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Peach is an important specialty fruit crop in the United States, and phony peach disease (PPD), caused by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex, has been a major cause of yield loss since it was first observed in 1885. Under a federal eradication program, surveys of PPD were conducted from 1929 to 1972, when the program was terminated. No surveys have been conducted in approximately 50 years; therefore, the current prevalence of PPD in the United States is unknown, especially in the Southeast, where damage was previously most severe. To ascertain the status of PPD, we surveyed orchards in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina from June to August 2020 and, except for South Carolina and northern Georgia, PPD was prevalent. Trees in 17 orchards were subjected to confirmation of X. fastidiosa using the AmplifyRP XRT+ for X. fastidiosa to corroborate our visual assessments; based on these tests, PPD incidence in the orchards ranged from 0 to 30.5%. Ancillary written surveys of relative PPD presence and prevalence were sent to fruit pathologists from universities in 20 states where PPD was historically reported. Only 35.0% of respondents reported that PPD either currently or recently occurred in their state and, of these, three reported PPD to be of significant concern. The results of the physical and written surveys indicate that PPD remains prevalent mainly in the southeastern region of the United States but, in other states where previously reported, it is either not present or has very low prevalence when compared with historical accounts of the disease.

Relatively few herbicides are registered in Alabama or in the southeastern United States for use in annual hill plasticulture production of strawberries. Acquisition of 24(c) special local needs status for certain herbicides could make more of these chemistries available to the strawberry industry. These herbicides, especially when applied as tank mixes pose potential risks to strawberry plant growth and fruit yield. Special local needs status for these herbicides has been granted for other states, but more evaluation of these products in Alabama soils under plastic mulch is needed. The objective of this study was to assess tank mix applications of preemergence herbicides with different modes of action on plant growth, crop yield, and fruit size of ‘Camarosa’ strawberry. A study was conducted at the Chilton Research and Extension Center in Clanton, AL, in 2018 and 2019. Pendimethalin (3.5 L·ha–1) and S-metolachlor (1.6 L·ha–1) were evaluated for potential phytotoxicity in ‘Camarosa’ strawberry when applied alone or in tank mixes with napropamide (8.6 kg·ha–1), sulfentrazone (0.3 L·ha–1), or terbacil (0.42 L·ha–1) by comparing them to a nontreated control. At 18 weeks after planting, pendimethalin tank mixed with napropamide reduced plant dry weight by 33% compared with the control, but this reduction was not significant. Additionally, tank mixes of pendimethalin with sulfentrazone, napropamide, and terbacil reduced shoot dry weight by 43%, 52%, and 43%, respectively, compared with pendimethalin alone. Pendimethalin + napropamide tank mix reduced relative growth rate by 95% compared with the control between 6 and 18 weeks after planting. All treatments were similar to the control in marketable yield. Differences in plant growth parameters did not appear to affect yield by the end of the experiment. All single applied treatments along with S-metolachlor tank mixed with napropamide and sulfentrazone; pendimethalin tank mixed with sulfentrazone and terbacil appeared to be safe for direct application to strawberry planting beds covered in polyethylene mulch.

Stink bugs (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) are commonly monitored using pyramid traps baited with a pheromone. Initially, the pyramid traps were painted yellow and predominantly used to monitor native stink bug species. However, research studies involving the exotic Halyomorpha halys Stål (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) now use pyramid traps that are black, not yellow. As H. halys moves across the southeastern United States, the use of a single trap, yellow or black, for monitoring and conducting research studies would be beneficial. Our objective was to compare black and yellow pyramid traps baited with a lure to determine if one was superior for trapping herbivorous stink bugs. This study was conducted at four locations, three in Alabama and one in Georgia, over 2 yr. Additionally, residual efficacy of the lure was measured via trap capture over 1-mo intervals. Our results showed that only when native stink bug species were combined, and only in 1 yr, were captures significantly affected by trap color. Capture of the exotic H. halys and the most abundant native species, Euschistus servus (Say), was not significantly affected by trap color. Trap capture was significantly affected by how long a lure was in a trap. The data from this study suggests that when traps are used in conjunction with a pheromone to monitor multiple species of adult stink bugs, especially native species, the yellow pyramid trap is favored.

Summary Goals: Bunch grape production in the southeastern United States is limited by the endemic bacterium Xylella fastidiosa, causal agent of Pierce’s disease (PD). University of California, Davis-bred PD-resistant 87.5% Vitis vinifera L. winegrape selections represent a new technology that can help sustain the viticulture industry in the southeastern U.S. by reducing pesticide inputs and diversifying grape production. PD-resistant vines were planted to determine viticultural performance and survival in central Alabama. We anticipated our results would indicate whether regional growers could feasibly grow PD-resistant, predominantly V. vinifera winegrapes under humid southeastern U.S. viticulture conditions. Key Findings: All evaluated selections grew vigorously under humid southeastern conditions. U0501-12 produced the highest pruning weight during the 2015 to 2016 period of study. U0502-10 was the most productive selection, as measured by total yield per vine, and had the largest clusters. Harvest soluble solids content was highest for selection U0501-12, while titratable acidity was lowest for U0502-01. All selections broke bud prior to historical late-spring frost-risk dates, although no injury was experienced in the years evaluated. U0502-10 began veraison between one and two months earlier compared to the other selections in both years. U0502-10 was also harvested 70 and 22 days prior to the next selection in 2015 and 2016, respectively. The experimental vines neither exhibited symptoms nor tested positive for PD during vine establishment. Under regional commercial management practices, no vine losses resulted from other pathogens. However, an aggressive disease management strategy will be mandatory to produce consistently clean fruit in the humid southeastern U.S. Impact and Significance: These results indicate grapevines with predominantly V. vinifera background can survive under humid viticulture conditions in central Alabama with the incorporation of alleles for PD resistance. Further research is necessary to refine management practices enabling sustainable production in the southeastern U.S. as PD-resistant grapevine cultivars become commercially available to regional producers.

In the humid subtropical climate of the southeastern region of the USA, commercial cultivation of European (Vitis vinifera L.) and hybrid bunch grapes has largely been prevented by the presence of Pierce’s disease (PD), a bacterial infection caused by Xylella fastidiosa, a Gram-negative bacterium endemic to the region. Consequently, only PD-resistant or -tolerant grape cultivars can currently be grown sustainably in the region. Yet, limited research has been conducted to evaluate the yield potential, fruit quality characteristics, and vine growth and development of PD-tolerant/-resistant hybrid bunch grape cultivars in the southeast. An experimental vineyard was established at the Sand Mountain Research and Extension Center, Crossville, AL, in 2008 with a main objective to evaluate the vegetative characteristics and cropping potential of ten PD-tolerant hybrid bunch grape cultivars. The experiment was a random complete block design with four replications. Studied PD-tolerant American and French-American hybrid bunch grape cultivars included ‘Black Spanish’, ‘Blanc du Bois’, ‘Champanel’, ‘Conquistador’, ‘Cynthiana’, ‘Favorite’, ‘Lake Emerald’, ‘Seyval Blanc’, ‘Seyval Blanc’ grafted on ‘Couderc 3309’ rootstock (‘Seyval Blanc’/3309C), ‘Stover’, and ‘Villard Blanc’. Based on 2011-2017 results for cumulative yield per vine, the most productive cultivars in our environment were ‘Favorite’ and ‘Villard Blanc’ (yielding 96.3 and 90.0 kg vine(-1) cumulative yield, respectively), while ‘Conquistador’ was the least productive, with 32.4 kg vine(-1) cumulative yield. ‘Blanc du Bois’ also produced high yields during the last three seasons. ‘Villard Blanc’ had the largest fruit clusters throughout the study period, while ‘Champanel’ consistently produced the largest berries, followed by ‘Blanc du Bois’ and ‘Villard Blanc’. Based on their overall performance ‘Villard Blanc’, ‘Black Spanish’, and ‘Favorite’ are considered suitable for sustainable commercial grape production in Alabama and the southeastern USA.

The development of more cold-tolerant short-cycle banana cultivars has made subtropical production possible, but fruiting may be unreliable in colder margins, such as the coastal region of Alabama, as a result of cold winter temperatures and other suboptimal growing conditions. Thus, the objectives of this study were to determine plant growth parameters that predict flowering, and to evaluate vegetative and reproductive growth of Cavendish and non-Cavendish banana cultivars. Pseudostem circumference and the height-to-circumference ratio (HCR) for tall cultivars and HCR for medium cultivars exhibited linear or quadratic relationships when regressed to the number of days from planting to inflorescence emergence (DPE), and hence were the best predictors of inflorescence emergence. The banana cultivars Double, Grand Nain, Cardaba, Ice Cream, and Goldfinger demonstrated cropping potential by producing mature bunches in the cooler environment of the subtropics and currently offer the best possibilities for banana production in Alabama.

A series of experiments was conducted to evaluate variety selection and planting date for spring and fall season extension of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. (syn.: Lycoperisicon esculentum Mill.)) production in high tunnels in southeast Alabama. &lsquo, BHN 640&rsquo, &lsquo, Florida 91&rsquo, Sun Leaper&rsquo, and &lsquo, Carolina Gold&rsquo, were evaluated for early spring production in 2004. These varieties did not differ in total yield of marketable fruit, however, &lsquo, produced higher early yields compared with the other varieties. &lsquo, were evaluated for late-season extension in fall 2004. &lsquo, produced higher yields of large, medium, total marketable, and unmarketable fruit grades than &lsquo, In a study conducted in early 2005, higher yields of marketable fruit were produced from the first planting date (31 January) compared with the final of four planting date (25 Mar.). In summary, results indicated that season extension of tomato production in high tunnels was possible, with harvests three weeks earlier in the spring and 12 weeks later in the fall compared with typical field harvest dates. These early yields can command prices from $3.30 to $4.40US per kg of fruit.

Kiwifruit is a new emerging crop for the southeastern United States that requires cross-pollination to set fruit. However, the pollination requirements for varieties grown in the southeastern United States are unknown. Through insect surveys and a bagging experiment, we assessed the pollination requirements of two female kiwifruit cultivars (Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis ‘AU Golden Sunshine’ and A. chinensis var. chinensis ‘AU Gulf Coast Gold’). For each, fruit quantity (fruit set) and fruit quality (weight, size, seed count, firmness, soluble solid content, and dry matter) were compared among three pollination treatments (wind, insect, and artificial pollination). Low abundances of insects were observed visiting female flowers of both kiwifruit cultivars, and therefore likely minimally influenced kiwifruit pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in the greatest percentages of fruit set and marketable fruits, followed by insect and wind pollination. Artificial pollination resulted in fruits that were greater in weight, size, and contained more seeds, than insect- and wind-pollinated fruits. Firmness and soluble solid content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments, yet were greater in ‘AU Golden Sunshine’. Dry matter content did not vary greatly between pollination treatments or between each cultivar. To maximize yields and optimize fruit quality, these results suggest that kiwifruit producers should place more effort into artificial pollination compared to wind and insect pollination. Future research should explore the use of managed bees (e.g., honey bees and bumble bees) within kiwifruit orchards to determine ways to utilize them as a secondary source for pollination needs.

‘Liz’ and ‘Rocco’ are new short-day (June-bearing) strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch. ex Rozier) cultivars from the North Carolina State University strawberry breeding program in Raleigh, NC. The most outstanding characteristic of ‘Liz’ is its consistently high yields. Total and marketable yields of ‘Liz’ were higher than those of other cultivars tested most years in our trials in North Carolina. Firmness of ‘Liz’ is comparable to ‘Camarosa’. Because of its consistent high yields and moderate firmness, ‘Liz’ can be considered an alternative to ‘Camarosa’. The most outstanding characteristics of ‘Rocco’ are its early season ripening and high soluble solids content. Total yield of ‘Rocco’ is higher than that of ‘Sweet Charlie’ and comparable to cultivars that ripen later in the season. ‘Rocco’ should be considered an alternative to ‘Sweet Charlie’ for early production. U.S. Plant Patents have been submitted for ‘Liz’ and ‘Rocco’. North Carolina Strawberry Association; North American Strawberry Growers Association; Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium; Golden Leaf Foundation; Virginia Strawberry Growers Association This research was partially funded by the North Carolina Strawberry Association, North American Strawberry Growers Association, Southern Region Small Fruit Consortium, and the Golden Leaf Foundation. On-farm trials in Virginia were funded in part by the Virginia Strawberry Growers Association. We gratefully acknowledge the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for their assistance with conducting trials at research stations in the state of North Carolina. Extension personnel from North Carolina State University, the University of Georgia, and Clemson University facilitated on-farm trials in NC, GA, and SC, respectively. We also thank Norton Creek Farm in Cashiers, NC, and Nathan Moss for their help with propagation of this cultivar during the last years of trialing. The North Carolina Micropropagation and Research Unit produced virus-tested plant material that was distributed to test sites and nurseries and tested 'Liz' and 'Rocco' for 22 known strawberry viruses.

Objective: To explore the association between college counseling center clients’ initial self-report of motivation and counseling outcome. Participants: The sample was composed of 331 student clients who utilized a college counseling center from August 2007 to August 2009. The college is a public, mid-size, urban university in the Southeast. Methods: Motivation was measured at intake by a self-report of change readiness item. A quantitative study that employed a 5-group, pretest–posttest design included 331 student participants. Counseling outcome was measured using the Outcome Questionnaire 45.2. Results: As assigned by the clients’ self-report of change readiness, counseling outcome for 5 motivation groups differed significantly (p = .004; α < .05). Compulsory participation in counseling was treated as a possible confound and was not a significant factor in counseling outcome (p = .268; α < .05). Conclusions: Participants’ initial self-report of motivation was significantly associated with couns...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cervical MR imaging has demonstrated a utility for detecting soft tissue injury in nonaccidental trauma. The purpose of this study was to identify the incidence and types of cervical spine injury on MR imaging in nonaccidental trauma and to correlate cervical spine injury with parenchymal injury on brain MR imaging and findings on head CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of children diagnosed with nonaccidental trauma in a tertiary referral pediatric hospital over 8 years was performed. Inclusion criteria were children younger than 5 years of age, a confirmed diagnosis of nonaccidental trauma, and cervical spine MR imaging within 1 week of presentation. Brain and cervical spine MR imaging, head CT, cervical radiographs, and skeletal surveys were reviewed. RESULTS: There were 89 patients included in this study (48 males; mean age, 9.1 months [range, 1–59 months]). Cervical spine injury on MR imaging was found in 61 patients (69%). Ligamentous injury was seen in 60 patients (67%), with interspinous ligaments being most commonly involved. Abnormal capsular fluid (atlanto-occipital and atlantoaxial) was present in 28 patients (32%). Cervical spine injury on MR imaging was significantly associated with parenchymal restricted diffusion on brain MR imaging and parenchymal injury on head CT (P = .0004 and P = .0104, respectively). Children with restricted diffusion on brain MR imaging were 6.22 (point estimate) times more likely to have cervical spine injury on MR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high incidence of cervical spine injury in pediatric nonaccidental trauma. Positive findings may affect management and suggest a traumatic etiology.

To select plant species and species combinations for northern climates, mats with different plant species and species combinations were constructed on a green roof plant production farm and later transported and installed on an urban rooftop. There were three treatments: two different planting combinations, which together consisted of 10 diverse plant species [both stonecrop (Sedum) species and nonstonecrop species], and a control, which consisted of 26 stonecrop species used for standard mat production. Growth measurements and observations were made at both sites and special attention was paid to the performance of species during the harvest, transportation, and installation stages, as well as during recovery postinstallation. All species but false rock cress (Aubrieta cultorum) were found to be suitable for extensive green roof applications in northern climates, although there were variations of suitability among the species. Good, mediocre, and poor interactions formed between numerous species, displaying different levels of compatibility. Finally, all species were considered appropriate for a mat production system; species that failed to germinate, species planted postinstallation, the frequently displaced rolling hens and chicks (Jovibarba sobolifera), and false rock cress were exceptions. Overall, many species in this study displayed successful, well-rounded growth. Based on results, species and species combinations were recommended for extensive green roofs in northern climates.

Mini-watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)] cultivars Valdoria and Vanessa were evaluated at 20, 30, 40, or 50 days after anthesis to determine maturity at harvest. Fruit circumference, weight, ground spot color, and number of senescent tendrils were measured as external indicators for each watermelon. Soluble solids content (SS), pH, and SS:total acid ratio (SS:TA) of each watermelon were determined to provide an indication of internal maturity. Regression and Akaike Information Criterion fit statistics analyses were performed to determine significant relationships and best predictors for external indicators of internal maturity factors. In this study, external predictors were most closely linked to fruit pH rather than to SS or SS/TA. Of the external indicators tested, fruit weight, circumference, number of senescent tendrils, and International Commission on Illumination (CIE) b* color coordinate values of the ground spot were best related to fruit pH. According to the regression models, two completely senesced tendrils, a circumference of 53 cm, weight of 3 kg, and CIE b* coordinate ground spot value of 40 are each sufficient to predict maturity when pH is used as the internal indicator of maturity under the conditions of this experiment.

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus ‘Clemson Spineless’) was grown on an Orangeburg sandy loam soil in Shorter, AL. Okra was direct-seeded in single rows. Treatments consisted of five mulch colors: black, white, red, silver, and blue installed either with or without spun-bonded row cover. Soil temperatures were 4 to 7 °C lower than air temperatures in all treatments. The use of darker (black, blue, red) -colored plastic mulches increased early and total yield of okra compared with bare soil with and without row cover. Increased soil and air temperatures did not always correlate to an increase in yield. It can be concluded that the use of dark plastic mulch is advantageous to growers of okra in climates that do not have cool springs, but the added use of row covers to plastic mulch has no effect on growth and yield. The profit of marketable okra produced using a row cover was $1.37 versus $1.35 per pound without a cover in 2003 and $1.28 versus $1.29 per pound in 2004. Blue plastic mulch is ≈$0.08 per foot more expensive than black plastic. Our data do not show an economic advantage for blue over black mulch for okra, but the positive effect cited by other authors may be more pronounced with leafy vegetables.

Row covers and colored plastic mulch are used routinely throughout the United States to grow vegetables but are rarely used in conjunction to produce a crop. Summer squash (Cucurbita pepo L.), cv. Prelude II, was grown on an Orangeburg sandy loam soil in Shorter, AL. The summer squash was direct seeded in single rows. The experiment consisted of 12 treatments including: (1) black plastic mulch (BPM)+spunbonded row cover (RC), (2) BPM alone, (3) white plastic mulch (WPM)+RC, (4) WPM alone, (5) red plastic mulch (RPM)+RC, (6) RPM alone, (7) bare soil (BS)+RC, (8) BS alone, (9) silver plastic mulch (SPM)+RC, (10) SPM alone, (11) blue plastic mulch (BLUPM)+RC, and (12) BLUPM alone. Year and mulch color affected all variables, row cover affected plant height and stem diameter, and the mulch color × row cover interaction affected yield variables. Mulch color and year significantly affected air and soil temperatures and row cover significantly affected air temperature. Soil temperatures were more than 5...

Controlled-release fertilizers allow growers to reduce leachate nitrogen loss and better manage crop nutrition in comparison to water-soluble fertilizers. Nitrogen leaching and plant growth were evaluated in a container production system using a granular water-soluble (GWS) ammonium nitrate fertilizer (34-0-0), a controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) (18N-6P-12K), and a non-fertilized control (NFC). Selected plant species were grown for ten weeks using 1,485 g N per cubic meter (2.5 pounds N per cubic yard) CRF or the GWS fertilizer. Leachate pH was higher (7.0+) for the GWS and NFC treatments than the CRF (6.5 to 7.0). Total soluble salts in the leachates reflected the initial leaching of salts from the substrate, with a continued decrease in soluble salts for the GWS fertilizer and NFC treatments. With the CRF, soluble salts decreased slightly during the first five weeks, but then increased over the next five weeks. The CRF provided acceptable ammonium levels for production purposes throughout th...

Controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers allow growers to reduce nitrogen loss from leaching in comparison to soluble formulations. Plant growth and nitrogen leaching during greenhouse production of Begonia × semperflorens-cultorum Hort. cv. “Brandy” (Begonia), Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzch cv. “Freedom Red” (Poinsettia), Ficus benjamina L., and Nephrolepis exaltata (L.) Schott cv. “Bostoniensis” (Boston Fern) were evaluated for eight weeks using three commercial controlled-release nitrogen fertilizers in combination with phosphorus and potassium sources to maintain a 3 : 2:1 NPK ratio. Mini Polymer Coated Urea (MPCU) 41-0-0, Trikote 42-0-0, and Regalite Nitroform (RN) 38-0-0 were incorporated into the substrate at rates of 0.9 kg nitrogen (N) m−3 and 1.5 kg N m−3 prior to potting. Total soluble salts in the leachates reflected the initial leaching of salts from the substrate, some increase or maintenance of salt levels through the third week, and lower levels from the fourth through eighth w...

When vegetables are double-cropped on polyethylene mulch, fertilizer recommendations for each crop may need to be adjusted because liming and preplant applications are done prior to laying plastic. When current fertilizer recommendations for single crops were used for cucumber following tomato, the cucumber plants looked like green, indicating a nitrogen (N) and/or potassium (K) deficiency was developing, suggesting that nutrient availability for the second crop was not adequate for producing the highest yields. Therefore, the nutritional status of both crops was diagnosed using sufficiency range data and DRIS norms to determine which nutrient(s) was limiting crop nutrition. Regardless of N source used as a sidedress injection material (at a rate of 7 kg N ha−1wk−1 as ammonium nitrate or calcium nitrate) or liming material used to adjust soil pH to 6.5 (carbonate- or oxide-based calcitic or dolomitic lime), foliar levels of N and K, and possibly phosphorus (P) were found to be limiting factors according t...

Several okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) cultivars are now available as alternatives to the standards `Clemson Spineless' (open pollinated) and `Annie Oakley II' (hybrid). Based on the results of four trials involving 20 cultivars, `Mita', `Spike', `Green Best' and `North & South' should be added to the list of recommended cultivars for Alabama and Florida. The experimental `SOK 601' should also be included on that list, but on a for trial basis since it was evaluated only at one location. Other cultivars may perform well at specific locations. Differences among cultivars were also found for ease of harvest. `North & South' and `Baby Bubba' were the easiest and most difficult cultivars to harvest, respectively. The economic feasability of selecting a hybrid cultivar over an open-pollinated one and using plasticulture instead of bare ground was also examined in this study. Using hybrid seeds resulted in an average yield increase per harvest of 92 lb/acre (103 kg·ha-1), which exceeded the estimated 75 lb/acre yield (84 kg·ha-1) increase necessary to offset the additional cost of hybrid seeds. For reasons ranging from improved weed control, increased nutrient and water use efficiency, and double cropping, an increasing interest exists to produce okra with plasticulture, instead of bare ground as done traditionally. The average yield increase per harvest due to plasticulture over bare ground production was 196 lb/acre (220 kg·ha-1). Based on this number, it would take three harvests to produce the 540 lb/acre (605 kg·ha-1) yield increase necessary to offset the additional costs due to plasticulture.

For economical reasons, cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) may be grown as a double crop after tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.). In this production system, plant nutrition may be limited for the second crop due to pH change or insufficient levels of calcium or magnesium. The objective of this 2-year field study was to compare the effects of selected liming materials on yield and grade distribution, and soil available nutrients of a tomato/cucumber double crop produced with plasticulture. Liming materials were compared to a control and a CaSO4 treatment based on the same neutralizing value as standard agricultural limestone. Supplemental N fertilization was provided by weekly injections at a rate of 7 kg/ha/week from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) or calcium nitrate [Ca(NO3)2]. Each year, soil samples were collected at the beginning of the study and after each crop to determine nutrient availability. All liming materials raised soil pH in 1998 and 1999 over the unlimed control, though not to the target level f...

This article discusses using family systems strategies and the genogram in group counseling to highlight family-of origin issues with a college student population. Similarities between family therapy and group counseling are described.

When diphosphine rhodium(I) hydrogenation catalysts are incorporated into organic polymers that contain a permanent pore structure, they can be utilized in fluorous biphase solvent systems, where reaction rates increase with the fluorous content of the solvent.

Detector characteristics of Cu- and Au-doped High Density Vertically Integrated Photodiode (HDVIP) detectors as well as Cu-doped HDVIP Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) are presented in this paper. Individual photodiodes in test bars were examined by measuring I-V curves and the associated resistance-area (RA) product as a function of temperature. The Au-doped MWIR [λ c (78 K) = 5 μm] HDVIP detectors RoA performance was within a factor of two or three of theoretical. Noise as a function of frequency has been measured on Au-doped MWIR HgCdTe HDVIP diodes at several temperatures under dark and illuminated conditions. Low-frequency noise performance of the Au-doped MWIR diode in the various environments is characterized by the ratio α of the noise current spectral density at 1 Hz to the value of the diode current. For photocurrent at 140 K, α PHOTO = 1.8 x 10 -5 . The value of α PHOTO is the same at both zero bias and 100 mV reverse bias. At 160 K, α PHOTO is slightly lower but still in the low 10 -5 range. Excess low-frequency noise measured at 140 K and 100 mV reverse bias in the dark has α DARK = 1.4 x 10 -5 . At 160 K and 100 mV reverse bias, α DARK is in the mid 10 -5 range. At 140 K,the dark current at 8.2 V reverse bias was equal to the photocurrent at 100 mV reverse bias and close to the photocurrent at zero bias. α DARK = 1.85 x 10 -3 at -8.2 V. This ratio is two orders of magnitude greater than α PHOTO . At 8.2 V reverse bias, the current was amplified by avalanche processes. Similar results were obtained on the Au-doped diode at 160 K. Diffusion current dominates dark current at 100 mV reverse bias at T = 185 K and T = 220 K. The ratio, α DARK approximately α PHOTO in the low to mid 10 -5 range, i.e. dark diffusion current generates excess low frequency noise in the same manner as photocurrent. In addition, 256 x 256 Cu-doped detector arrays were fabricated. Initial measurements had seven out of ten FPAs having operabilities greater than 99.45% with the best 256 x 256 array having only two inoperable pixels.

We explore the optimization and application of W.C.Y. Lee's (1986, 1989) RF propagation model at 1900 MHz. Lee's model has been used successfully throughout the cellular industry for macro-cellular propagation analysis with great success. Using Lee's model at 1900 MHz would be reasonable if the same degree of accuracy could be achieved as that of cellular frequencies. We maintain that this accuracy can be achieved, as evident by our application and optimization of the Lee model at 1900 MHz.

Abstract The depth mismatch of events at different offsets on a collection of common image gathers (CIGs) is minimized by backprojection of slowness values in a grid. Rather than laboriously picking events on given CIGs, (v,t) pairs are used to calculate necessary arrival times and depths. For each iteration of the prestack migration process, the previous velocity field is used to calculate ray paths, change in path length, slowness, and opening angles. Back-projection is constrained by (a) smoothing slowness laterally and vertically to stabilize the minimization, and (b) holding slowness constant in certain regions (e.g. salt bodies). The utility of the approach is shown through application to both finite-difference synthetic and real data in two and three dimensions. Introduction Figure 1 shows the migration paths for two different offset traces that make contributions to the CIG at a given surface image point. To obtain a linearized relationship between the change indepth ?z of an image point of the CIG and the change in path length ?l of the ray note that with reference to Figure 2(Mathematical equations) (Available in full paper) Fig. 1-Depth section showing raypaths for near and far offsets and indicating depth differences at z0 and zh and known dip ?. (Available in full paper)

Germline mutations in the BRCA1 tumor suppressor gene are thought to be the most common cause of hereditary ovarian cancer. The aim of this study was to explore further the role of BRCA1 alterations in the development of ovarian cancers. We sought to determine whether somatic BRCA1 mutations are ever present in ovarian cancers and whether mutation is always accompanied by loss of the wild-type allele. The entire coding region and intronic splice sites of BRCA1 were sequenced using genomic DNA samples from 103 unselected ovarian cancers. Thirteen clearly deleterious BRCA1 mutations and two variants of uncertain significance were found. Blood DNA was available in all but two cases and demonstrated that 4 of 13 mutations and both variants of uncertain significance were germline alterations, whereas in seven cases the mutation was a somatic change present only in the cancer. Using four microsatellite markers, loss of heterozygosity at the BRCA1 locus was found in all 15 ovarian cancers with BRCA1 sequence alterations, compared with only 58% of ovarian cancers that did not have BRCA1 mutations. BRCA1-associated ovarian cancers were characterized by serous histology and moderate histological grade. These data confirm prior reports suggesting that germline mutations in BRCA1 are present in about 5% of women with ovarian cancer. In addition, somatic mutations in BRCA1 occur in the development of some sporadic cases. The finding that both germline and somatic BRCA1 mutations are accompanied by loss of heterozygosity, suggests that loss of this tumor suppressor gene is a critical event in the development of these cancers.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an end-stage brain tumor of glial origin. Allelic deletions encompassing all or part of chromosome 10q occur frequently in GBMs, indicating that loss of one or more tumor suppressor genes on 10q plays a role in GBM formation. One of these genes is MMAC1 (PTEN), a gene on 10q23 which encodes a dual-specificity protein phosphatase. We carried out a loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of 66 GBM patients using microsatellite markers for 27 loci on 10q. Overall, LOH was detected in 70% of cases, most showing LOH with every informative marker. Eleven patients showed partial 10q deletions, the smallest spanning a 35 cM region distal to D10S187. Sequence analysis of the MMAC1 gene in 45 of these tumors revealed mutations in eleven cases (24%), all with LOH on 10q. None of these mutations was present in normal DNA from the same patients. In addition, we utilized SSCP analysis to test two other candidate genes on 10q: FAS, a cell surface receptor which transduces an apoptotic, cell death signal and MXI1, a transcriptional repressor. The absence of mutations in these genes suggested that FAS and MXI1 are not likely to be tumor suppressor genes physiologically relevant to GBM. These data do support a significant role for MMAC1 in GBM.

The present study used 51 patients in a prospective, crossover, blinded comparison of dipyridamole thallium-201 imaging and dobutamine echocardiography for (1) detection of coronary artery disease (CAD), (2) detection of inducible ischemia, and (3) determination of myocardial viability. The detection of CAD was based on quantitative defects on initial planar thallium-201 images and resting or inducible wall motion abnormalities on echocardiography. Detection of ischemia was based on redistribution on delayed thallium-201 images and inducible wall motion abnormality on echocardiography. The myocardium in a region with resting wall motion abnormality was considered viable if it showed either redistribution or >50% activity on delayed thallium-201 images, and if regional function either improved or worsened on echocardiography. The tests were comparable for the detection of CAD (53 and 59%, respectively, p = 0.23). Thallium-201 was superior to echocardiography for the detection of ischemia (35 vs 14%, respectively, p = 0.01). Although the incidence of viable myocardium was equivalent by the 2 tests (100 and 96%, respectively, p = 0.99) for each abnormally moving segment in the 24 patients with resting wall motion abnormality on echocardiography, it was greater on thallium-201 imaging (98 vs 68%, p It is concluded that because of its better ability to detect inducible myocardial ischemia and determine viability in myocardial segments showing reduced function, dipyridamole thallium-201 imaging appears to be superior to dobutamine echocardiography for the evaluation of CAD in patients unable to exercise.

Sestamibi planar myocardial perfusion studies were performed at Hotel-Dieu de Montreal on 28 patients with documented coronary artery disease and 16 normal subjects. Stress and rest studies were performed on separate days. These studies were sent to Virginia for interpretation while blinded as to age, sex, and other clinical information. Studies were quantitated independently by two operators (using a computer program modified for Sestamibi), and interpreted independently by two experienced interpreters. Computer quantitation of 2816 segments gave an average interoperator deviation of 2.2%. Pure quantitative criteria were applied for computer interpretation. By varying the detection threshold, we produced the entire ROC curve relating sensitivity and specificity as a function of detection threshold. Using only computer criteria for normal or abnormal, interoperator agreement by patient was 98% and 93% by view. The computer could achieve equal positive and negative predictive accuracy of 87%. Interpreters, allowed both quantitative and subjective judgment, agreed on 91% of 44 patients, 90% of 132 views, and 92% of 660 segments. Interpreters averaged 94% positive and 86% negative predictive accuracy.

Production of high tunnel tomatoes and snapdragons was evaluated over a 2-year period at the Wiregrass Experiment Station, in southeastern Alabama. `BHN 640', `Florida 91', `Sunleaper', and `Carolina Gold', were evaluated in early Spring 2004. Results indicated that `BHN 640' outperformed `Florida 91' and `Carolina Gold' in early production of high tunnel grown tomatoes. A late Fall 2005 study examined `BHN 640' and `Florida 91'. Results indicated that `BHN 640' was superior to `Florida 91' in total marketable fruit. Season extension of both spring and fall tomato production were accomplished. A planting date study was completed in the early Spring 2005. The following four planting dates were evaluated: 31 Jan., 17 Feb., 4 Mar., and 25. Mar 2005. Wind damage to the high tunnel caused some mortality; however, the two earliest planting dates (31 Jan. and 17 Feb. 2005) produced over 10 lbs. of marketable tomatoes per plant. These were both superior to the last planting date of 25 Mar 2005. Cut snapdragons were evaluated for suitable colored mulch (red, white, or blue) and varieties for summer (`Opus Yellow', `Opus Rose', `Monaco Red', and `Potomac Early White') and fall (`Apollo Purple', `Apollo Yellow', `Monaco Red', `Monaco Rose', and `Potomac Early Orange') production. Results indicated that inflorescence length was affected by the color of mulch. The red mulch had increased inflorescence length compared to the white in Summer 2005. The Fall 2005 study revealed that white mulch had longer inflorescence length than the red or blue mulch. Some varietal differences were observed. The `Apollo Purple' had longer stem lengths than all other varieties for the fall study. The summer study revealed that `Opus Yellow' had longer inflorescence lengths than all others but stem lengths were all similar.

Vegetable variety trials are of interest to the entire vegetable industry from breeders, seed companies, growers, consultants, researchers, to Extension personnel. The Auburn Univ. vegetable variety trial results have been made more accessible and user-friendly by becoming available online at http://www.ag.auburn.edu/dept/hf/faculty/esimonne. Users can point and click through a completely searchable database by selecting one of the following categories: 1) explanation of rating system and database, 2) list of vegetable crops, 3) description of variety types of crops, 4) contacting seed companies and web sites, 5) vegetable variety trial team members. For additional information about vegetable variety production, a link to horticulture extension publications has been included. The database gives each vegetable crop tested by Auburn Univ. a rating and allows a search for varieties. For each crop, the five options available to search the database are “rating,” “variety name,” “variety type,” “seed company,” and “type.” The Web page is primarily intended to be a quick, practical reference guide to growers and horticulture professionals in Alabama. Variety performances presented are based on small-scale research plots and test results may vary by location. It is always recommended to perform an on-farm trial of several varieties before making a large planting of a single variety.

Selective treatment of duodenal ulcer with perforation has been based on several premises: 1) The natural history of the ulcer following closure of a perforation is generally favorable with an acute and unfavorable with a chronic ulcer. 2) An upper gastrointestinal series with water soluble contrast media can reliably document a spontaneously sealed perforation. 3) With a spontaneous seal, nonsurgical therapy is an acceptable option and is preferable for an acute ulcer or a chronic ulcer with poor surgical risk. 4) The treatment of choice for an unsealed perforation of an acute ulcer is simple surgical closure. 5) The treatment of choice of perforation of a chronic ulcer with acceptable surgical risk is an ulcer definitive operation. Sixty cases of perforation of duodenal ulcer have been treated. Nonsurgical therapy was employed without complication in eight cases with radiologically documented spontaneous seal. Truncal vagotomy and pyloroplasty in 36 cases and truncal vagotomy and antrectomy in two cases were each without mortality. Four fatalities occurred among 13 cases of closure and omental patch, each a case with severe associated disease. The mortality was 6.7% among the 60 cases; 2.4% for chronic ulcer and 16% for acute ulcer.

Objectives. The purpose of this study was to determine how frequently and for what reasons the addition of electrocardiographically gated technetium-99m (Tc-99m) sestamibi single-photon emission computed tomographic (SPECT) images add value to nongated SPECT perfusion images.Background. Electrocardiographic gating of Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT images permits assessment of regional and global left ventricular function and may assist in differentiating attenuation artifacts from myocardial scar.Methods. A total of 285 consecutive patients (143 women and 142 men; mean age 57.6 ± 11.5 years) underwent gated SPECT Tc-99m sestamibi imaging (212 with exercise, 63 with dipyridamole and 10 with dobutamine). The conventional stress and rest tomograms were interpreted first by means of a 14-segment scoring system, and then the studies were reinterpreted while the gated images were viewed.Results. In the total group of 285 patients, the number of “borderline” interpretations was reduced from 89 to 29. In the 137 patients with a ≤10% pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease, the addition of gated images added significantly to the percentage of interpretations that were designated “normal” (74% [101 of 137] vs. 93% [127 of 137], p < 0.0001), due to a reduction in borderline normal and borderline abnormal readings. In 49 patients with a previous infarction or recent angiography with ≥70% stenosis, or both, the addition of gated images changed the percentage of “abnormal” scan interpretations from 78% (38 of 49) to 92% (45 of 49). This result was not significant (p = 0.09, two-tailed), but the trend was toward a greater number of unequivocal abnormal interpretations in this subgroup.Conclusions. The addition of electrocardiographically gated Tc-99m sestamibi SPECT images to the reading of stress and rest perfusion images alone resulted in shifting the final scan interpretations to a more normal designation in patients with a low pretest likelihood of coronary artery disease, and to more abnormal defects consistent with coronary artery disease in patients with known coronary artery disease. The number of “borderline normal” and “borderline abnormal” interpretations are significantly reduced when gated SPECT images are interpreted simultaneously with stress and rest perfusion images.