Northwestern State University

Abstract Invertebrate species represent more than 99% of animal diversity; however, they receive much less publicity and attract disproportionately minor research effort relative to vertebrates. Nonmarine mollusks (i.e., terrestrial and freshwater) are one of the most diverse and imperiled groups of animals, although not many people other than a few specialists who study the group seem to be aware of their plight. Nonmarine mollusks include a number of phylogenetically disparate lineages and species-rich assemblages that represent two molluscan classes, Bivalvia (clams and mussels) and Gastropoda (snails, slugs, and limpets). In this article we provide an overview of global nonmarine molluscan biodiversity and conservation status, including several case studies documenting the diversity and global decline of nonmarine mollusks. We conclude with a discussion of the roles that mollusks and malacologists should play in conservation, including research, conservation management strategies, and education and outreach.

A strategy for easing the tensions facing suppliers and distributors in their channel relationships may be the adoption of market-oriented behaviors. The authors develop a model of likely effects and empirically examine the consequences of a supplier's market orientation on the distributor's market orientation and other channel relationship factors. Results indicate that a supplier's market-oriented behaviors directly or indirectly affect all the channel relationship factors examined from the distributor's perspective, specifically the distributor's market orientation, trust, cooperative norms, commitment, and satisfaction with financial performance.

We live in a digital age and this has changed the landscape of health information. With the changing US demographic, otherwise acute diseases morphing into chronic diseases as a result of treatment advancements, and evolving health needs of the population, there is need for increase in available and accessible health information. It is estimated that one in three US adults use the internet to diagnose or learn about a health concern. Nevertheless, a nagging question is whether the Web is reducing or creating disparities in health information availability and use for making health decisions. This study examined factors associated with heath information seeking from the internet, traditional media, and health care professionals among a diverse population of US adults. Data for the analysis was from four cycles (2011–2014) of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS), a national survey of US adults. Controlling for age, race/ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status (SES), regression analyses were conducted. STATA 13 was used for analyses. Findings indicated that there is a possibility that while the Web is an easily available source of health information, it could also create inequalities in health information accessibility. The Web should not be considered a substitute for using alternative health information sources. Doing so, might create disproportionate access to health information essential for health decisions.

Student evaluation of teaching instruments are commonly administered by universities to presumably provide feedback to faculty for improvement of teaching effectiveness. Instead, these measures are routinely used as a basis for determining faculty merit, promotion, and tenure, making the instruments vitally important to faculty. As a result, some faculty members may engage in various activities designed specifically to affect student ratings on teaching evaluations rather than to improve instruction, although no known research exists about the extent of such influencing activities. The purpose of this research is to begin the exploration of marketing faculty perceptions about, and problems with, student evaluations of teaching and perceived efforts to influence the measure. Furthermore, this study seeks to define categories of faculty activities and behaviors that may be used to influence student evaluations of teaching ratings and to identify possible solutions.

RATIONALE: Hypertrophied hearts switch from mainly using fatty acids (FAs) to an increased reliance on glucose for energy production. It has been shown that preserving FA oxidation (FAO) prevents the pathological shift of substrate preference, preserves cardiac function and energetics, and reduces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy during cardiac stresses. However, it remains elusive whether substrate metabolism regulates cardiomyocyte hypertrophy directly or via a secondary effect of improving cardiac energetics. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to determine the mechanisms of how preservation of FAO prevents the hypertrophic growth of cardiomyocytes. METHODS AND RESULTS: We cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes in a medium containing glucose and mixed-chain FAs and induced pathological hypertrophy by phenylephrine. Phenylephrine-induced hypertrophy was associated with increased glucose consumption and higher intracellular aspartate levels, resulting in increased synthesis of nucleotides, RNA, and proteins. These changes could be prevented by increasing FAO via deletion of ACC2 (acetyl-CoA-carboxylase 2) in phenylephrine-stimulated cardiomyocytes and in pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy in vivo. Furthermore, aspartate supplementation was sufficient to reverse the antihypertrophic effect of ACC2 deletion demonstrating a causal role of elevated aspartate level in cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. 15N and 13C stable isotope tracing revealed that glucose but not glutamine contributed to increased biosynthesis of aspartate, which supplied nitrogen for nucleotide synthesis during cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that increased glucose consumption is required to support aspartate synthesis that drives the increase of biomass during cardiac hypertrophy. Preservation of FAO prevents the shift of metabolic flux into the anabolic pathway and maintains catabolic metabolism for energy production, thus preventing cardiac hypertrophy and improving myocardial energetics.

BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects 14 to 20 million Americans and is associated with increased prevalence of affective disorders, contributing significantly to disability. This study compared cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) group treatment for anxiety and depression with COPD education for COPD patients with moderate-to-severe anxiety and/or depressive symptoms. METHOD: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted between 11 July 2002 and 30 April 2005 at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX. Participants were 238 patients treated for COPD the year before, with forced expiratory value in 1 second (FEV)1/forced vital capacity (FVC)<70% and FEV1<70% predicted, and symptoms of moderate anxiety and/or moderate depression, who were being treated by a primary care provider or pulmonologist. Participants attended eight sessions of CBT or COPD education. Assessments were at baseline, at 4 and 8 weeks, and 4, 8 and 12 months. Primary outcomes were disease-specific and generic quality of life (QoL) [Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) and Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form-36 (SF-36) respectively]. Secondary outcomes were anxiety [Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI)], depressive symptoms [Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II)], 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and use of health services. RESULTS: Both treatments significantly improved QoL, anxiety and depression (p<0.005) over 8 weeks; the rate of change did not differ between groups. Improvements were maintained with no significant change during follow-up. Ratios of post- to pretreatment use of health services were equal to 1 for both groups. CONCLUSIONS: CBT group treatment and COPD education can achieve sustainable improvements in QoL for COPD patients experiencing moderate-to-severe symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Misuse of the Internet can affect various aspects of children's social lives. It was predicted that children who misrepresent themselves on the Internet would have less well-developed social skills, lower levels of self-esteem, and higher levels of social anxiety and aggression. The frequency of Internet use was also assessed. Students aged 11–16 years were recruited for the study from classes after obtaining consent. Questionnaires included a query of Internet behaviors, the Matson Evaluation of Social Skills with Youngsters Appropriate Social Skills and Inappropriate Assertiveness subscales, Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children–Revised. It was found that children who reported the most faking behavior on the Internet (e.g., pretending to be older) had poorer social skills, lower levels of self-esteem, higher levels of social anxiety, and higher levels of aggression. Frequency of use, however, did not affect these factors in the current study.

SUMMARY In the past, commonly used supplier evaluative criteria have focused on quality, service or delivery, and price. In recent years, the channels literature has indicated other areas, such as relationship factors, that may affect channel partner performance; yet, no known research has examined either the extent of formal supplier evaluation programs or the factors currently used in channel evaluation. The purpose of this research is to fill that void by determining the number of firms that have systematic evaluation systems and to examine the currently used supplier evaluation instruments — with a focus on whether or not channel relationship factors are considered — from a wide cross‐section of industries. Findings indicate that less than half of the responding firms have a formal supplier evaluation process in place, and that quality, supplier certification, facilities, continuous improvements, physical distribution factors, and channel relationship factors were the factors most commonly included in supplier evaluation programs.

Surface-directed corner-sharing MnO6 octahedra within numerous manganese oxide compounds containing Mn3+ or Mn4+ oxidation states show strikingly different catalytic activities for water oxidation, paradoxically poorest for Mn4+ oxides, regardless of oxidation assay (photochemical and electrochemical). This is demonstrated herein by comparing crystalline oxides consisting of Mn3+ (manganite, γ-MnOOH; bixbyite, Mn2O3), Mn4+ (pyrolusite, β-MnO2) and multiple monophasic mixed-valence manganese oxides. Like all Mn4+ oxides, pure β-MnO2 has no detectable catalytic activity, while γ-MnOOH (tetragonally distorted Mn3+O6, D4h symmetry) is significantly more active and Mn2O3 (trigonal antiprismatic Mn3+O6, D3d symmetry) is the most active. γ-MnOOH deactivates during catalytic turnover simultaneous with the disappearance of crystallographically defined corner-sharing Mn3+O6 and the appearance of Mn4+. In a comparison of 2D-layered crystalline birnessites (δ-MnO2), the monovalent Mn4+ form is catalytically inert, while the hexagonal polymorph, containing few out-of-layer corner-sharing Mn3+O6, has ∼10-fold higher catalytic activity than the triclinic polymorph, containing in-plane edge-sharing Mn3+O6. These electronic and structural correlations point toward the more flexible (corner-shared) Mn3+O6 sites, over more rigid (edge-shared) sites as substantially more active catalytic centers. Electrochemical measurements show and ligand field theory predicts that, among corner-shared Mn3+O6 sites, those possessing D3d ligand field symmetry have stronger covalent Mn–O bonding to the six equivalent oxygen ligands, which we ascribe as responsible for more efficient and faster electrolytic water oxidation. In contrast, D4h Mn3+O6 sites have weaker Mn–O bonding to the two axial oxygen ligands, have separated electrochemical oxidation waves for Mn and O, and are catalytically less efficient and exhibit slower catalytic turnover. By controlling the ligand field geometry and strength to oxygen ligands, we have identified the key variables for tuning water oxidation activity by manganese oxides. We apply these findings to propose a mechanism for water oxidation by the CaMn4O5 catalytic site of natural photosynthesis.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore behavioral processes involved in internet technology acceptance and use with a sample in India, a developing country that can potentially benefit from greater participation in the web economy. Design/methodology/approach User experience was incorporated into the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intentions to use the internet as well as self‐reported usage. Data were collected from 269 college students with a questionnaire methodology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was applied to test each theory, as well as user experience, and the variables' interactive effects on the criterion of internet usage intentions. Findings Both TAM and TPB were supported in their predictions of internet use intentions and usage. Although a main effect for user experience did not emerge, it did significantly interact with components of both theoretical models, suggesting that it has a complex influence on internet user intentions. Research limitations/implications The self‐report criteria are a limitation. Future research should employ more objective measures of internet use. Also, antecedents of internet use might be explored in other developing economies. Practical implications To encourage internet usage intentions, it appears worthwhile to create in potential users a sense that the technology is useful, easy to use, and that others have expectations regarding its usage. Originality/value Findings suggest that theories of technology acceptance developed in the Western world may also apply in India.

Abstract In examining predictors of posttraumatic stress, researchers have focused on trauma intensity and devoted less attention to other variables. This study examined how personality and demographic variables are related to the likelihood of experiencing a trauma, and to the severity of posttraumatic symptoms in a sample of 402 college students reporting a wide range of trauma. Elevations in antisocial and borderline traits were significant predictors of retraumatization, accounting for 12% of the variance. Personality variables and trauma intensity were significant predictors of PTSD severity, accounting for 43% of the variance. Neuroticism interacted with trauma intensity in predicting Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) severity. Among persons low in Neuroticism, there was a modest trauma intensity—PTSD relationship, whereas among persons high in neuroticism there was a strong relationship.

In this section we present some open problems and conjectures about some interesting types of difference equations. Please submit your problems and conjectures with all relevant information to G. Ladas.

The demand for online learning has never been greater. For faculty, teaching in the virtual classroom requires a new set of skills and practices. Online instructors must prepare for the increased written communication demands that accompany online education, such as the large amount of time needed to respond to student inquiries and to provide feedback on assignments. The purpose of this comparative study was to determine if there were significant differences in student sat isfaction, performance, and perceived “connectedness” to the instructor when the instructor used collective versus person alized feedback. In addition, this study examined two other variables: the time required to deliver the type of feedback as well as students’ prior experience with online learning. Four online health courses were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: personalized or collective. Students in the personalized group received individual feedback from the instructor on each assignment. Students in the collective group received a collective feedback document from the instructor that summarized overall class performance, ways to improve, and student perspectives. Data were collected using an online survey and course evaluations. The findings revealed that students who received personalized feedback were more satisfied and performed academically better than

Purpose Past consumer behavior researchers contend that there is a significant relationship between a consumer's religious affiliation and a number of consumption related variables. Based on Worthington et al. 's multi‐dimensional approach this paper aims to examine the concept of consumer religious commitment in the marketing domain. Design/methodology/approach Using cross‐sectional data of 425 respondents this research examines the outcomes of the direct influence of consumer religious commitment on two outcomes, namely, store loyalty and complaint intentions. Findings Results of the study indicate that consumer religious commitment significantly influences store loyalty and complaint intentions. Originality/value The paper offers prescriptive insights for managers, who may see potential value of consumer religiosity as a market segmentation tool.

Abstract The U.S. domestic airline industry was deregulated in 1978 as part of a regulatory reform movement that has transformed the banking, telecommunications, energy, and transportation industries. A geography of deregulation has emerged conforming to a core-periphery structure in which industries are increasingly controlled by fewer firms through their major headquarters and operations centers. As a consequence of industry consolidation and the shift to"hub-and-spoke" network service structures, strong domestic"hubs" (e.g., Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta) and international gateway cities (e.g., Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco) have emerged as the core control centers of the air-transport system, while"spoke" cities have become peripheralized in the process. The group of core centers has benefited more than the periphery from increased air transportation employment, frequency of service, passenger flow, and lower fares, except in cases where hubs were dominated by one or two airlines, where fares rose. The latter is manifested in a pattern of higher fares in the more concentrated hubs of the southeastern U.S. and their peripheral hinterlands. Keywords:: airlinesconcentrationcore-peripheryderegulationhubs

This study examined the effects on understanding of differing levels of visual presentations and spatial abilities with concepts involving time and motion. Subjects were presented with one of three levels of graphic presentations (no graphics, static graphics, animated graphics) which were crossed with two levels of spatial abilities (high, low). The purpose was to determine if the presentation viewed by the subjects affected levels of understanding. Results supported several predictions. As predicted, low-spatial-ability subjects receiving presentations with animation made significantly greater gains than low-spatial-ability subjects not receiving animation. On short-term comprehension, results showed that spatial ability was a statistically significant factor and on long-term understanding the type of presentation had a statistically significant effect on the subject's performance.

Abstract Amphibian malformations have recently received much attention from the scientific community, but few studies have provided evidence linking environmental pollution to larval amphibian malformations in the field. We document an increased incidence of axial malformations in bullfrog larvae (Rana catesbeiana) inhabiting two sites contaminated with coal combustion wastes. In the polluted sites, 18 and 37% of larvae exhibited lateral curvatures of the spine, whereas zero and 4% of larvae from two reference sites had similar malformations. Larvae from the most heavily polluted site had significantly higher tissue concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements, including As, Cd, Se, Cu, Cr, and V, compared with conspecifics from the reference sites. In addition, malformed larvae from the most contaminated site had decreased swimming speeds compared with those of normal larvae from the same site. We hypothesize that the complex mixture of contaminants produced by coal combustion is responsible for the high incidence of malformations and associated effects on swimming performance.

Relationships among health care costs, social support, and occupational stress are investigated. Health care cost data were collected over two years for 260 working individuals. Multiple regression analyses were used to control for initial health care costs, age, and gender in predicting later costs; independent variables were stress, strain, social support, and their interactions. Main effects and interactions each accounted for significant proportions of the variance in various health care costs.

This paper describes three studies of the reliability and validity of a newly revised version of the Purdue Posttraumatic Stress Disorder scale (PPTSD-R). The PPTSD-R is a 17-item questionnaire that yields four scores: Reexperiencing, Avoidance, Arousal, and Total. It is highly internally consistent (α = .91), and the scores are relatively stable across time. The PPTSD-R is highly correlated with other measures of PTSD symptomatology and moderately correlated with measures of related psychopathology, providing preliminary support for the measure's convergent and discriminant validity. It reliably distinguishes between groups of people who were and were not traumatized, it is sensitive to the impact of different types of traumatic events, and (within a clinical sample) it discriminates between those who did and did not seek treatment for difficulty coping with the traumatic event being assessed. The PPTSD-R shows promise as a measure of PTSD symptoms in the college population.

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention programs (IPPs) are generally accepted as being valuable for reducing injury risk. However, significant methodological limitations of previous meta-analyses raise questions about the efficacy of these programs and the extent to which meeting current best-practice ACL IPP recommendations influences the protective effect of these programs. PURPOSE: To (1) estimate the protective effect of ACL IPPs while controlling for common methodological limitations of previous meta-analyses and (2) systematically categorize IPP components and factors related to IPP delivery to assess the validity of current best-practice IPP recommendations. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of 5 electronic scientific databases was conducted to identify studies testing the efficacy of ACL IPPs. Studies were included if (1) the intervention aimed to prevent ACL injury, (2) the incidence rate (IR) or other outcome data that made it possible to calculate the IR for both the intervention and control groups were reported, and (3) the study design was a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) or cluster-RCT. RESULTS: < .001). The majority of included IPPs tended to meet minimum best-practice recommendations and incorporated plyometric, strengthening, and agility exercises along with feedback on proper landing technique. However, the specific exercises included in each IPP and key factors related to IPP delivery were highly variable. CONCLUSION: Despite limiting the analysis to only high-quality studies and controlling for time at risk and potential clustering effects, the study showed that ACL IPPs had a significant protective effect and reduced injury rates by 53%. However, significant variability in the specific exercises and the manner of program delivery suggests that ACL IPPs may be able to be designed within an overarching best-practice framework. This may allow practitioners the flexibility to develop IPPs that meet the specific characteristics of the target population and potentially increase the likelihood that these programs will be widely adopted and implemented.