online questionnaire made available to technology-based companies resident in Brazilian Technological Parks. A total of 73 companies responded. The data were analyzed using bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques and were processed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The statistical tests included factor analysis, Cronbach’s α and multiple regression.FindingsThe paper shows that the strategic alliance portfolio is influenced by organizational learning, diversity of partners, governance structure, intensity of partnership relations and configuration. In particular, the portfolio of alliances with competence orientation is characterized by tacit knowledge exchanges and learning exploration, homogeneity of partners, informal governance mechanisms, strong bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and low diversification of actors’ profiles, their attributions and the results obtained in the portfolio. Meanwhile, the characteristics of alliance portfolios with legitimacy orientation include explicit knowledge exchange and learning exploitation, heterogeneity of partners, formal governance mechanisms, weak bonds of trust and reciprocity with partners and high diversification of the profile of the actors, their attributions and the results obtained from the portfolio.Practical implicationsThe configuration of the alliance portfolio plays an important role in innovation. To stimulate the creation of new technological skills, the executive of a technology-based company from emerging countries such as China, Russia and India, can configure the portfolio of strategic alliances with more homogeneous partners in terms of profile and attribution. However, if this executive is challenged to seek legitimacy and complementary resources in these markets he can invest in the diversification of the strategic alliance portfolio, prioritizing partners with differentiated profiles and attributions.Originality/valueThe originality of the research lies in the adoption of a complementary and multidimensional theoretical prism, considering the relational capacity of TBFs in the configuration of alliances, both in the intra-firm and portfolio perspective. Furthermore, it was considered that the configuration of alliances can be based on both competence and legitimacy factors.

MLL-fusion-driven leukemia requires SETD2 to safeguard genomic integrity

MLL-fusions represent a large group of leukemia drivers, whose diversity originates from the vast molecular heterogeneity of C-terminal fusion partners of MLL. While studies of selected MLL-fusions have revealed critical molecular pathways, unifying mechanisms across all MLL-fusions remain poorly understood. We present the first comprehensive survey of protein–protein interactions of seven distantly related MLL-fusion proteins. Functional investigation of 128 conserved MLL-fusion-interactors identifies a specific role for the lysine methyltransferase SETD2 in MLL-leukemia. SETD2 loss causes growth arrest and differentiation of AML cells, and leads to increased DNA damage. In addition to its role in H3K36 tri-methylation, SETD2 is required to maintain high H3K79 di-methylation and MLL-AF9-binding to critical target genes, such as Hoxa9. SETD2 loss synergizes with pharmacologic inhibition of the H3K79 methyltransferase DOT1L to induce DNA damage, growth arrest, differentiation, and apoptosis. These results uncover a dependency for SETD2 during MLL-leukemogenesis, revealing a novel actionable vulnerability in this disease.

Effects of extent and diversity of alliancing on innovation: the moderating role of firm newness

The purpose of this paper is to show the varying effects of alliance portfolio size and heterogeneity on innovation in biotechnology firms. Previous literature has indicated that the number and heterogeneity of partners in an alliance portfolio might have positive effects on innovativeness. Yet, engaging in multiple and heterogeneous collaborations also raises managerial costs and complexity levels disproportionally, potentially causing detrimental performance effects. Analysis of a unique panel dataset suggests that engaging in many alliances generally has a positive influence on a firm’s innovation output. Furthermore, maintaining diverse alliance portfolios and a high extent of alliancing jointly affects a firm’s innovation output negatively. By additionally showing that younger firms benefit disproportionally from both alliance portfolio diversity and size, this study provides a more nuanced view of alliancing effects.

Impact of diversity, quality and number of brand alliance partners on the perceived quality of a new brand

PurposeCo-branding is popular with partnerships between well-known and new brands. In a laboratory study, this paper aims to examine the effects of a single ally and multiple allies on quality perception of a brand. The results suggest that the quality perception of the new brand depends on the co-branding strategy.Design/methodology/approachFor dual-brand alliances, a single-factor design was used, with secondary brand quality level (high, medium and low) as the independent variable. Three advertisements were created by manipulating quality levels of the single partner. For multiple-brand alliances, a 2 × 3 between-subjects factorial design was used in the experiment. The two factors were diversification (homogeneous vs heterogeneous) and quality levels of the alliance (high-end, mixed and low-end).FindingsThe results suggest that the number of brand partners significantly affected the perceived quality of the primary brand. For both dual- and multi-brand alliances, the quality level of the secondary brand positively influenced the perceived quality of the primary brand. For multiple-brand alliances, even though the highest quality perceptions of the primary brand are in the heterogeneous conditions, the heterogeneity of partners (partners across different product categories) did not affect the quality perception of the primary brand.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of the current study is that it only addresses one type of brand alliance: co-promotion. The generalization of these findings to other forms of brand alliances (e.g. ingredient branding: Intel with IBM, Dell and HP) merits further investigation. Also, in this study, respondents processed the information in a relatively low-involvement condition (note that the target ad was presented along with filler ads). They were more likely to use brand names as heuristic cues to form their judgments. Because an alliance partner also assumes risks, future research should consider the effect of the alliances on the secondary brand.Practical implicationsUnderstanding brand alliances (especially multiple-brand alliances) is critical for new product managers and marketers. Introducing a new brand has higher risk and failure rates. Companies may lower these risks by co-branding with established brands. However, they should carefully consider the diversification and quality level of the partners. If brand managers position their product as “high quality (luxury)” or “low quality (budget)”, they should choose high- (or low-) quality partners from different product categories (heterogeneous high-end or low-end alliances) because diversification strengthens the primary brand. For a single-partner alliance, the secondary brand should be of high quality.Originality/valueThis paper extends the brand alliance literature beyond single-partner to multiple-partner alliances. With multiple partners, one can explore several critical aspects of an alliance, e.g. quality variance and product class diversity across the partners.

On-The-Fly computing: automatic service discovery and composition in heterogeneous domains

In software markets of the future, customer-specific software will be developed on demand based on distributed software and hardware services. Based on a customer-specific request, available service offers have to be discovered and composed into sophisticated IT services that fulfill the customer's request. A prerequisite of this vision are rich service descriptions, which comprise structural as well as behavioral aspects of the services, otherwise an accurate service discovery and composition is not possible. However, automatic matching of service requests and offers specified in rich service descriptions for the purpose of service discovery is a complex task, due to the multifaceted heterogeneity of the service partners. This heterogeneity includes the use of different specification languages, different underlying ontologies, or different levels of granularity in the specification itself. In this article, we present a comprehensive approach for service discovery and composition, which overcomes the underlying heterogeneity of the service partners. Based on a realistic case study of our industrial partner from the e-tourism domain, we first introduce an automatic matching mechanism for service requests and offers specified in a rich service description language. In addition, we propose an automatic service composition approach, which determines possible service compositions by composing the service protocols through a composition strategy based on labeled transition systems.

Deregulated Expression of EVI1 Defines a Poor Prognostic Subset of MLL-Rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemias

Abstract 1441 Introduction:AML with translocations involving the mixed-lineage leukemia gene (MLL) on chromosome band 11q23 occur in 5–10% of adult cases. Outcome of patients with t(11q23) is generally poor, except for AMLs with t(9;11) that are associated with an intermediate prognosis. Clinical risk factors have been proposed, however, due to the rarity of these AML subtypes and to the great heterogeneity of MLL fusion partners, validation of such risk factors remains a challenge. In two previous studies (Lugthart S et al., Blood 2008; Gröschel S, Lugthart S et al., J Clin Oncol 2010) that included all AML subsets, it has been shown that high expression of the ecotropic viral integration 1 gene (EVI1+ ) is associated with t(11q23) AML; furthermore, EVI1+ appeared to be associated with inferior prognosis in this subset of AML. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of EVI1+ in a large cohort of AMLs with t(11q23) in the context of clinical features and cytogenetic and molecular genetic markers. Patients and Methods:In the AMLSG data base we identified 147 AMLs with t(11q23). In 109 cases material was available for EVI1 expression analysis. Patients were treated on seven different prospective treatment protocols of the German-Austrian AMLSG (HD93, HD98A, HD98B, 07–04, 06–04, SHG295, SHG0199). Results:The 147 MLL -rearranged AMLs were divided into three subgroups: t(9;11)(p22;q23), n=70 (47.6%); t(6;11)(q27;q23), n=26 (17.7%); and t(v; 11q23), n=51 (34.7%). Most common translocation partners within t(v; 11q23) were t(11;19)(q23;p13) (n=15, 29.4%) and t(10;11)(p13;q23) (n=6, 11.8%). Comparison of clinical characteristics between the three subgroups revealed significantly higher LDH levels (median 550 U/L, p=.049), higher rate of therapy-related AML (33.8%, p=.002), and higher incidence of trisomy 8 (25.7%, p=.05) in AML with t(9;11). Deregulated expression of EVI1 was found in 55/109 (50.5%) of all t(11q23) cases; AMLs with t(6;11) showed the highest frequency of EVI1+ (85.7%), followed by AMLs with t(9;11) (44.2%), and t(v; 11q23) (38.9%) (p=.001). Concurrent gene mutations were virtually absent in t(9;11) AMLs; only rare FLT3 -ITDs were identified (3/70 cases; 4.3%), whereas no sequence variations were found for all other genes analyzed (CEBPA, NPM1, RUNX1, IDH1/2, ASXL1, TET2, DNMT3A). There was no difference in achievement of complete remission (CR) between EVI1− and EVI1+ t(11q23) AMLs. In multivariable analysis of the entire t(11q23) cohort, EVI1+ was the only prognostic factor predicting for inferior overall survival (OS) (p=.017, HR 1.88, 95%-CI: 1.12–3.16) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (p=.013, HR 1.96, 95%-CI: 1.15–3.32). EVI1+ AMLs with t(11q23) in first CR had significantly better outcome (OS, p=.01; RFS, p=.002) after allogeneic stem-cell transplantation compared with other consolidation therapies; the 5-year OS rate of EVI1+ AML was 53 % and 0 % after allogeneic SCT and other consolidation therapies, respectively. We also separately analyzed the subset of t(9;11) AML: compared with EVI1− patients, EVI1+ patients had higher white blood cell counts (p=.045); additional presence of trisomy 8 was only found in EVI1- t(9;11) AMLs (11/29, 37.9%; p=.001). In multivariable analysis, EVI1+ again was the sole independent adverse prognostic factor for OS (p=.017, HR 2.55, 95%-CI: 1.18–5.51) and RFS (p=.02, HR 2.39, 95%-CI: 1.14–4.97). Conclusion:Deregulated expression of EVI1 is found in about half of t(11q23) AMLs. EVI1+ is the strongest prognostic factor in all t(11q23) AMLs and in the subset of t(9;11) AMLs. Patients with EVI1+ MLL -rearranged AML appear to benefit from allogeneic SCT in first CR. Disclosures:Germing:Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding.

SOCIAL CAPITAL THROUGH NETWORKS: THE CASE OF UNIVERSITY SPIN‐OFF FIRMS IN DIFFERENT STAGES

ABSTRACTUniversity spin‐off firms in their first, often critical, years face a shortage of basic resources needed for growth. A major way of gaining such resources is through knowledge derived from social networks. However, social networks may be quite different in nature such that the influence of these networks on growth of university spin‐offs may vary, like according to tightness, strength, social heterogeneity and spatial proximity of network partners. In this paper, we first examine theoretical ideas on social capital and the role of social networks. This is followed by an empirical study of university spin‐off firms to explore differences in social networks between two development stages and to estimate the influence of network characteristics on growth in these stages. Early stage spin‐offs tend to employ networks dominated by tightness, strong relationships, more homogeneous partners and local partners, whereas networks of spin‐offs in later stages tend to face clearly contrasting features. Furthermore, network characteristics tend to influence growth mainly in years following the early stage, with a positive influence of social capital in networks that are relatively open to new knowledge and information.

Unordnung in der internationalen Handelsordnung: Befunde, Gründe, Auswirkungen und Therapien

Abstract: In the past, many WTO member states have liberalized their trade policies unilaterally. However, they were decreasingly prepared to guarantee these measures multilaterally, that is to “bind” themselves. This paper analyzes the background of this development by resorting to three political economy arguments pro multilateral binding: the terms of trade externality argument, the “tying hand” argument, that is to protect a government which is prone to liberalize against domestic lobby groups, and finally the argument that trade policies are instruments for general political targets. For all three arguments, it is shown why an important driving force of mercantilistically motivated trade negotiations has become weaker: the reciprocity requirement. The paper recommends narrower negotiation issues and mandates to prevent a further rising heterogeneity of issues and negotiation partners.

Diagnosis and Monitoring of Residual Disease by Quantitative RT-PCR in Eosinophilia-Associated Myeloproliferative Disorders with Rearrangements of PDGFRA and PDGFRB.

In eosinophilia-associated myeloproliferative disorders with rearrangements of PDGFRA or PDGFRB, molecular diagnosis of the respective fusion genes and monitoring of minimal residual disease (MRD) during treatment with imatinib are compromised by the heterogeneity of the fusion partners. We therefore sought to establish a rapid and reliable quantitative RT-PCR assay (RQ-PCR) using the LightCycler technology for the detection and quantification of PDGFR fusion transcripts by universal amplification of regions which are located downstream to known breakpoint cluster regions within PDGFRA exon 12 and between intron 9 and 11 of PDGFRB. Diagnostic analyses were performed in cDNAs derived from bone marrow or peripheral blood samples of 39 patients (pts) with FIP1L1-PDGFRA (n=31), BCR-PDGFRA (n=1), CDK5RAP2-PDGFRA (n=1), H4-PDGFRB (n=2), ETV6-PDGFRB (n=2), GIT2-PDGFRB (n=1) and GPIAP1-PDGFRB (n=1) fusion genes (36m, 3f, median age 56 ys, range 20 – 73). Except in FIP1L1-PDGFRA positive cases, all patients revealed involvement of chromosome bands 4q12 (PDGFRA) or 5q31–33 (PDGFRB) in chromosomal aberrations identified by conventional cytogenetics. As external standards for quantification, serial dilutions of plasmids containing normal PDGFRA and PDGFRB sequences were employed. ABL transcripts were quantified as internal control and results were expressed as ratios PDGFRA/ABL or PDGFRB/ABL. A cut-off point for overexpression of PDGFRA and PDGFRB (mean+/−2SD) was determined by analysis of a series of 30 healthy volunteers. In healthy individuals, PDGFRA is expressed at very low levels if at all, whereas PDGFRB is expressed at comparable levels to ABL. Serial dilutions of the FIP1L1-PDGFRA positive EOL1 cell line in HL60 cells and of mRNAs derived from patients with known fusion genes (FIP1L1-PDGFRA and H4-PDGFRB) in control mRNA revealed an assay sensitivity of up to 1:1,000 for both fusion genes which was two logs lower than the sensitivity of the specific nested RT-PCRs (1:100,000). At diagnosis, all pts with PDGFR fusion genes showed significantly increased transcript levels compared to healthy controls. The transcript levels ranged within 4 orders of magnitude for PDGFRA (ratio PDGFRA/ABL 0.03–51) and one order of magnitude for PDGFRB fusion genes (ratio PDGFRB/ABL 190–1350). Serial quantification for MRD monitoring during treatment with imatinib has been performed in 21 pts with PDGFRA (100–400 mg/d) and 5 pts with PDGFRB (400mg/d) fusion genes, respectively. In PDGFRA cases, RQ-PCR for PDGFRA transcripts became negative in 21 of 21 patients after a median of 13 weeks (range, 8–67) which was confirmed by fusion gene specific nested RT-PCR in 19 of 21 cases after a median of 21 weeks (range, 28–67). In PDGFRB cases, RQ-PCR for PDGFRB became negative in 4 of 5 patients after a median of 44 weeks (range 16–72 weeks) which was confirmed by fusion gene specific nested RT-PCR in 1 of 5 patients after 40 weeks. We conclude that the universal quantification of regions which are located downstream to known breakpoint cluster regions of PDGFRA and PDGFRB is a sensitive and reliable assay for the routine screening of constitutive activation of PDGFRA or PDGFRB and for monitoring of residual disease during treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Adolescent romantic partnerships and health-risk behaviors: a comparison of dyad member

Romantic/sexual partners may serve as important influences on adolescents’ health risk behaviors. We examined the degree of homogeneity and heterogeneity of adolescent romantic partners on a variety of health-related measures in this study.

Cabinet Formation in Coalition Systems

Theoretical and empirical issues concerning the political bargaining process over cabinet formation in coalition systems are addressed in this paper. A set of theoretical predictions is tested using a sample of 13 western European countries observed throughout the period 1950–1995. It appears that the formation delay is increasing in the degree of ideological heterogeneity of coalition partners and that the share of portfolios secured by the formateur is decreasing in the degree of complexity of the bargaining environment. A few factors affecting the degree to which the outcome of the negotiation process can be defined as balanced are also identified.

Le ultrastrutture delle micorrize

Abstract Notes on the ultrastructure of Mycorrhizae. – A comparison was made of Mycorrhizae (ecto-, ectoendo- and endomycorrhizae) ultrastructures to see whether a relationship between pattern and function could be determined. Understanding of the ultrastructure of host-symbiont and host-pathogen systems, in fact, is of considerable importance in the interpretation of morphological and physiological mechanisms controlling interactions between different organisms. While host-pathogen systems have been covered in considerable detail, however, less than 25 papers have been devoted to the Mycorrhizae. The material examined was not large: 5 ectomycorrhizae (two only with known symbiont) supported by Basidiomycetes, 1 by an Ascomycete, 1 ectoendomycorrhiza, 3 vesicular-arbuscular endomycorrhizae, and 1 orchidean endomycorrhiza studied fairly extensively. Nevertheless, the data pointed to marked cytological heterogeneity of the partners in function of Mycorrhiza type, the species involved and the sampling season...