bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural Variability in a Stable, 1000-Yr Global Coupled Climate–Carbon Cycle Simulation
Authors: Doney Scott C. , Lindsay Keith , Fung Inez , John Jasmin
Published: July 2006

A new 3D global coupled carbon–climate model is presented in the framework of the Community Climate System Model (CSM-1.4). The biogeochemical module includes explicit land water–carbon coupling, dynamic carbon allocation to leaf, root, and wood, prognostic leaf phenology, multiple soil and detrital carbon pools, oceanic iron limitation, a full ocean iron cycle, and 3D atmospheric CO2 transport. A sequential spinup strategy is utilized to minimize the coupling shock and drifts in land and ocean carbon inventories. A stable, 1000-yr control simulation [global annual mean surface temperature ±0.10 K and atmospheric CO2 ± 1.2 ppm (1σ)] is presented with no flux adjustment in either physics or biogeochemistry. The control simulation compares reasonably well against observations for key annual mean and seasonal carbon cycle metrics; regional biases in coupled model physics, however, propagate clearly into biogeochemical error patterns. Simulated interannual-to-centennial variability in atmospheric CO2 is dominated by terrestrial carbon flux variability, ±0.69 Pg C yr−1 (1σ global net annual mean), which in turn reflects primarily regional changes in net primary production modulated by moisture stress. Power spectra of global CO2 fluxes are white on time scales beyond a few years, and thus most of the variance is concentrated at high frequencies (time scale <4 yr). Model variability in air–sea CO2 fluxes, ±0.10 Pg C yr−1 (1σ global annual mean), is generated by variability in sea surface temperature, wind speed, export production, and mixing/upwelling. At low frequencies (time scale >20 yr), global net ocean CO2 flux is strongly anticorrelated (0.7–0.95) with the net CO2 flux from land; the ocean tends to damp (20%–25%) slow variations in atmospheric CO2 generated by the terrestrial biosphere. The intrinsic, unforced natural variability in land and ocean carbon storage is the “noise” that complicates the detection and mechanistic attribution of contemporary anthropogenic carbon sinks.
Cirrus Clouds and the Large-Scale Atmospheric State: Relationships Revealed by Six Years of Ground-Based Data
Authors: Mace Gerald G. , Benson Sally , Vernon Erik
Published: July 2006

The properties of cirrus clouds observed at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Climate Research Facility (ACRF) in Oklahoma are documented from a nearly continuous 6-yr record of 35-GHz cloud radar data. Cirrus frequency over the ACRF is 23% and 28% of the time in the warm (May–September) and cold seasons (November–March), respectively, with maxima and minima during the period studied of 30% and 16% in the warm season and 34% and 24% in the cold seasons. Cirrus, as defined here, reveal a seasonal oscillation in their macroscale properties that can be traced to the seasonal deepening of the troposphere in the Southern Plains region. While the average bulk microphysical properties do not change significantly from season to season, the variability of certain parameters demonstrates seasonal change. It is shown that the properties of cirrus clouds vary perceptively with the large-scale vertical motion. Using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis data to define the large-scale meteorological state when cirrus are observed at the ACRF, the authors find that cirrus tend to exist within a maximum in upper-tropospheric humidity and downstream of the peak upper-tropospheric vertical motion. Cirrus that exist in large-scale ascent upstream of the synoptic-scale middle-tropospheric ridge axis are shown to have higher water contents than cirrus that exist in large-scale subsidence downstream of the ridge axis, although the overall nature of the statistical distributions of water contents do not change greatly, suggesting that it may be difficult to parameterize the properties of cirrus based solely on large-scale vertical motion. The layer-mean particle size, on the other hand, shows no such sensitivity to the large-scale vertical motion.
Climatological Description of Seasonal Variations in Lower-Tropospheric Temperature Inversion Layers over the Indochina Peninsula
Authors: Nodzu Masato I. , Ogino Shin-Ya , Tachibana Yoshihiro , Yamanaka Manabu D.
Published: July 2006

In this study operational rawinsonde data are used to investigate climatological features of seasonal variations in static stability in order to understand the behavior of temperature inversion layers, that is, extremely stable layers in the lower troposphere over the Indochina Peninsula region, at the southeastern edge of the Asian continent. Static stability was evaluated from the vertical gradient in potential temperature (Δθ/Δz).

Stable (Δθ/Δz > 10 K km−1) and unstable (Δθ/Δz < 1 K km−1) layers frequently appear over the Indochina Peninsula region during boreal winter. Temporal and vertical variations in stability during the boreal winter can be categorized into three characteristic types, type I: the mean height of stable layers increases from 2 to 5 km from the dry to the rainy season over inland areas of the Indochina Peninsula and southern China; type II: similar to type I, with the additional occurrence of stable layers at a height of ∼1 km, mainly over coastal areas of the Indochina Peninsula; and type III: stable layers at a height of ∼2 km, mainly over the Malay Peninsula. We did not find any significant seasonal change in the vertical distribution of stable layers over the Malay Peninsula.
Drought in Late Spring of South China in Recent Decades
Authors: Xin Xiaoge , Yu Rucong , Zhou Tianjun , Wang Bin
Published: July 2006

Late spring (21 April–20 May) precipitation to the south of the Yangtze River in China along the East Asian front is a salient feature of the global climate. The present analysis reveals that during 1958–2000 South China (26°–31°N, 110°–122°E) has undergone a significant decrease in late spring precipitation since the late 1970s. The sudden reduction of the precipitation concurs with a notable cooling in the upper troposphere over the central China (30°–40°N, 95°–125°E). The upper-level cooling is associated with an anomalous meridional cell with descending motions in the latitudes 26°–35°N and low-level northerly winds over southeastern China (22°–30°N, 110°–125°E), causing deficient rainfall over South China.

The late spring cooling in the upper troposphere over the central China is found to strongly link to the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) in the preceding winter. During winters with a positive NAO index, the upper-tropospheric cooling occurs first to the north of the Tibetan Plateau in early–middle spring, then propagates southeastward to central China in late spring. It is suggested that the interdecadal change of the winter NAO is the root cause for the late spring drought over South China in recent decades.
The cell-surface marker MTS24 identifies a novel population of follicular keratinocytes with characteristics of progenitor cells
Authors: Nijhof Joanne G. W. , Braun Kristin M. , Giangreco Adam , van Pelt Carina , Kawamoto Hiroshi , Boyd Richard L. , Willemze Rein , Mullenders Leon H. F. , Watt Fiona M. , de Gruijl Frank R. , van Ewijk Willem
Published: July 2006

We describe a novel murine progenitor cell population localised to a previously uncharacterised region between sebaceous glands and the hair follicle bulge, defined by its reactivity to the thymic epithelial progenitor cell marker MTS24. MTS24 labels a membrane-bound antigen present during the early stages of hair follicle development and in adult mice. MTS24 co-localises with expression of α6-integrin and keratin 14, indicating that these cells include basal keratinocytes. This novel population does not express the bulge-specific stem cell markers CD34 or keratin 15, and is infrequently BrdU label retaining. MTS24-positive and -negative keratinocyte populations were isolated by flow cytometry and assessed for colony-forming efficiency. MTS24-positive keratinocytes exhibited a two-fold increase in colony formation and colony size compared to MTS24-negative basal keratinocytes. In addition, both the MTS24-positive and CD34-positive subpopulations were capable of producing secondary colonies after serial passage of individual cell clones. Finally, gene expression profiles of MTS24 and CD34 subpopulations were compared. These results showed that the overall gene expression profile of MTS24-positive cells resembles the pattern previously reported in bulge stem cells. Taken together, these data suggest that the cell-surface marker MTS24 identifies a new reservoir of hair follicle keratinocytes with a proliferative capacity and gene expression profile suggestive of progenitor or stem cells.
The Notch-effectorHRT1gene plays a role in glomerular development and patterning of theXenopuspronephros anlagen
Authors: Taelman Vincent , Van Campenhout Claude , Sölter Marion , Pieler Tomas , Bellefroid Eric J.
Published: July 2006

Notch signaling has been shown to play a role in cell fate decisions in the Xenopus pronephros anlagen. Here, we show that the XenopusHairy-related transcription factor (HRT) gene XHRT1, and the Hairy/Enhancer of split (HES) genes Xhairy1, Xhairy2b, esr9and esr10, have distinct restricted dynamic expression patterns during pronephros development, and that their expression is regulated by Notch. XHRT1, which is the earliest and strongest gene expressed in the pronephric region, is initially transcribed predominantly in the forming glomus, where it is downregulated by antisense morpholino oligonucleotide inhibition of xWT1. Later, it is activated in the most dorsoanterior part of the pronephros anlagen that gives rise to the proximal tubules. In agreement with this dynamic expression profile, we found that early activation of Notch favors glomus, whereas only later activation promotes proximal tubule formation. We show that, among the bHLH-O factors tested, only XHRT1 efficiently inhibits distal tubule and duct formation, and that only its translational inhibition causes a reduction of the expression of proximal tubule and glomus markers. Using domain swap experiments, we found that the XHRT1 C-terminal region is crucial for its activity. Together, our results provide evidence that XHRT1 plays an important role in glomerular development and early proximodistal patterning that is distinct from those of the other pronephric bHLH repressors.
Trans-acting siRNA-mediated repression of ETTIN and ARF4 regulates heteroblasty inArabidopsis
Authors: Hunter Christine , Willmann Matthew R. , Wu Gang , Yoshikawa Manabu , de la Luz Gutiérrez-Nava María , Poethig Scott R.
Published: July 2006

Mutations in the ARGONAUTE gene ZIPPY(ZIP)/AGO7 in Arabidopsis accelerate the juvenile-to-adult transition. A screen for mutations that suppress this precocious phenotype yielded alleles of two auxin-related transcription factors known to be upregulated in zip: ETTIN (ETT)/ARF3 and ARF4. Mutations in ETT/ARF3and ARF4 delay the expression of adult traits, demonstrating that these genes have non-redundant roles in shoot maturation. ZIP is not generally required for the production of trans-acting (ta) siRNAs, but is required for the production and/or stability of tasiR-ARF, a ta-siRNA that targets both ETT/ARF3 and ARF4. tasiR-ARF is absent in zip-2, and overexpression of a tasiR-ARF-insensitive form of ETT mimics the zip phenotype. We conclude that the precocious phenotype of zip is attributable to the absence of tasiR-ARF-mediated repression of ETT and ARF4. The abundance of tasiR-ARF, ETT/ARF3 and ARF4 RNA does not change during vegetative development. This result suggests that tasiR-ARF regulation establishes the threshold at which leaves respond to a temporal signal, rather than being a component of this signal.
K+-ATP-channel-related protein complexes: potential transducers in the regulation of epithelial tight junction permeability
Authors: Jöns Thomas , Wittschieber Daniel , Beyer Anja , Meier Carola , Brune Andreas , Thomzig Achim , Ahnert-Hilger Gudrun , Veh Rüdiger W.
Published: July 2006

K+-ATP channels are composed of an inwardly rectifying Kir6 subunit and an auxiliary sulfonylurea receptor (SUR) protein. The SUR subunits of Kir6 channels have been recognized as an ATPase, which appears to work as a mechanochemical device like other members of the ABC protein family. Thus, in spite of just gating ions, Kir6/Sur might, in addition, regulate completely different cellular systems. However, so far no model system was available to directly investigate this possibility. Using highly specific antibodies against Kir6.1-SUR2A and an in vitro model system of the rat small intestine, we describe a new function of the Kir6.1-SUR2A complex, namely the regulation of paracellular permeability. The Kir6.1-SUR2A complex localizes to regulated tight junctions in a variety of gastrointestinal, renal and liver tissues of rat, pig and human, whereas it is absent in the urothelium. Changes in paracellular permeability following food intake was investigated by incubating the lumen of morphological well-defined segments of rat small intestine with various amounts of glucose. Variations in the lumenal glucose concentrations and regulators of Kir6.1/SUR2A activity, such as tolbutamide or diazoxide, specifically modulate paracellular permeability. The data presented here shed new light on the physiological and pathophysiological role K+-ATP channels might have for the regulation of tight junctions.
Multicomponent Molecular Conductors with Supramolecular Assemblies Prepared from Neutral Iodine-Bearing pBIB (p-Bis(iodoethynyl)benzene) and Derivatives
Authors: Kosaka Yosuke , M. Yamamoto Hiroshi , Nakao Akiko , Kato Reizo
Published: July 2006

Organic conductors containing supramolecular assemblies have been obtained from the galvanostatic oxidation of donor molecules with iodine-bearing neutral molecules and halide anions. For the obtained single crystals, X-ray crystal structure analyses along with electrical and magnetic measurements were carried out. (ET)3Br(2,5-BIEP) (ET = bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene; 2,5-BIEP = 2,5-bis(iodoethynyl)pyridine) is isostructural with the prototype compound (ET)3Br(pBIB) (pBIB = p-bis(iodoethynyl)benzene), whereas (MT)4X(DFBIB) (MT = bis(methylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene; DFBIB = 1,4-difluoro-2,5-bis(iodoethynyl)benzene; X = Br and Cl) and (HMTSF)4Cl3(pBIB)3(PhCl)x (HMTSF = hexamethylenetetraselenafulvalene) differ considerably from (ET)3Br(pBIB) in structure and, consequently, physical properties. The (MT)4X(DFBIB) system exhibits a novel two-dimensional donor packing, and represents the first example of the charge ordering in molecular conductors containing supramolecular assemblies based on the halogen bond. (HMTSF)4Cl3(pBIB)3(PhCl)x is characterized by isolated one-dimensional donor columns.
Enhancing Interaction in Architectural Presentations with Laser Pointers
Authors: Li Siu-Pan , Kvan Thomas
Published: July 2006

In a common meeting environment with projector-and-screen settings, the discussion may be dominated by a presenter who has the control of the content displayed. Although frequently used for architectural discussions, this digitally-engaged setting may not be optimal in its support of participation and discussion of design ideas. This paper presents a novel use of laser pointers to enhance the interaction in architectural presentations. A laser pointing system designed for a projector-and-screen environment was developed. To compare the performance of the laser pointer with other interaction devices, a controlled user study was carried out to test the efficiency of different devices in point-and-selection interactions. The usability of the system was also tested in a design critique. These two tests show that laser pointer is useful and able to encourage participation in group discussions. Details of the laser pointing system, the experiments and the results are reported in this paper.
Project Selection and Macroeconomic Objectives: A Methodology Applied to Peruvian Irrigation Projects
Authors: McGaughey Stephen E. , Thorbecke Erik
Published: July 2006

A method of obtaining investment priorities is formulated and applied to 11 Peruvian irrigation projects. The principal feature of the analysis is a ranking function which incorporates national economic objectives with appropriate weights. Project priorities are derived from each economic objective using the applicable investment criteria. The ranking function is used to combine the priorities into a ranking by explicitly accounting for numerical weights on the objectives. The function appears to be a general device which can include as many objectives as there are suitable investment criteria.
Effects of Supply Variations on Costs and Profits of Slaughter Plants
Authors: Daellenbach Lawrence A. , Fletcher Lehman B.
Published: July 2006

Preferences of the firm for stable or varying flows of raw products are considered. A decision model involving rate and hours of plant operation is developed to measure the, impact of supply variations on plant costs and profits. Situations in which the firm can and cannot predict raw material receipts with certainty are simulated. Varying supplies were found to raise costs of slaughter, but plants with stable supplies lose profits as long as product and input prices vary. Therefore individual firms, especially those that can forecast with a high degree of success, are unlikely to prefer stable to varying supplies.
The Political Economy of Rural Development in Latin America: An Interpretation
Authors: de Janvry Alain
Published: July 2006

The theory of unequal exchange between center and periphery is extended to provide an interpretation of rural underdevelopment in Latin America. It serves to explain both the causality of agricultural stagnation under dominance of the latifundio and the economic functionality of the subsistence sector where rural poverty is concentrated. The contradictions of the subsistence sector as a purveyor of cheap labor to the commercial sector of the economy imply population growth and ecological destruction that reinforce rural misery. This theory provides a framework to analyze the political economy of rural development programs. Land reform and small farmer rural development projects are discussed in this context.
Quadratic Programming for Least‐Cost Feed Formulations under Probabilistic Protein Constraints
Authors: Chen Joyce T.
Published: July 2006

This paper shows how a stochastic programming model for least‐cost feed formulations under a probabilistic protein constraint and other linear restrictions can be solved by using an iterative quadratic programming technique. As the least‐cost plan for a given probability level must be E‐σ efficient, the result thus obtained is optimal.
Interest Rate Determination in Underdeveloped Rural Areas
Authors: Bottomley Anthony
Published: July 2006

Interest rates for rural and unorganized money markets in third world societies have not been extensively studied. This paper uses a comprehensive review of agricultural credit literature to explore the relationships between the costs of extending credit, amounts loaned, and the borrower's ability to absorb further capital. High costs in administering small loans and resistance to repay suggest the convenience of linkages between lending agencies and marketing boards for the crops upon which loans are made. Village moneylenders‐cum‐traders may be able to operate more efficiently than public agencies, particularly when trained staff are in short supply.
Harmonic Analysis of Seasonal Data: Some Important Properties
Authors: Doran H. E. , Quilkey J. J.
Published: July 2006

The harmonic model has important properties which enable OLS (Ordinary Least Squares) to be used to estimate efficiently a stable seasonal pattern. These properties are considered, and a procedure is suggested to facilitate a trade‐off between simplicity and precision in the specification of the model. Two empirical examples illustrating this procedure are presented.
Agricultural Marketing Research for Less‐Developed Areas
Authors: Smith Eldon D.
Published: July 2006

Marketing problems are viewed in relation to developmental objectives and conditions found in less‐developed countries. Underdeveloped infrastructures, intersectorial relations, and developmental objectives may make transferability of developed country concepts and formulations to LDC's questionable. Market performance criteria should be logically related to strategic developmental variables.
Prices and Demands for Input Characteristics
Authors: Ladd George W. , Martin Marvin B.
Published: July 2006

Price of an input equals the sum of the money values of the input's characteristics to the purchaser; money value of each of an input's characteristics equals the input's yield of the characteristic multiplied by the money value of one unit of the characteristic. Demand for an input is affected by the input's characteristics. The themes are derived from a neoclassical firm model, in which the arguments of the firm's production function are quantities of input characteristics used, and from duals of linear programming blending problems. These themes are used to evaluate corn grades.
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Consumption of Selected Food Nutrients in the United States
Authors: Adrian John , Daniel Raymond
Published: July 2006

The impacts of socioeconomic characteristics of the household and its constituents on consumption of protein, carbohydrate, fat, vitamin A, calcium, iron, thiamine, and vitamin C were estimated. Data from 6,950 households located in the contiguous states were utilized to specify consumption relationships. Socioeconomic factors considered were: income, degree of urbanization, race, educational attainment of the homemaker, stage of the household in the family life cycle, family size, meal adjustment, and employment status of the homemaker. Income had a positive impact on the consumption of all nutrients except carbohydrate. However, nutrient consumption responsiveness to income was relatively small.
Compensating the “Human Costs” of Increased Productivity of Fluid Milk Drivers
Authors: Sleight Lynn G. , Gruebele James W.
Published: July 2006

“Productivity bargaining” provides a mechanism for sharing mutual benefits of increased productivity between management and labor. Minneapolis milk driver contract provisions limit wholesale route size, thus limiting driver productivity. Using severance pay as an example of “human cost” compensation, calculations demonstrate potential bargainable gains from increasing productivity through larger routes.
Optimal School District Size Emphasizing Rural Areas
Authors: White Fred , Tweeten Luther
Published: July 2006

Cost of providing elementary and secondary education is estimated for rural areas of Oklahoma. Unit cost curves are derived for instruction, admministration, plant operation and maintenance, buildings, equipment, and transportation. Optimal school district size, derived by combining these unit cost curves, varied by educational program and student density.
The New Varieties under Dryland Conditions: Mexican Wheats in Tunisia
Authors: Purvis Malcolm J.
Published: July 2006

The new wheats in the dryland conditions of Tunisia are being grown with limited success on large‐scale mechanized farms. Achieving yield potentials depends on careful control of plant growth. If this is not done, traditional varieties outyield the new wheats.
Estimation of Irrigation Response from Time‐Series Data on Nonirrigated Crops
Authors: Parvin D. W.
Published: July 2006

Innovations in equipment have created interest in irrigation in the humid areas of the United States. However, decisions on the economic feasibility of irrigation are hindered because information on irrigation response is not available. A technique is presented (with empirical application) which approximates irrigation response from time‐series nonirrigated data.
An Econometric Analysis of the Demand for Textile Fibers
Authors: Lewis Kenneth A.
Published: July 2006

Dynamic demand equations for seven textile fibers were estimated (1920–1966) and simulated (1967–1970). Fiber demand has been price inelastic, helping to explain observed instability in fiber prices, where competitively, determined and the interest in price‐support schemes. Significant (and dominant in cotton's case) substitution relationships existed between synthetic and other fibers.
A Total Marketing System for U.S. Dairy Cooperatives
Authors: Babb Emerson , Minden Arlo J.
Published: July 2006

Three models were developed as management planning tools to test various policies employed by dairy cooperatives to implement a centralized production and marketing program. Effects of various pooling plans on distribution of returns to producers and on regional milk production are demonstrated.
Competitive Demand Structures under Risk in Agricultural Linear Programming Models
Authors: Hazell P. B. R. , Scandizzo P. L.
Published: July 2006

A method is presented for solving agricultural sector models under risk to obtain perfectly competitive levels of outputs and prices in all product markets when producers behave according to an E, V decision criterion. The nature of market equilibrium behavior is considerably more complicated under risk than in a deterministic setting. This presents difficulties in designing models which will always provide meaningful economic answers. These difficulties are overcome by stipulating conditions under which the proposed model is applicable. The resultant model is a quadratic programming problem, and linearization techniques are suggested which enable solutions to be obtained through conventional linear programming computer codes.
Internalizing Agricultural Nitrogen Pollution Externalities: A Case Study
Authors: Horner Gerald L.
Published: July 2006

Alternative policies to achieve a specified nitrogen pollution standard in subsurface irrigation return flows are compared. A system of effluent charges against emitters was the lowest cost and the amount of agricultural commodities produced was less than the alternative policy considered.
Transfer of Development Rights: An Analysis of a New Land Use Policy Tool
Authors: Barrows Richard L. , Prenguber Bruce A.
Published: July 2006

The issues in establishing and administering a transfer of development rights program are discussed, and an hypothetical program is empirically analyzed. In the case study, administrative assignment of development rights and definition of development unit significantly affected the distribution of program costs. Full compensation to restricted landowners would have required widely fluctuating development right prices. Initial cost burdens varied with type of development as well as within development categories. Timing of development right supply and demand may create problems in the market. Although the TDR concept is promising, many practical difficulties remain.
The Economic Impact of Controlling Nonpoint Pollution in Hardwood Forestland
Authors: Miller W. L. , Everett H. W.
Published: July 2006

This research examines the economic impact of controlling sediment loss through changing forest management practices, harvest methods, and rates of harvest. A comparison is made between the income foregone to forestry firms and the regional loss of income as alternative measures of the cost of pollution control. Both measures indicate substantial losses result from controlling nonpoint pollution and suggest present projections of this cost underestimate true social losses.
Disaggregation of Input‐Output Models into Product Lines as an Economic Development Policy Tool
Authors: Simpson James R. , Adams John W.
Published: July 2006

A method of determining output and income multipliers for product lines by disaggregating sectors of either the transactions or technical coefficients matrix in existing input‐output studies is presented. The study focuses on beef exports from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The analysis indicates that canned and cooked/frozen beef, while generally considered low quality or inferior products are, in terms of economic impacts on the economy, actually “high quality” products. An application of the analysis to planning in Uruguay is presented. Direct and indirect effects from different export product mixes are estimated and projections made to 1985.
Prices and Incomes in Linear Programming Models
Authors: Duloy John H. , Norton Roger D.
Published: July 2006

A procedure is developed for representing competitive and noncompetitive market structures in linear programming models. Arbitrarily close approximations to nonlinear forms—in both the objective function and constraint set—can be made without much loss of the computational efficiency of the simplex algorithm. The noncompetitive market structure may be used for measuring income at endogenous prices in a competitive model and may serve as a constraint on that measure of income to represent certain classes of economic policies. Product substitution effects in demand can be approximated by a linear program. The demand structure can be transformed to take account of any shift in demand which can be represented by a rotation of the demand function.
Resource Allocation and Risk: A Case Study of Smallholder Agriculture in Kenya
Authors: Wolgin Jerome M.
Published: July 2006

A model of economic behavior under conditions of uncertainty demonstrates that the traditional tests of economic efficiency in agriculture are generally misspecified. A data set from Kenya is used in testing a risk‐aversion model; the results permit the following conclusions. Risk plays an important role in farmer decision making; farmers are efficient in their allocation of resources; and lack of credit availability is a major bottleneck in obtaining increased agricultural productivity for the regions studied in Kenya.
Measurement of the Economic Efficiency of Central‐Fabrication‐versus Carcass‐Meat‐Handling Systems
Authors: O'Connor C. W. , Hammonds T. M.
Published: July 2006

Relative economic efficiency is measured for a selected sample of retail meat departments using the UOP (unit output price) profit model developed by Lau and Yotopoulos. The analysis suggests that central fabrication is currently more efficient for some, but not all, independent retail meat departments. The analysis also suggests that the relatively new UOP profit model is superior to the more traditional Farrell linear programming technique for evaluating relative efficiency.
Impact of Farm Size on the Bidding Potential for Agricultural Land
Authors: Harris Duane G. , Nehring Richard F.
Published: July 2006

A theoretical model is constructed to determine the maximum bid price that would be made for an acre of land by a decisionmaker with a given set of characteristics, capabilities, and expectations. The variables included that have an impact on the maximum bid price are net income, income variability, wealth, degree of risk aversion, marginal income tax rate, rate of pure time preference, and expected rate of growth in land income and prices. A numerical illustration of the model, developed for cash‐grain farmers in Iowa, demonstrates the relative importance of the variables in determining bid‐price differentials among farm‐size classes.
A Note on the Stability of Firm Size Distribution Functions for Western Cattle Ranches
Authors: Ching C. T. K.
Published: July 2006

Negative exponential functions adequately describe the size distribution of western cattle ranches. Further, these functions were found to be sufficiently stable over time to be used in projecting future size distributions of firms. As such, these exponential functions provide an attractive alternative to Markov type projections.
Price Alignment and Movements of Class I Milk between Markets
Authors: Blakley Leo V. , Kloth Donald W.
Published: July 2006

Incentives to transfer milk from one surplus market to another exist under current price alignment. Lower location differentials reduce these incentives. Milk shipments not needed for fluid consumption increase total costs with net benefits accruing primarily to the transportation industry and to some producer groups at the expense of others.
Investments in Agricultural Processing for Rural Development in Oklahoma
Authors: Doeksen Gerald A. , Schreiner Dean F.
Published: July 2006

A simulation model measured the employment impact of investment in agricultural processing industries Large short‐ and long‐run multipliers and a low investment cost per job placed agricultural processing industries in a favorable position. However, a potential industry growth analysis indicated that this sector alone cannot meet rural development objectives.
The Exchange Rate and U. S. Agriculture
Authors: Schuh G. Edward
Published: July 2006

Previous analyses of trade and development problems of U. S. agriculture have neglected the role of exchange rate policy. An attempt is made to understand the role of the exchange rate on these problems in a non‐parametric fashion by means of a model of induced technical change. It is argued that the overvaluation of the dollar and the policy measures to combat it aggravated the adjustment problems of U. S. agriculture, especially during the 1950's, and resulted in shifting an important share of the benefits of technical change to the consumer. Moreover the recent devaluation of the dollar constitutes an important structural change for U. S. agriculture.
Decision Making: The Role of Education
Authors: Huffman Wallace E.
Published: July 2006

In a dynamic environment with imperfect information, education contributes to production as an “allocative effect,” arising from enhanced ability to acquire and process information efficiently, as well as a “worker effect.” This study focuses on a single dimension of allocative ability: adjustment of Midwestern U. S. farmers to the changing optimum quantity of nitrogen fertilizer in corn production. Results support the hypothesis that rate of adjustment can be explained by economic variables; the rate is positively related to education of farmers, availability of information (agricultural extension), and scale incentive to be informed (acres of corn). Also, education and extension are substitute sources of allocative efficiency.
Credit Card Purchasing and Static Consumer Behavior Theory
Authors: Sporleder Thomas L. , Wilson Robert R.
Published: July 2006

This article treats the theoretical consequences of consumer credit card use. A delayed repayment model provides consumer optimization and indifference conditions between cash and credit card transactions. Under realistic interest and opportunity cost rates, consumers can rationally let a balance revolve about 39 percent of the time and maintain indifference over time.
State‐Financed Property Tax Relief
Authors: White Fred C.
Published: July 2006

As a result of widespread dissatisfaction with rising property tax burdens, state governments are being called on increasingly to provide property tax relief. Numerous tax reform proposals are being considered by the various states. The purpose of this paper is to develop an analytical framework for evaluating the potential impacts of alternative approaches to property tax relief. Applicability of the fiscal model is demonstrated using three alternative tax relief proposals—increased state funding of elementary and secondary education, revenue transfers for a general reduction in property taxes, and a circuit breaker to ease excessive property tax burdens.
The Price and Profit Performance of Leading Food Chains
Authors: Marion Bruce W. , Mueller Willard F. , Cotterill Ronald W. , Geithman Frederick E. , Schmelzer John R.
Published: July 2006

The net profits and grocery prices of large food chains were found to be positively and significantly related to market concentration and a chain's relative market share. The results refute the notion that higher profits for dominant firms in concentrated markets are due to efficiency and lower costs. Increased profits in noncompetitively structured markets accounted for about one‐third of the increase in prices. Higher retailer costs in noncompetitive markets appear to stem from inefficiencies and cost increasing forms of competition.
Farm‐Level Fertilizer Demand for Mexican Wheat Varieties in the Indian Punjab
Authors: Sidhu Surjit S. , Baanante Carlos A.
Published: July 2006

A restricted profit function is used to estimate jointly the profit and factor demand functions from farm‐level, cross‐sectional data for Mexican wheat varieties in the Indian Punjab. The main focus is analysis of fertilizer demand. The results indicate that output price is a more powerful policy instrument than fertilizer price to influence fertilizer use, output supply, and returns to fixed farm resources, that producers attain allocative efficiency, that education of the farm people contributes significantly to agricultural production, and that profit function is a suitable concept for empirical analysis and interpretation.
Commodity Price Forecasting with Large‐Scale Econometric Models and the Futures Market
Authors: Just Richard E. , Rausser Gordon C.
Published: July 2006

This paper compares the accuracy of major commercial price forecasts for corn, wheat, soybeans, soybean oil, soybean meal, cotton, live cattle, and hogs. The price‐forecasting information in futures prices is evaluated by comparison. The results among commercial forecasters are mixed, but futures prices perform relatively better on average although not universally so. These results have important implications for operational risk management.
Farmers' Credit Risks and Liquidity Management
Authors: Barry Peter J. , Baker C. B. , Sanint Luis R.
Published: July 2006

Credit risks are unanticipated variations in costs and availability of credit that arise from forces in financial markets or from lenders' responses to risks in agricultural markets and farmers' creditworthiness. An extension of mean‐variance portfolio theory shows how credit risks combine with other financial and business risks to determine total risk. Empirical evidence from lender surveys about risks shows that farmers' credit is positively correlated with changes in farm income, although the correlation is stronger for capital credit than for operating credit, and that variability in fund availability from rural banks has contributed to high credit risks.
Nutritional Adaptations of Linear Programming for Planning Rural Development
Authors: Calkins Peter H.
Published: July 2006

Linear programming can help plan rural development if the income‐maximization and least‐cost diet models are integrated within the resource and management limitations of small‐scale representative farms. Seven modifications adapt linear programming to subsistence households. Caveats in this context include risk, level of nutritional awareness, production scale, and result sensitivity. Through six model formulations for a representative Nepalese farm, linear programming identifies the most nutritious and profitable production patterns; trade‐offs between nutrition and income; and the costs of constraints relating to levels of credit, market availability, and human capital development.
Analysis of the Impact of Alternative U.S. Dairy Import Policies
Authors: Salathe Larry , Dobson William D. , Peterson Gustof A.
Published: July 2006

A simulation model is used to measure the impact of four U.S. dairy import plans on Wisconsin farm milk prices and other variables. Estimates for different plans show that each additional billion pounds of milk equivalent in dairy imports would depress Wisconsin farm prices initially by $@@‐@@0.14 to $@@‐@@0.21 per hundredweight. Wisconsin farm milk prices initially would fall by 18% if the milk equivalent of butter and cheese imports rose to 12 billion pounds. Within three years, milk prices would recover. But this recovery would occur only after about 13% of Wisconsin's milk producers had exited from dairying.
Perfect Aggregation and Disaggregation of Complementarity Problems
Authors: Paris Quirino
Published: July 2006

Perfect aggregation of linear complementarity problems is possible under the notion of constrained consistency. This notion—which also can be interpreted as a disaggregation rule—requires restrictions on the domain of the micro variables to be aggregated. The linear complementarity problem includes symmetric and asymmetric quadratic programming, linear programming, and two‐person, nonzero‐sum games. Hence, all these mathematical programming structures admit consistent aggregation and disaggregation of their primal and dual variables.
Market Intervention Policies for Increasing the Consumption of Nutrients by Low Income Households
Authors: Perrin Richard K. , Scobie Grant M.
Published: July 2006

This study employs a market equilibrium displacement approach to examine the nutrient consumption effects of market intervention programs such as food subsidies, income transfers, and agricultural input subsidies. The results permit comparison of the direct treasury costs of achieving marginal increases in nutrient intake with alternative programs. When applied to a case study of the food markets and population of Cali, Colombia, it was found that a marginal increase in caloric intake among the poor could be achieved at lowest cost with a consumer subsidy of certain cereals, although black market activity might raise this cost to that of an income subsidy.
Factor Intensities and Locational Linkages of Rural Consumption Patterns in Sierra Leone
Authors: King Robert P. , Byerlee Derek
Published: July 2006

An understanding of consumer behavior is important for the analysis of the effects of changes in income distribution on the development process. Factor intensities and locational linkages of consumption patterns at different income levels are estimated for rural households in Sierra Leone. Results lend support to the hypothesis that low income households consume goods and services requiring less capital and foreign exchange and more labor than do higher income households. At all income levels households allocate more than 75% of consumption expenditures to goods produced in rural areas. Rural consumption linkages with urban sectors, then, are not well developed.
The Food and Agriculture Act of 1977: Issues and Decisions
Authors: Spitze R. G. F.
Published: July 2006

While the Food and Agriculture Act of 1977 has much in common with previous legislation and continues the evolution of agricultural and food policy, important changes are made in grain reserves, food stamps, procedures for setting target levels, support prices, acreage bases on individual farms, as well as administration and funding of research and education. Some consequences are evident, but much will depend upon unpredictable events of weather and foreign markets. The results of the Act, as compared to no policy, are traced for consumers, producers, foreign trade, and U.S. Treasury payments, under alternative scenarios. If shortages return, much of the law becomes irrelevant.
Japanese Agricultural Distortions and Their Welfare Value
Authors: Bale Malcolm D. , Greenshields Bruce L.
Published: July 2006

Using a Corden/Johnson model the welfare costs of current and future Japanese agricultural trade and production policies are evaluated for the eight major cereal and livestock commodities produced and imported in Japan. It is estimated that the net social loss in consumption and production of 1975/76 import and production distortions for the eight commodities is $@@‐@@276 million and $@@‐@@111 million respectively. If the 1985/86 Japanese farm production goals are met the net social loss in production will rise dramatically to $@@‐@@7.6 billion. The combined production and consumption net social losses of the 1985/86 plan are equivalent to 2% of Japan's gross national product.
Welfare Implications of Grain Price Stabilization: Some Empirical Evidence for the United States
Authors: Konandreas Panos A. , Schmitz Andrew
Published: July 2006

This empirical study demonstrates that, although United States producers and consumers taken together benefit from policies which would stabilize feed grain prices, this is likely not the case for wheat. The model specifies a U.S. domestic demand relationship for food and feed use, a stock relationship and a foreign demand sector; these are estimated by ordinary and two‐stage least squares methods. The key to the analysis is in testing a well‐known theoretical model in which the desirability of price stabilization largely depends on the source of instability (i.e., whether instability is generated abroad or is created internally).
The Role of the Marital Deduction in Planning Intergenerational Transfers
Authors: Reinders David , Boehlje Michael , Harl Neil E.
Published: July 2006

The marital deduction is an important and commonly used estate‐planning tool. The optimal marital deduction should be chosen to minimize the present value of the tax outlays at the deaths of both the husband and wife given the expected growth rate, the appropriate discount rate, the expected time of death of the surviving spouse, the distribution of wealth between the spouses, and the total wealth of both spouses. The typical practice of claiming the maximum marital deduction allowed by law or the amount that just reduces the tax liability of the decedent to zero does not necessarily produce an optimal result.
Decomposition Analysis of Derived Demand for Factor Inputs: The Case of Rice Production in Japan
Authors: Kako Toshiyuki
Published: July 2006

The process of the growth of rice production in Japan is analyzed by decomposition analysis of factor input demand. The variation in factor input demand is broken down into three components: output level, factor substitution along an isoquant, and technical change. The analysis is carried out using the estimates of Allen partial elasticities of substitution calculated from the fitted transcendental logarithmic cost function. The decline in labor input level is found to be due mainly to technical change, and the labor‐saving effect of the factor substitution along an isoquant is relatively small.
Working Wives and the Marginal Propensity to Consume Food Away from Home
Authors: Kinsey Jean
Published: July 2006

Contrary to predictions from the new household economics theory and heuristic thought, income earned by wives working full time did not increase the marginal propensity to consume food away from home. Tobit estimates of the same propensity from other income sources in married U.S. households in 1978 showed that income earned by part‐time working wives and children, asset income, and transfer payments increased this propensity above that from husband's labor income. Whites had higher expenditures, higher marginal propensities to consume, and lower income elasticities for food away from home than nonwhites.
Understanding Retained Patronage Refunds in Agricultural Cooperatives
Authors: Knoeber Charles R. , Baumer David L.
Published: July 2006

The share of patronage refunds retained by an agricultural cooperative is modeled as arising from the portfolio decision of its median member. The member is viewed as maximizing expected utility by allocating wealth between investments in farming assets and equity in the cooperative. Determinants of the share of patronage refunds retained are the expected rates of return on these two investments, their variances, their covariance, and the expected future share of patronage and its variance. Empirical examinations of aggregate cooperative data and cross‐section analysis of seventeen regional supply cooperatives are found to be consistent with the model.
Economics of the Wet Fractionation System in Alfalfa Harvesting
Authors: Schoney Richard A. , McGuckin J. Thomas
Published: July 2006

The Wet Fractionation System nearly eliminates the risk of weather damage and harvesting delays by substituting mechanical dewatering for field drying in the low moisture silage harvesting process. Bid prices for the wet fractionation are estimated based on stochastic dominance over conventional techniques. Results indicate that the wet fractionation system has significant potential only on large, highly productive Wisconsin dairy farms, but has little economic potential for the majority of dairy farms.