"In the South we love each other with food." (A Richard Simmons client, on the Today Show, 5/17/2006.)
posted by Lloyd at 11:42 AM

Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA
Vol. 93, pp. 12709-12716, November 1996
Colloquium Paper

This paper was presented at a colloquium entitled "Science, Technology, and the Economy," organized by Ariel Pakes and Kenneth L. Sokoloff, held October 20-22, 1995, at the National Academy of Sciences in Irvine, CA.

Star scientists and institutional transformation: Patterns of invention and innovation in the formation of the biotechnology industry

ABSTRACT

The most productive ("star") bioscientists had intellectual human capital of extraordinary scientific and pecuniary value for some 10-15 years after Cohen and Boyer's 1973 founding discovery for biotechnology [Cohen, S., Chang, A., Boyer, H. & Helling, R. (1973) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 70, 3240-3244]. This extraordinary value was due to the union of still scarce knowledge of the new research techniques and genius and vision to apply them in novel, valuable ways. As in other sciences, star bioscientists were very protective of their techniques, ideas, and discoveries in the early years of the revolution, tending to collaborate more within their own institution, which slowed diffusion to other scientists. Close, bench-level working ties between stars and firm scientists were needed to accomplish commercialization of the breakthroughs. Where and when star scientists were actively producing publications is a key predictor of where and when commercial firms began to use biotechnology. The extent of collaboration by a firm's scientists with stars is a powerful predictor of its success: for an average firm, 5 articles coauthored by an academic star and the firm's scientists result in about 5 more products in development, 3.5 more products on the market, and 860 more employees. Articles by stars collaborating with or employed by firms have significantly higher rates of citation than other articles by the same or other stars. The U.S. scientific and economic infrastructure has been particularly effective in fostering and commercializing the bioscientific revolution. These results let us see the process by which scientific breakthroughs become economic growth and consider implications for policy.

posted by Lloyd at 8:55 AM

From http://leagueofthesouth.net/blog/more.php?id=1747_0_1_0_M

Citizens of Dixie!

A Speech Delivered by Mark A. Thomey, LoS BoD
Friday, 5 May 2006 AD, Montgomery, Alabama CSA


....Throughout history, men have collected themselves into communities, States, and nations based upon those very criteria. It is the created order of things for men to associate themselves based upon ethnicity, culture, and religion. It is the commonality of those things from which natural, healthy, organic communities arise, develop, and flourish. History has also shown that, in every civilisation which abandoned those principles, turmoil and destruction soon followed.

With the exception of those who do not fully comprehend the Christian faith, or those who have a disdain for it, there is no contradiction to be found in, 'loving your neighbour', while at the same time keeping him on his side of the fence. It has been the teaching of the Church, since the days of the early Church Fathers, that every country has a right to its existence, its laws, its defence, and its protection from intruders. I can respect my neighbour's rights, treat him charitably, and act lawfully towards him without being his bosom buddy, asking him to live under my roof, or marry my daughter. In fact, the Scriptures are replete with examples of Christians being instructed NOT to associate with those who don't believe as they do. Evangelise them, yes, but as Christ himself said, if they refuse to believe, shake their dust from you feet and move on. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and do not keep company with him; Shall two walk together except they be agreed?; They and every beast according to its kind, and all the cattle in their kind, and every thing that moveth upon the earth according to its kind, and every fowl according to its kind, etc. These are examples of true diversity, as opposed to the manufactured, cultural-marxist kind we suffer today. The latter is not diversity at all, for it does not show equal respect and deference to all cultures (like ours - Southern). It is merely a political power play that sets groups at odds with one another and thrusts them into an endless cycle of gaining and holding power over the others with whom they contend. This is at odds with the Christian view that different groups can be good neighbours, treat one another righteously, and conduct commerce without mixing themselves into a 'melting pot' of constant bickering, suspicion, and hatred.
posted by Lloyd at 9:32 AM