Intellectual property management and technological entrepreneurship

This paper investigates the distinctive technology protection strategies of entrepreneurial technology firms. In contrast with much popular opinion, it is reported that intellectual property features more prominently in the business of small entrepreneurial firms than it does in the business of large, established mature firms. The intellectual property portfolios of technology firms of all sizes and ages exhibit a rich array of instruments in addition to patents for protecting technology, including trade secrets, trademarks and copyright, together with licenses to externally sourced technology. The intellectual property profiles of technology firms appear to be influenced by their context, organizational profiles and corporate goals and by the character of their technology

Multi-vehicle Control in a Strong Flowfield with Application to Hurricane Sampling

A major obstacle to path-planning and formation-control algorithms in multi-vehicle systems are strong flows in which the ambient flow speed is greater than the vehicle speed relative to the flow. This challenge is espe-cially pertinent in the application of unmanned aircraft used for collecting targeted observations in a hurricane. The presence of such a flowfield may inhibit a vehicle from making forward progress relative to a ground-fixed frame, thus limiting the directions in which it can travel. Using a self-propelled particle model in which each particle moves at constant speed relative to the flow, this paper presents results for motion coordination in a strong, known flowfield. We present the particle model with respect to inertial and rotating reference frames and provide for each case a set of con-ditions on the flowfield that ensure trajectory feasibility. Results from the Lyapunov-based design of decentralized control algorithms are presented for circular, folium, and spirograph trajectories, which are selected for their potential use as hurricane sampling trajectories. The theoretical results are illustrated using numerical simulations in an idealized hurricane model. Nomenclature N Number of particles in the system k Particle index k = 1,..., N rk Position of k th particle with respect to inertial frame r̃k Position of k th particle with respect to rotating fram

Delineating the phenotypic spectrum of Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome: 12 new patients with de novo, heterozygous, loss-of-function mutations in ASXL3 and review of published literature

BACKGROUND: Bainbridge-Ropers syndrome (BRPS) is a recently described developmental disorder caused by de novo truncating mutations in the additional sex combs like 3 (ASXL3) gene. To date, there have been fewer than 10 reported patients. OBJECTIVES: Here, we delineate the BRPS phenotype further by describing a series of 12 previously unreported patients identified by the Deciphering Developmental Disorders study. METHODS: Trio-based exome sequencing was performed on all 12 patients included in this study, which found a de novo truncating mutation in ASXL3. Detailed phenotypic information and patient images were collected and summarised as part of this study. RESULTS: By obtaining genotype:phenotype data, we have been able to demonstrate a second mutation cluster region within ASXL3. This report expands the phenotype of older patients with BRPS; common emerging features include severe intellectual disability (12/12), poor/ absent speech (12/12), autistic traits (9/12), distinct face (arched eyebrows, prominent forehead, high-arched palate, hypertelorism and downslanting palpebral fissures), (9/12), hypotonia (12/12) and significant feeding difficulties (12) when young. DISCUSSION: Similarities in the patients reported previously in comparison with this cohort included their distinctive craniofacial features, feeding problems, absent/limited speech and intellectual disability. Shared behavioural phenotypes include autistic traits, hand-flapping, rocking, aggressive behaviour and sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: This series expands the phenotypic spectrum of this severe disorder and highlights its surprisingly high frequency. With the advent of advanced genomic screening, we are likely to identify more variants in this gene presenting with a variable phenotype, which this study will explore

Focused Fluid Flow along the Nootka Fault Zone and Continental slope, Explorer‐Juan de Fuca Plate Boundary

Key Points: - Fluid flow is focused along Nootka Fault traces resulting in shallow bright spots - Two seafloor mounds are the result of basaltic intrusions in the Nootka Fault zone - Gas hydrates occur at the Nootka Slope and are imaged seismically as bottom- simulating reflectors suggesting a regional heat-flow of ~80 mW/m2 along the slope Abstract Geophysical and geochemical data indicate there is abundant fluid expulsion in the Nootka fault zone (NFZ) between the Juan de Fuca and Explorer plates and the Nootka continental slope. Here we combine observations from > 20 years of investigations to demonstrate the nature of fluid‐flow along the NFZ, which is the seismically most active region off Vancouver Island. Seismicity reaching down to the upper mantle is linked to near‐seafloor manifestation of fluid flow through a network of faults. Along the two main fault traces, seismic reflection data imaged bright spots 100 – 300 m below seafloor that lie above changes in basement topography. The bright spots are conformable to sediment layering, show opposite‐to‐seafloor reflection polarity, and are associated with frequency‐reduction and velocity push‐down indicating the presence of gas in the sediments. Two seafloor mounds ~15 km seaward of the Nootka slope are underlain by deep, non‐conformable high amplitude reflective zones. Measurements in the water column above one mound revealed a plume of warm water, and bottom‐video observations imaged hydrothermal vent system biota. Pore fluids from a core at this mound contain predominately microbial methane (C1) with a high proportion of ethane (C2) yielding C1/C2 ratios < 500 indicating a possible slight contribution from a deep source. We infer the reflective zones beneath the two mounds are basaltic intrusions that create hydrothermal circulation within the overlying sediments. Across the Nootka continental slope, gas hydrate related bottom‐simulating reflectors are widespread and occur at depths indicating heat‐flow values of 80 – 90 mW/m2

Fungi isolated from cultured eggs, alevins and broodfish of brown trout in a hatchery affected by saprolegniosis

P. 510-518The aquatic fungi cultured from eggs, alevins and broodfish of brown trout Salmo trutta belonged to the genus Saprolegnia and were identified as S. diclina, S. australis, S. ferax, S. furcata, S. hypogyna, S. unispora and S. parasitica. The species obtained from infected eggs and alevins were different to those from infected fish. Several Saprolegnia species were isolated from eggs and alevins, whereas all the isolates obtained from broodfish were the pathogenic S. parasitica.S

Development and Validation of the Behavioral Tendencies Questionnaire

At a fundamental level, taxonomy of behavior and behavioral tendencies can be described in terms of approach, avoid, or equivocate (i.e., neither approach nor avoid). While there are numerous theories of personality, temperament, and character, few seem to take advantage of parsimonious taxonomy. The present study sought to implement this taxonomy by creating a questionnaire based on a categorization of behavioral temperaments/tendencies first identified in Buddhist accounts over fifteen hundred years ago. Items were developed using historical and contemporary texts of the behavioral temperaments, described as “Greedy/Faithful”, “Aversive/Discerning”, and “Deluded/Speculative”. To both maintain this categorical typology and benefit from the advantageous properties of forced-choice response format (e.g., reduction of response biases), binary pairwise preferences for items were modeled using Latent Class Analysis (LCA). One sample (n1 = 394) was used to estimate the item parameters, and the second sample (n2 = 504) was used to classify the participants using the established parameters and cross-validate the classification against multiple other measures. The cross-validated measure exhibited good nomothetic span (construct-consistent relationships with related measures) that seemed to corroborate the ideas present in the original Buddhist source documents. The final 13-block questionnaire created from the best performing items (the Behavioral Tendencies Questionnaire or BTQ) is a psychometrically valid questionnaire that is historically consistent, based in behavioral tendencies, and promises practical and clinical utility particularly in settings that teach and study meditation practices such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Performance in franchising: the effects of different management styles

Various theoretical approaches uphold the relevance of the relationship between the form of management and performance. Different management styles influence the relationships of agencies [Jensen, M.C. (1998). Foundations of organizational strategy. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press], the cost of governing transactions [Williamson, O.E. (1985). The economics institutions of capitalism: Firms, markets, relational contracting. New York, NY: Free Press], and the allocation of resources between the exploitation and exploration of activities [March, J.G. (1991). Exploration and exploitation in organizational learning. Organization Science, 2(1), 71-87], and this is manifested in firm performance. In light of these assumptions, this article presents an empirical verification of the relationship between the management of franchises and their performance, examining how different styles of management on the part of franchisers over their franchisees have significant effects on the growth and profits of franchiser firms.Peris-Ortiz, M.; Willoughby, MC.; Rueda Armengot, C. (2012). Performance in franchising: the effects of different management styles. Service Industries Journal. 32(16):2507-2525. doi:10.1080/02642069.2011.594876S250725253216Altinay, L., & Okumus, F. (2010). Franchise partner selection decision making. The Service Industries Journal, 30(6), 929-946. doi:10.1080/02642060802322275Child, J. (1972). Organizational Structure, Environment and Performance: The Role of Strategic Choice. Sociology, 6(1), 1-22. doi:10.1177/003803857200600101Combs, J. G., & Ketchen, D. J. (1999). CAN CAPITAL SCARCITY HELP AGENCY THEORY EXPLAIN FRANCHISING? REVISITING THE CAPITAL SCARCITY HYPOTHESIS. Academy of Management Journal, 42(2), 196-207. doi:10.2307/257092Combs, J. (2003). Why Do Firms Use Franchising as an Entrepreneurial Strategy?: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Management, 29(3), 443-465. doi:10.1016/s0149-2063(03)00019-9COMBS, J. G., KETCHEN, D. J., & IRELAND, R. D. (2006). Effectively managing service chain organizations. Organizational Dynamics, 35(4), 357-371. doi:10.1016/j.orgdyn.2006.08.006Combs, J. G., Michael, S. C., & Castrogiovanni, G. J. (2009). Institutional Influences on the Choice of Organizational Form: The Case of Franchising. Journal of Management, 35(5), 1268-1290. doi:10.1177/0149206309336883Crook, T. R., Shook, C. L., Madden, T. M., & Morris, M. L. (2009). A review of current construct measurement in entrepreneurship. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 6(4), 387-398. doi:10.1007/s11365-009-0114-7Fama, E. F., & Jensen, M. C. (1983). Agency Problems and Residual Claims. The Journal of Law and Economics, 26(2), 327-349. doi:10.1086/467038Fama, E. F., & Jensen, M. C. (1983). Separation of Ownership and Control. The Journal of Law and Economics, 26(2), 301-325. doi:10.1086/467037Gillis, W. E., & Combs, J. G. (2009). Franchisor strategy and firm performance: Making the most of strategic resource investments. Business Horizons, 52(6), 553-561. doi:10.1016/j.bushor.2009.07.001Gouldner, A. W. (1960). The Norm of Reciprocity: A Preliminary Statement. American Sociological Review, 25(2), 161. doi:10.2307/2092623Gupta, A. K., Smith, K. G., & Shalley, C. E. (2006). The Interplay Between Exploration and Exploitation. Academy of Management Journal, 49(4), 693-706. doi:10.5465/amj.2006.22083026Hambrick, D. C. (2007). Upper Echelons Theory: An Update. Academy of Management Review, 32(2), 334-343. doi:10.5465/amr.2007.24345254Hambrick, D. C., & Mason, P. A. (1984). Upper Echelons: The Organization as a Reflection of Its Top Managers. The Academy of Management Review, 9(2), 193. doi:10.2307/258434Hindle, K., & Moroz, P. (2009). Indigenous entrepreneurship as a research field: developing a definitional framework from the emerging canon. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 6(4), 357-385. doi:10.1007/s11365-009-0111-xJensen, M. C., & Meckling, W. H. (1976). Theory of the firm: Managerial behavior, agency costs and ownership structure. Journal of Financial Economics, 3(4), 305-360. doi:10.1016/0304-405x(76)90026-xJensen, M. C., & Heckling, W. H. (1995). SPECIFIC AND GENERAL KNOWLEDGE, AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE. Journal of Applied Corporate Finance, 8(2), 4-18. doi:10.1111/j.1745-6622.1995.tb00283.xKlein, B., Crawford, R. G., & Alchian, A. A. (1978). Vertical Integration, Appropriable Rents, and the Competitive Contracting Process. The Journal of Law and Economics, 21(2), 297-326. doi:10.1086/466922Liu, W., Lepak, D. P., Takeuchi, R., & Sims, H. P. (2003). 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The Service Industries Journal, 30(3), 463-476. doi:10.1080/02642060802252027Gómez, R. S., González, I. S., & Suárez, L. V. (2011). Service quality control mechanisms in franchise networks. The Service Industries Journal, 31(5), 713-723. doi:10.1080/02642060902833338Sarkees, M., & Hulland, J. (2009). Innovation and efficiency: It is possible to have it all. Business Horizons, 52(1), 45-55. doi:10.1016/j.bushor.2008.08.002Sebora, T. C., & Theerapatvong, T. (2009). Corporate entrepreneurship: a test of external and internal influences on managers’ idea generation, risk taking, and proactiveness. International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, 6(3), 331-350. doi:10.1007/s11365-009-0108-5Shane, S., & Foo, M.-D. (1999). New Firm Survival: Institutional Explanations for New Franchisor Mortality. Management Science, 45(2), 142-159. doi:10.1287/mnsc.45.2.142Shane, S., Shankar, V., & Aravindakshan, A. (2006). The Effects of New Franchisor Partnering Strategies on Franchise System Size. 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Observations on some cellulosic chytridiaceous fungi

Two new species of Endochytrium, E. multiguttulatum and E. cystarum , are described. Nephrochytrium buttermerense Willoughby is transferred to Diplophlyctis under the binomial Diplophlyctis buttermerense (Willoughby) comb. nov. Morphologic and developmental information on an incompletely known fungus, possibly a Solutoparies , and on other previously known cellulosic chytrid species are also given.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/46147/1/203_2004_Article_BF00412053.pd

The effects of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract on muscle soreness, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine responses to acute anaerobic interval training: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Muscle soreness and decreased performance often follow a bout of high-intensity exercise. By reducing these effects, an athlete can train more frequently and increase long-term performance. The purpose of this study is to examine whether a high-potency, black tea extract (BTE) alters the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), oxidative stress, inflammation, and cortisol (CORT) responses to high-intensity anaerobic exercise.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>College-age males (N = 18) with 1+ yrs of weight training experience completed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Subjects consumed the BTE (1,760 mg BTE·d^-1) or placebo (PLA) for 9 days. Each subject completed two testing sessions (T1 & T2), which occurred on day 7 of the intervention. T1 & T2 consisted of a 30 s Wingate Test plus eight 10 s intervals. Blood samples were obtained before, 0, 30 & 60 min following the interval sessions and were used to analyze the total to oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH:GSSG), 8-isoprostane (8-iso), CORT, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) secretion. DOMS was recorded at 24 & 48 h post-test using a visual analog scale while BTE or PLA continued to be administered. Significance was set at <it>P < 0.05</it>.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Compared to PLA, BTE produced significantly higher average peak power (<it>P = 0.013</it>) and higher average mean power (<it>P = 0.067</it>) across nine WAnT intervals. BTE produced significantly lower DOMS compared to PLA at 24 h post test (<it>P < 0.001</it>) and 48 h post test (<it>P < 0.001</it>). Compared to PLA, BTE had a slightly higher GSH:GSSG ratio at baseline which became significantly higher at 30 and 60 min post test (<it>P < 0.002</it>). AUC analysis revealed BTE to elicit significantly lower GSSG secretion (<it>P = 0.009</it>), significantly higher GSH:GSSG ratio (<it>P = 0.001</it>), and lower CORT secretion (<it>P = 0.078</it>) than PLA. AUC analysis did not reveal a significant difference in total IL-6 response (<it>P = 0.145</it>) between conditions.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Consumption of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract led to improved recovery and a reduction in oxidative stress and DOMS responses to acute anaerobic intervals. An improved rate of recovery can benefit all individuals engaging in high intensity, anaerobic exercise as it facilitates increased frequency of exercise.</p