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A model was developed to assess recent effects of exchange rate changes, inflation, and price insulation policies on real U.S. commodity prices. Exchange rate effects are defined so that they can occur and be significant under either fixed or floating rate regimes. The results indicate exchange rate effects on real U.S. commodity prices are smallest under free trade and real commodity price insulation policies but rise substantially as nominal price insulation policies become more prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A behavioral model of a research scientist is utilized to develop the characteristics of the demand for institutional (IR) and project research (PR) funds. The demand analysis implies a trade-off between the allocative and productive efficiency of IR funding and the research output mix of PR funding. The model is used to evaluate the formula and competitive grant funding of U.S. agricultural research. We conclude that national research policy should be cast in terms of the relative mix of the two systems of support, not in the absolute merits of either system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the effects of inflation on the welfare and performance of agriculture in the United States. Views of Chambers on the flexibility of agricultural prices relative to non-agricultural prices; Impact of macroeconomic forces on the agricultural sector; Factors in agriculture that differentiate agricultural price determination from other goods sectors.

Objective: To define competence in critical care ultrasonography (CCUS)., Design: The statement is sponsored by the Critical Care NetWork of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) in partnership with La Société de Réanimation de Langue Française (SRLF). The ACCP and the SRLF selected a panel of experts to review the field of CCUS and to develop a consensus statement on competence in CCUS., Results: CCUS may be divided into general CCUS (thoracic, abdominal, and vascular), and echocardiography (basic and advanced). For each component part, the panel defined the specific skills that the intensivist should have to be competent in that aspect of CCUS., Conclusion: In defining a reasonable minimum standard for CCUS, the statement serves as a guide for the intensivist to follow in achieving proficiency in the field.