Using Web-Based Surveys to Evaluate Field Day Open Houses: The Great Tomato Tasting Evaluation

The Great Tomato Tasting event was developed to expose residents to Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station research and Cooperative Extension and to educate them on gardening, local agriculture, and nutrition. More than 7,400 attendees have participated in this event from 2000 to 2011. A Web-based survey of attendees was created to evaluate the impact of this event, replacing previous on-site paper evaluations. The results of the survey implemented in 2010 and 2011 revealed attendees overwhelmingly agreed the event gave them a better understanding of Extension and that they were more likely to take advantage of programs being offered

Farmers Markets: Consumer Trends, Preferences, and Characteristics

This study provides an overview of attitudes, preferences and characteristics of consumers who shop at farmers’ markets. Besides demographics, the characteristics examined in this report include consumption trends of fresh fruits and vegetables in terms of quantity and variety, preferences for organic produce, amount spent per visit, frequency of visits, number of farmers’ markets patronized, retail outlets visited by consumers during 1996, factors affecting where to purchase produce and consumers intentions to visit farmers’ markets in 1998. In addition, consumers’ expectations of quality, variety and the prices of farmers’ market produce compared to other retail facilities and a rating of farmers’ market characteristics are also presented. The results, based on a consumer survey of 336 patrons of New Jersey farmers’ markets, revealed that absence in customers’ vicinity, lack of knowledge about market existence and inconvenience in terms of time and location were the main reasons for not patronizing these outlets in 1996. The majority of respondents indicated that they had increased the amount and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables consumed compared to five years ago. On average, consumers spent $16 per visit and the majority had attended between 2 to 4 different farmers’ markets in 1996. The majority visited these facilities either once a week, once every two weeks or once a month. Compared to other retail facilities, consumers generally expected the quality of the produce sold at farmers’ markets to be higher. Additionally, they expected to find a wider variety of produce and lower prices. The majority of respondents indicated that quality and freshness were the most important factors affecting their food purchasing decisions. Survey results showed that peaches, apples, melons and blueberries were the fruits that consumers bought most frequently at New Jersey farmers’ markets, while sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers and snap beans were the most popular vegetables. In addition, baked goods, flowers, jams, jellies and preserves were the most demanded value-added items. Participants used fruits and vegetables for fresh consumption, v canning, freezing and preserving. With regard to methods of recognition, roadside signs, newspapers, passing by, word-of-mouth and flyers were mentioned the most. Consumers who are most likely to patronize farmers’ markets tend to be female, Caucasian, from higher income groups, at least 51 years old and well educated. Almost all respondents reported that they intend to visit farmers’ markets in 1998. On average, survey respondents ranked the quality of products and employee attitude as very good, while appearance of facility, convenience of location, variety of products, cleanliness of facility, parking and prices received a mean score between good and very good. In general, consumers tend to agree that freshness and direct contact with farmers are the main factors that drive people to farmers’ markets; that these facilities help support local agriculture and that by attracting customers to downtown areas, farmers’ markets boost local economies. The insights provided by this project are expected to help producers and managers of farmers’ markets allocate their resources more efficiently to better meet consumers’ needs. Moreover, patrons’ demographic and socio-economic characteristics could aid marketers in the identification of potential target markets.Agribusiness, Consumer/Household Economics, Food Consumption/Nutrition/Food Safety, Marketing,

Farmers Markets: Producers Characteristics and Status of Their Businesses

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of the attributes of producers who participate in farmers’ markets and to examine different aspects of their operations. In addition to demographics, the characteristics explored in this report include farm size, acreage grown, wholesale and retail activities, location, and personnel employed. Data related to business development, ownership status, days of operation, products sold, marketing and organic production was also collected. The results show that the majority of New Jersey growers who retail through farmers’ markets began this type of activity since 1990 and while their businesses were still in a state of growth. However, the average number of acres planted and workers employed characterized farmers’ markets as small scale operations. The income from these facilities represented, in general, less than 40 percent of the total retail gross sales. Most producers indicated that they were satisfied with the profit margin obtained. Farmers usually attended 1 market per day and traveled an average of 54 miles daily. In particular, farmers chose farmers’ markets as a retail channel because they could obtain higher prices, target a greater volume of people, interact with customers and lower overhead costs. Tomatoes, corn, herbs, peaches, flowers, apples and greens were the most important farm products sold based on dollar value. Although the majority of the farmers sold value-added products, only 23 percent of those surveyed offered organic produce. Prices were usually determined by comparison with chain stores or based on cost accounting, market reports or experience. In general, participants believed that their farmers’ market operations would continue to expand over the next five years. The descriptive results presented in this report help identify the characteristics that contribute towards growers’ participation in the farmers’ markets and the factors that make these operations a viable marketing alternative. These findings may be especially useful for those in charge of the planning and coordination of farmers’ markets.Agribusiness, Marketing,

Farmers Markets: Managers’ Characteristics and Factors Affecting Market Organization

The resurgence of farmers’ markets in New Jersey has been welcomed by farmers, consumers and municipalities alike. This form of direct marketing has the potential to benefit all three sectors simultaneously. Farmers’ markets allow growers to capture a greater share of the consumer’s food expenditure thus increasing their profitability. Similarly, consumers’ need for fresh, high quality commodities as well as for farm-based recreational experiences are met. Also, drawing customers to downtown areas can contribute to the revitalization of these areas by boosting the business of local retailers. However, despite their rapid spread throughout the state, no study has been conducted on the efficiency of the farmers’ markets in terms of management and organization. This study provides an overview of various characteristics of managers as well as of the factors that have an effect on the organization and well functioning of these direct marketing outlets. Besides demographics, some of the managers’ characteristics analyzed are: source of employment, years of experience, farming expertise, their presence in the facility during selling hours and methods used to recruit producers. With regard to market organization, some factors explored are: location, market layout, criteria for market’s site, methods of promotion and advertisement (including special events), days of operation and fees charged to vendors. In addition, rivalry among farmers and between farmers and local retailers is considered as well. The results show that farmers’ markets managers are employed by several different entities. These are cities, townships, counties, downtown revitalization and special improvement district organizations, farmers’ markets and business associations among others. The majority of the managers supervise the market’s operations during selling hours, have no farming experience and have been working as managers for less than 2 years. Managers recruit farmers either personally, by contacting Ag Extension offices and/or through the North Jersey Farmers’ Markets Council. The average age of the respondents was 45 and the majority were Caucasian, had at least graduated from college and had an annual household income of $70,000 or over.Agribusiness, Industrial Organization, Marketing,

Integrated Pest Management Poster for Farm Markets

Unlike organic producers, who widely advertise their produce as organically grown, very few farmers using IPM practices advertise their produce as IPM grown. An IPM poster was developed for farmers asking for help in educating their customers. The posters were displayed in 10 farm markets in New Jersey. The posters and accompanying fact sheets stimulated public interest. Additionally, the poster was well received by the participating growers, and there have been many inquiries about further distribution or availability. The poster is general enough to be used in other states and is available through the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Office of Pest Management

Brain glucose utilization in systemic lupus erythematosus with neuropsychiatric symptoms: A controlled positron emission tomography study

In contrast to morphological imaging [such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography], functional imaging may be of advantage in the detection of brain abnormalities in cases of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, we studied 13 patients (aged 40±14 years, 11 female, 2 male) with neuropsychiatric SLE who met four of the American Rheumatism Association criteria for the classification of SLE. Ten clinically and neurologically healthy volunteers served as controls (aged 40±12 years, 5 female, 5 male). Both groups were investigated using fluorine-18-labelled fluorodeoxyglucose brain positron emission tomography (PET) and cranial MRI. The normal controls and 11 of the 13 patients showed normal MRI scans. However, PET scan was abnormal in all 13 SLE patients. Significant group-to-group differences in the glucose metabolic index (GMI=region of interest uptake/global uptake at the level of the basal ganglia and thalamus) were found in the parieto-occipital region on both sides: the GMI of the parieto-occipital region on the right side was 0.922±0.045 in patients and 1.066±0.081 in controls (P<0.0001, Mann WhitneyU test), while on the left side it was 0.892±0.060 in patients and 1.034±0.051 in controls (P=0.0002). Parietooccipital hypometabolism is a conspicuous finding in mainly MRI-negative neuropsychiatric SLE. As the parieto-occipital region is located at the boundary of blood supply of all three major arteries, it could be the most vulnerable zone of the cerebrum and may be affected at an early stage of the cerebrovascular diseas

Limited predictive value of FDG-PET for response assessment in the preoperative treatment of esophageal cancer : results of a prospective multi-center trial (SAKK 75/02)

BACKGROUND: Only responding patients benefit from preoperative therapy for locally advanced esophageal carcinoma. Early detection of non-responders may avoid futile treatment and delayed surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a multi-center phase ll trial, patients with resectable, locally advanced esophageal carcinoma were treated with 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy (CRT) and surgery. Positron emission tomography with 2[fluorine-18]fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose (FDG-PET) was performed at baseline and after induction chemotherapy. The metabolic response was correlated with tumor regression grade (TRG). A decrease in FDG tumor uptake of less than 40% was prospectively hypothesized as a predictor for histopathological non-response (TRG < 2) after CRT. RESULTS: 45 patients were included. The median decrease in FDG tumor uptake after chemotherapy correlated well with TRG after completion of CRT (p = 0.021). For an individual patient, less than 40% decrease in FDG tumor uptake after induction chemotherapy predicted histopathological non-response after completion of CRT, with a sensitivity of 68% and a specificity of 52% (positive predictive value 58%, negative predictive value 63%). CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic response correlated with histopathology after preoperative therapy. However, FDG-PET did not predict non-response after induction chemotherapy with sufficient clinical accuracy to justify withdrawal of subsequent CRT and selection of patients to proceed directly to surgery

Epigenetic Analysis of KSHV Latent and Lytic Genomes

Epigenetic modifications of the herpesviral genome play a key role in the transcriptional control of latent and lytic genes during a productive viral lifecycle. In this study, we describe for the first time a comprehensive genome-wide ChIP-on-Chip analysis of the chromatin associated with the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) genome during latency and lytic reactivation. Depending on the gene expression class, different combinations of activating [acetylated H3 (AcH3) and H3K4me3] and repressive [H3K9me3 and H3K27me3] histone modifications are associated with the viral latent genome, which changes upon reactivation in a manner that is correlated with their expression. Specifically, both the activating marks co-localize on the KSHV latent genome, as do the repressive marks. However, the activating and repressive histone modifications are mutually exclusive of each other on the bulk of the latent KSHV genome. The genomic region encoding the IE genes ORF50 and ORF48 possesses the features of a bivalent chromatin structure characterized by the concomitant presence of the activating H3K4me3 and the repressive H3K27me3 marks during latency, which rapidly changes upon reactivation with increasing AcH3 and H3K4me3 marks and decreasing H3K27me3. Furthermore, EZH2, the H3K27me3 histone methyltransferase of the Polycomb group proteins (PcG), colocalizes with the H3K27me3 mark on the entire KSHV genome during latency, whereas RTA-mediated reactivation induces EZH2 dissociation from the genomic regions encoding IE and E genes concurrent with decreasing H3K27me3 level and increasing IE/E lytic gene expression. Moreover, either the inhibition of EZH2 expression by a small molecule inhibitor DZNep and RNAi knockdown, or the expression of H3K27me3-specific histone demethylases apparently induced the KSHV lytic gene expression cascade. These data indicate that histone modifications associated with the KSHV latent genome are involved in the regulation of latency and ultimately in the control of the temporal and sequential expression of the lytic gene cascade. In addition, the PcG proteins play a critical role in the control of KSHV latency by maintaining a reversible heterochromatin on the KSHV lytic genes. Thus, the regulation of the spatial and temporal association of the PcG proteins with the KSHV genome may be crucial for propagating the KSHV lifecycle

Fully automated, inline quantification of myocardial blood flow with cardiovascular magnetic resonance: repeatability of measurements in healthy subjects

Background: Non-invasive assessment of myocardial ischaemia is a cornerstone of the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Measurement of myocardial blood flow (MBF) using positron emission tomography (PET) is the current reference standard for non-invasive quantification of myocardial ischaemia. Dynamic myocardial perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) offers an alternative to PET and a recently developed method with automated inline perfusion mapping has shown good correlation of MBF values between CMR and PET. This study assessed the repeatability of myocardial perfusion mapping by CMR in healthy subjects. Methods: Forty-two healthy subjects were recruited and underwent adenosine stress and rest perfusion CMR on two visits. Scans were repeated with a minimum interval of 7 days. Intrastudy rest and stress MBF repeatability were assessed with a 15-min interval between acquisitions. Interstudy rest and stress MBF and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) were measured for global myocardium and regionally for coronary territories and slices. Results: There was no significant difference in intrastudy repeated global rest MBF (0.65 ± 0.13 ml/g/min vs 0.62 ± 0.12 ml/g/min, p = 0.24, repeatability coefficient (RC) =24%) or stress (2.89 ± 0.56 ml/g/min vs 2.83 ± 0.64 ml/g/min, p = 0.41, RC = 29%) MBF. No significant difference was seen in interstudy repeatability for global rest MBF (0.64 ± 0.13 ml/g/min vs 0.64 ± 0.15 ml/g/min, p = 0.80, RC = 32%), stress MBF (2.71 ± 0.61 ml/g/min vs 2.55 ± 0.57 ml/g/min, p = 0.12, RC = 33%) or MPR (4.24 ± 0.69 vs 3.73 ± 0.76, p = 0.25, RC = 36%). Regional repeatability was good for stress (RC = 30–37%) and rest MBF (RC = 32–36%) but poorer for MPR (RC = 35–43%). Within subject coefficient of variation was 8% for rest and 11% for stress within the same study, and 11% for rest and 12% for stress between studies. Conclusions: Fully automated, inline, myocardial perfusion mapping by CMR shows good repeatability that is similar to the published PET literature. Both rest and stress MBF show better repeatability than MPR, particularly in regional analysis