Showing papers by "Rider University published in 2013"
TL;DR: The authors compared experts, quasi-experts, and novices in evaluating an engineering product (a mousetrap design) and found that experts seemed to be appropriate raters for short stories, yet results were mixed for the engineer quasiexperts.
Abstract: What is the role of expertise in evaluating creative products? Novices and experts do not assess creativity similarly, indicating domain-specific knowledge’s role in judging creativity. We describe two studies that examined how “quasi-experts” (people who have more experience in a domain than novices but also lack recognized standing as experts) compared with novices and experts in rating creative work. In Study 1, we compared different types of quasi-experts with novices and experts in rating short stories. In Study 2, we compared experts, quasi-experts, and novices in evaluating an engineering product (a mousetrap design). Quasi-experts (regardless of type) seemed to be appropriate raters for short stories, yet results were mixed for the engineer quasi-experts. Some domains may require more expertise than others to properly evaluate creative work.
112 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review the impacts of mountaintop mining on the terrestrial environment by exploring six broad themes: (1) the loss of topographic complexity, (2) forest loss and fragmentation, (3) forest succession and soil loss, (4) forest losses and carbon sequestration, (5) biodiversity, and (6) human health and well-being.
Abstract: Ecological research on mountaintop mining has been focused on aquatic impacts because the overburden (i.e., the mountaintop) is disposed of in nearby valleys, which leads to a wide range of water-quality impacts on streams. There are also numerous impacts on the terrestrial environment from mountaintop mining that have been largely overlooked, even though they are no less wide ranging, severe, and multifaceted. We review the impacts of mountaintop mining on the terrestrial environment by exploring six broad themes: (1) the loss of topographic complexity, (2) forest loss and fragmentation, (3) forest succession and soil loss, (4) forest loss and carbon sequestration, (5) biodiversity, and (6) human health and well-being.
95 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the potential risk reducing benefits of credit default swaps (CDS) against risk in U.S. stock market sectors from 2004 to 2011 and found that CDS serve as an effective hedge against risk.
73 citations
TL;DR: It is proposed that USF1 is an important modulator of molecular and behavioral circadian rhythms in mammals and competes with the CLOCK:BMAL1 complex for binding to E-box sites in target genes.
Abstract: Circadian rhythms are biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes that follow a 24-hr cycle, responding primarily to the periods of light and dark, and they have been observed in bacteria, fungi, plants and animals. The circadian clock that drives these rhythms—which dictate our sleep patterns and other processes—involves a set of genes and proteins that participate in a collection of positive and negative feedback loops. Previous research has mainly focused on identifying core clock genes—that is, genes that make up the molecular clock—and studying the functions of these genes and the proteins they code for. However, it has become clear that other clock genes are also involved in circadian behavior, and it has been proposed that polymorphisms in these non-core clock genes could contribute to the variations in circadian behavior displayed by different mammals. One important feedback loop in mammals involves two key transcription factors, CLOCK and BMAL1, that combine to form a complex that initiates the transcription of the negative feedback genes, Period and Cryptochrome. Shimomura et al. discovered that Usf1, a gene that codes for a transcription factor that is typically involved in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as other cellular processes, is also important. In particular, this transcription factor is capable of partially rescuing an abnormal circadian rhythm caused by a mutation in the Clock gene in mice. Shimomura et al. showed that the proteins expressed by the mutant Clock gene can bind to the same regulatory sites in the genome as the normal CLOCK:BMAL1 complex, but that gene expression of these targets is reduced because transcriptional activation is lower and binding of the complex is not as strong. However, proteins expressed by the Usf1 gene are able to counter this by binding to the same sites in the genome and compensating for the mutant CLOCK protein. Further experiments are needed to explore how the interactions between the USF1 and CLOCK:BMAL1 transcriptional networks regulate circadian rhythms and, possibly, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism as well.
72 citations
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TL;DR: This article examined the potential risk reducing benefits of credit default swaps (CDS) against risk in U.S. stock market sectors from 2004-2011 and found that CDS serve as an effective hedge against risk.
Abstract: This study examines the potential risk reducing benefits of credit default swaps (CDS) against risk in U.S. stock market sectors from 2004-2011. Tests of GARCH dynamic conditional correlation coefficients indicate that CDS serve as an effective hedge against risk in all stock sectors. CDS also provide a safe haven in times of extreme stock market volatility and during periods of financial crisis in a limited number of sectors.
72 citations
TL;DR: This study represents the first time the WJ-III full battery was subjected to EFA analyses given the instrument's significant use by practitioners and that it served as the initial evidentiary basis for Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory.
Abstract: Development of the Woodcock-Johnson (3rd ed.; WJ-III; Woodcock, McGrew & Mather, 2001a) was guided in part by Carroll's (1993) 3-stratum theory of cognitive abilities and based on confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), even though Carroll used exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to derive his theory. Using CFA, McGrew and Woodcock (2001) found a 9-factor model across all age ranges. To determine if the 9-factor structure holds for the full WJ-III battery, we applied currently recognized best practices in EFA to 2 school-aged 42-subtest correlation matrices (ages 9–13 and 14–19 years). Six factors emerged at the 9–13 age range, while 5 factors were indicated at the 14–19 age range. The resulting 1st-order factors displayed patterns of both convergence with and divergence from the WJ-III results presented in the Technical Manual. These results also revealed a robust manifestation of general intelligence (g) that dwarfed the variance attributed to the lower order factors. It is surprising that this study represents the first time the WJ-III full battery was subjected to EFA analyses given the instrument's significant use by practitioners and that it served as the initial evidentiary basis for Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory. The lack of confirmation of CFA results with EFA methods in the current study permits questioning of the structure of the WJ-III and its relationship with CHC theory. Additional independent, structural analyses are clearly indicated for the WJ-III full test battery before we can be confident in its structure.
56 citations
TL;DR: This paper found that mid-career professionals expect to retire three years earlier than those in late career (age 62 versus age 65), while positive retirement attitudes and higher income are associated with intentions to retire earlier.
Abstract: In western economies with aging populations, organizations are increasingly challenged to understand and manage employees’ retirement expectations. At the same time, employees’ relationships to retirement decisions and the age at which they expect to retire are likely to change as their careers unfold. This article seeks to inform the careers and management literatures on factors contributing to retirement intentions at different career stages. Using a sample of mid- and late career professionals with MBAs, we find that mid-career professionals expect to retire three years earlier than those in late career (age 62 versus age 65.) Work centrality is associated with intentions to retire later, while positive retirement attitudes and higher income are associated with intentions to retire earlier. Furthermore, the expected retirement age is more sensitive to income at mid-career (than at late career) and is more sensitive to work centrality at late career (than at mid-career). We discuss implications for care...
53 citations
TL;DR: This study represents the first time to my knowledge that the WJ-III Cognitive has been subjected to EFA analyses given the instrument's significant use by practitioners and that it has served as the initial evidentiary base for Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory.
Abstract: During its development, the Woodcock-Johnson, Third Edition Cognitive (WJ-III Cognitive; McGrew & Woodcock, 2001) was never subjected to structural analysis using exploratory and higher order factor analyses. Instead, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on separate sets of WJ-III correlation matrices, yielding a seven-factor model across all age ranges. To see whether the structure holds for the WJ-III Cognitive, currently recognized best practice exploratory factor analysis (EFA) procedures were applied to two school-aged correlation matrices (ages 9‐13; 14‐19) from the normative sample. Using EFA and higher order factor analysis, four factors emerged at age 9 to 13 and three factors emerged at age 14 to 19. The results of this analysis indicated a robust manifestation of general intelligence (g) that exceeded the variance attributed to the lower order factors. An additional analysis was conducted that disregarded factor extraction rules and forced the seven-factor fit. The resulting solution was only partially aligned (i.e., Gc, Ga, and Gsm) with the theoretical structure posited in the WJ-III Technical Manual. Surprisingly, this study represents the first time to my knowledge that the WJ-III Cognitive has been subjected to EFA analyses given the instrument’s significant use by practitioners and that it has served as the initial evidentiary base for Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory.
53 citations
TL;DR: The Presage-Def/Optical-CT system shows strong potential for comprehensive investigation of Dir algorithm accuracy and highlights the critical importance of careful validation of DIR algorithms before clinical implementation.
Abstract: Q2 Summary Accurate deformable image registration (DIR) is essential to achieving full potential for adaptive radiation therapy and treatment response assessment. The lack of comprehensive methods for verifying DIR algorithms is currently limiting clinical implementation. This study introduces a novel deformable 3D dosimetry system (Presage-Def/Optical-CT) and its application to the verification of a commercial DIR algorithm. Results demonstrate substantial errors may occur and highlight the critical need for DIR validation before clinical implementation. Purpose: To Q3 introduce and evaluate a novel deformable 3-dimensional (3D) dosimetry system (Presage-Def/Optical-CT) and its application toward investigating the accuracy of dose deformation in a commercial deformable image registration (DIR) package. Methods and Materials: Presage-Def is a new dosimetry material consisting of an elastic polyurethane matrix doped with radiochromic leuco dye. Radiologic and mechanical properties were characterized using standard techniques. Dose-tracking feasibility was evaluated by comparing dose distributions between dosimeters irradiated with and without 27% lateral compression. A checkerboard plan of 5-mm square fields enabled precise measurement of true deformation using 3D dosimetry. Predicted deformation was determined from a commercial DIR algorithm. Results: Presage-Def exhibited a linear dose response with sensitivity of 0.0032 DOD/(Gy∙cm). Mass density is 1.02 g/cm 3 , and effective atomic number is within 1.5% of water over a broad (0.03-10 MeV) energy range, indicating good water-equivalence. Elastic characteristics were close to that of liver tissue, with Young’s modulus of 13.5-887 kPa over a stress range of 0.233-303 kPa, and Poisson’s ratio of 0.475 (SE, 0.036). The Presage-Def/Optical-CT system successfully imaged the nondeformed and deformed dose distributions, with isotropic resolution of 1 mm. Comparison with the predicted deformed 3D dose distribution identified inaccuracies in the commercial DIR algorithm. Although external contours were accurately deformed (submillimeter accuracy), volumetric dose deformation was poor. Checkerboard field positioning and dimension errors of up to 9 and 14 mm, respectively, were identified, and the 3D DIR-deformed dose g passing rate was only g3%/3 mm Z 60.0%. Conclusions: The Presage-Def/Optical-CT system shows strong potential for comprehensive investigation of DIR algorithm accuracy. Substantial errors in a commercial DIR were found in the conditions evaluated. This work highlights the critical importance of careful validation
50 citations
TL;DR: It is argued that a Bayesian framework in which decision makers take into account the differences in cumulative advantage provides for a correct inference and shows, using both simulated and real performance data, that the Bayesian method gives rise to estimates relevant for the inference problem.
Abstract: To what extent can one infer that superior capabilities are driving sustained superior performance? Modeling performance as some combination of differences in capabilities and processes of cumulative advantage, we argue that a Bayesian framework in which decision makers take into account the differences in cumulative advantage provides for a correct inference. We show, using both simulated and real performance data, that the Bayesian method gives rise to estimates relevant for the inference problem. The estimates also illustrate why a firm with superior performance during a longer period can be less likely to possess superior capabilities than a firm with superior performance during a shorter period. Our work has implications for the origins of competitive advantages and for organization learning in strategy research.
39 citations
TL;DR: The potential impact of Web-scale discovery tools on information literacy, focusing particularly on undergraduate research skills, is explored, including in mid-sized academic libraries that have adopted EBSCO Discovery Service as their library home page portal.
Abstract: Web-scale discovery services promise fast, easy searching from a single Google-like box, pleasing users and making library resources more discoverable. Some librarians embrace the concept of giving users what they have come to expect from Google, while others are concerned that this will “dumb down” searching and undermine information literacy. In this article we explore the potential impact of Web-scale discovery tools on information literacy, focusing particularly on undergraduate research skills. We review the existing literature and present findings and experiences from two mid-sized academic libraries that have adopted EBSCO Discovery Service as their library home page portal.
TL;DR: In this article, a wide-ranging interdisciplinary search for research findings and theories that illuminate economic, ideological, historical, philosophical, and psychological contextual influences on bright young people is presented.
Abstract: Severe socioeconomic inequality strongly suppresses and distorts the discovery of aspirations and the concomitant development of talents among the gifted. More comprehensive understanding of this suppression and distortion is available through a wide-ranging interdisciplinary search for research findings and theories that illuminate economic, ideological–political, historical, philosophical, and psychological contextual influences on bright young people. This theoretical synthesis draws from multiple disciplines to reveal some of these contextual influences and then provides some recommendations for ways in which educators and policymakers might attempt to counteract some of the most pernicious effects of growing inequality on the gifted.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors compared two different time series approaches for detecting release events: a pulse intervention approach and a new combined step and trend (CST) intervention approach against tree-ring collections with known historical canopy disturbance events, showing that a CST intervention approach consistently reconstructs these release events.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the risk and protective factors associated with internalizing problems among Dominican adolescents attending high school (grades 9-12) in a Northeastern, high poverty, urban community.
Abstract: This study examined the risk and protective factors associated with internalizing problems among Dominican adolescents (N = 500; 58% female) attending high school (grades 9–12) in a Northeastern, high poverty, urban community. Using a path analysis, this study found that depression and anxiety are complex mental health constructs and there are many factors that contribute to their developmental trajectory. Findings revealed that greater disorganization in one's neighborhood, perception of availability of drugs and handguns in one's community, and overall drug use and violent behaviors were linked with depression and anxiety. Conversely, higher levels of sense of community, which was linked to positive multigroup ethnic identity, and higher levels of self-esteem had a protective effect against depression and anxiety. Implications for social workers are discussed.
TL;DR: A growing literature has focused on determinants and consequences of adolescent sexual activity, and this body of work has generated much knowledge as discussed by the authors, however, the predominant focus has been on vaginal intercourse, whereas in reality teenagers engage in a variety of different sexual activities.
Abstract: I. INTRODUCTION Relations with the opposite sex are important social interactions in the lives of adolescent girls. A growing literature has focused on determinants and consequences of adolescent sexual activity, and this body of work has generated much knowledge. However, the predominant focus has been on vaginal intercourse, whereas in reality teenagers engage in a variety of different sexual activities. For example, recent findings from the National Survey of Family Growth indicate that 54% of adolescent girls aged 15-19 in the United States in 2002 had ever performed oral sex (Lindberg, Jones, and Santelli 2008), that 11% of this same cohort had ever engaged in anal sex (Lindberg, Jones, and Santelli 2008), and that 10% of teen females have had heterosexual oral sex but not vaginal intercourse (Mosher, Chandra, and Jones 2005). Additionally, many studies in the existing literature focus on questions involving the timing of sexual debut or whether individuals abstain from sexual intercourse. That is, they generally do not distinguish between sexual intercourse that is particularly risky (e.g., unprotected sex with multiple partners) and that which confers much less health risk (e.g., protected sex within an exclusive relationship). The former is far from rare. For example, reports based on the 2002 and 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys indicate that 11% of 9th-12th grade girls reported having had four or more sexual partners and that 17% of sexually active 15-19-year-old girls reported that they did not use contraceptives at their most recent sexual encounter (Abma et al. 2004; Kaiser Family Foundation 2005). Many sexual activities confer health risks and females bear the brunt of most of those risks. It is well known that unprotected vaginal intercourse is strongly associated with unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to Landry and Turnbull (1997): (1) Women are more susceptible to STDs than men when they have sex with an infected partner and do not use a condom. (2) Infected women are more likely than infected men to be asymptomatic, which can lead to serious health complications. (3) With the exception of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), STDs may have more life-threatening consequences for women (e.g., pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy, and cervical cancer) than for men. (4) Young women contract STDs more easily than adult women because they have fewer protective antibodies and because cervical immaturity facilitates the transmission of infections. Recent evidence from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that one in four young women between the ages of 14 and 19 in the United States is infected with at least one of the most common STDs (human papilloma virus [HPV], chlamydia, herpes simplex virus, and trichomoniasis) (CDC 2010). Having multiple sexual partners is an important risk factor for STDs because many teenagers do not use condoms correctly and consistently (Santelli et al. 1998). Oral sex can also lead to transmission of STDs and most teens do not use barrier protection during oral sex (Halpern-Felsher et al. 2005). Finally, studies have found that anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults is often unprotected (Lescano et al. 2009; Rotheram-Borus, Marelich, and Srinivasan 1999) and that it is associated with high STD risk among young heterosexual women (Jenness et al. 2011). Overweight has become a pressing public health issue in the United States and most other developed countries, and there is much research and policy interest in its causes and consequences. Teenage girls have not been spared from the obesity epidemic. Between the 1960s and 2003-2005, the prevalence of overweight in girls aged 12-19 in the United States increased from 4.7% to over 17% (National Center for Health Statistics 2010, Table 73). A few studies in the economics literature have investigated the role of overweight as a determinant of adolescent sexual behavior, which is viewed through a lens of assortative mating in a market for sexual partners. …
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors report results of a questionnaire of 210 counselor educators regarding assessment instruments covered in their assessment courses, and make comparisons of coverage by assessment category (e.g., educational, clinical) and instructor and program characteristic (i.e., CACREP vs. non-CACREP).
Abstract: This study reports results of a questionnaire of 210 counselor educators regarding assessment instruments covered in their assessment courses. Instruments are ranked on how extensively they are covered, and comparisons of coverage are made by assessment category (e.g., educational, clinical) and by instructor and program characteristic (e.g., Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs [CACREP] vs. non-CACREP). Suggestions regarding which assessment techniques to cover in a basic counselor education testing and assessment course are made.
TL;DR: The authors used an internet-based experiment to investigate whether and how individual donors use nonprofit organizations' financial and non-financial information when making their donation decisions, and found that individual donors are more likely to acquire nonfinancial information, such as nonprofit organizations goals, outcomes, programs and missions, than financial information.
Abstract: This paper adopts an internet-based experiment to investigate whether and how individual donors use nonprofit organizations’ financial and nonfinancial information when making their donation decisions. Using undergraduate students in the United States (US) to proxy for individual donors, our results indicate that individual donors are more likely to acquire nonfinancial information, such as nonprofit organizations’ goals, outcomes, programs and missions, than financial information. Donors integrate nonfinancial information into their decisions as their actual donations are significantly correlated with such information. Our results also indicate that while individual donors acquire financial efficiency measures, including the program expense ratio and fundraising expense ratio, they do not seem to integrate such information into their decisions as their actual donations are not significantly correlated with the efficiency information. This study contributes to the nonprofit literature and research domain focusing on charitable giving and donor preferences.
TL;DR: This work investigates the IGRT targeting accuracy of the X-RAD 225 Cx system from Precision X-Ray using high-resolution 3D dosimetry techniques and concludes that the PRESAGE®/DMOS system proved valuable for end-to-end verification of small field I GRT capabilities.
Abstract: There is significant interest in delivering precisely targeted small-volume radiation treatments, in the pre-clinical setting, to study dose–volume relationships with tumour control and normal tissue damage. For these studies it is vital that image guidance systems and target positioning are accurately aligned (IGRT), in order to deliver dose precisely and accurately according to the treatment plan. In this work we investigate the IGRT targeting accuracy of the X-RAD 225 Cx system from Precision X-Ray using high-resolution 3D dosimetry techniques. Small cylindrical PRESAGE® dosimeters were used with optical-CT readout (DMOS) to verify the accuracy of 2.5, 1.0, and 5.0 mm X-RAD cone attachments. The dosimeters were equipped with four target points, visible on both CBCT and optical-CT, at which a 7-field coplanar treatment plan was delivered with the respective cone. Targeting accuracy (distance to agreement between the target point and delivery isocenter) and cone alignment (isocenter precision under gantry rotation) were measured using the optical-CT images. Optical-CT readout of the first 2.5 mm cone dosimeter revealed a significant targeting error of 2.1 ± 0.6 mm and a cone misalignment of 1.3 ± 0.1 mm. After the IGRT hardware and software had been recalibrated, these errors were reduced to 0.5 ± 0.1 and 0.18 ± 0.04 mm respectively, within the manufacturer specified 0.5 mm. Results from the 1.0 mm cone were 0.5 ± 0.3 mm targeting accuracy and 0.4 ± 0.1 mm cone misalignment, within the 0.5 mm specification. The results from the 5.0 mm cone were 1.0 ± 0.2 mm targeting accuracy and 0.18 ± 0.06 mm cone misalignment, outside of accuracy specifications. Quality assurance of small field IGRT targeting and delivery accuracy is a challenging task. The use of a 3D dosimetry technique, where targets are visible on both CBCT and optical-CT, enabled identification and quantification of a targeting error in 3D. After correction, the targeting accuracy of the irradiator was verified to be within 0.5 mm (or 1.0 mm for the 5.0 mm cone) and the cone alignment was verified to be within 0.2 mm (or 0.4 mm for the 1.0 mm cone). The PRESAGE®/DMOS system proved valuable for end-to-end verification of small field IGRT capabilities.
TL;DR: The sensitivity of the resulting dosimeters to radiation dose increased significantly relative to the unmodified LMG dosimeter, and was dependent on the type of LMG derivative used, with the bromo substituted derivative showing the highest increase in sensitivity, followed by chloro and methoxy substituted derivatives.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors define a new combinatorial object called a labeled hypergraph, which is uniquely associated to any square-free monomial ideal, and prove several upper bounds on the regularity of such an ideal.
Abstract: We define a new combinatorial object, which we call a labeled hypergraph, uniquely associated to any square-free monomial ideal. We prove several upper bounds on the regularity of a square-free monomial ideal in terms of simple combinatorial properties of its labeled hypergraph. We also give specific formulas for the regularity of square-free monomial ideals with certain labeled hypergraphs. Furthermore, we prove results in the case of one-dimensional labeled hypergraphs.
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TL;DR: This paper investigated the effects of broad-based work incentives on female crime by exploiting the welfare reform legislation of the 1990s, which dramatically increased employment among women at risk for relying on cash assistance.
Abstract: We investigate the effects of broad-based work incentives on female crime by exploiting the welfare reform legislation of the 1990s, which dramatically increased employment among women at risk for relying on cash assistance. We find that welfare reform decreased female property crime arrests by 4-5%, but did not affect other types of crimes. The effects appear to be stronger in states with lower welfare benefits and higher earnings disregards, and in states with larger caseload declines. The findings point to broad-based work incentives--and, by inference, employment--as a key determinant of female property crime.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors review findings on the addictive features of nonsuicidal self-injury, including compulsivity, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance.
Abstract: Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be characterized as a process addiction for some individuals who self-injure. The authors review findings on the addictive features of NSSI, including compulsivity, loss of control, continued use despite negative consequences, and tolerance. Language: en
TL;DR: In this paper, it was shown that ideals generated by n quadrics define cyclic modules with projective dimension at most 2 n − 2, where n is the number of generators.
26 Jun 2013
TL;DR: Exceptional stability was seen in both standard and low sensitivity non-deformable formulations, with promising applications for remote dosimetry.
Abstract: PRESAGE® is a solid radiochromic dosimeter consisting of a polyurethane matrix, a triarylmethane leuco dye, and a trihalomethane initiator. Varying the composition and/or relative amounts of these constituents can affect the dose sensitivity, post-irradiation stability, and physical properties of the dosimeter. This allows customisation of PRESAGE® to meet application-specific requirements, such as low sensitivity for high dose applications, stability for remote dosimetry, optical clearing for reusability, and tissue-like elasticity for deformable dosimetry. This study evaluates five hard, non-deformable PRESAGE® formulations and six deformable PRESAGE® formulations and characterizes them for dose sensitivity and stability. Results demonstrated sensitivities in the range of 0.0029 - 0.0467 ΔOD/(Gy·cm) for hard formulations and 0.0003 - 0.0056 ΔOD/(Gy·cm) for deformable formulations. Exceptional stability was seen in both standard and low sensitivity non-deformable formulations, with promising applications for remote dosimetry. Deformable formulations exhibited potential for reusability with strong post-irradiation optical clearing. Tensile compression testing of the deformable formulations showed elastic response consistent with soft tissues, with further testing required for direct comparison. These results demonstrate that PRESAGE® dosimeters have the flexibility to be adapted for a wide spectrum of clinical applications.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used a radiochromic plastic PRESAGE sample for 3D dosimetric imaging of a small diameter 9.7mm microbeam and showed that it can be used to resolve easily slit patterns of width 37µm (which are smaller than many of the microbeams used on ID-17).
Abstract: Previous research on optical computed tomography (CT) microscopy in the context of the synchrotron microbeam has shown the potential of the technique and demonstrated high quality images, but has left two questions unanswered: (i) are the images suitably quantitative for 3D dosimetry? and (ii) what is the impact on the spatial resolution of the system of the limited depth-of-field of the microscope optics? Cuvette and imaging studies are reported here that address these issues. Two sets of cuvettes containing the radiochromic plastic PRESAGE® were irradiated at the ID17 biomedical beamline of the European Synchrotron Radiation facility over the ranges 0-20 and 0-35 Gy and a third set of cuvettes was irradiated over the range 0-20 Gy using a standard medical linac. In parallel, three cylindrical PRESAGE® samples of diameter 9.7 mm were irradiated with test patterns that allowed the quantitative capabilities of the optical CT microscope to be verified, and independent measurements of the imaging modulation transfer function (MTF) to be made via two different methods. Both spectrophotometric analysis and imaging gave a linear dose response, with gradients ranging from 0.036-0.041 cm(-1) Gy(-1) in the three sets of cuvettes and 0.037 (optical CT units) Gy(-1) for the imaging. High-quality, quantitative imaging results were obtained throughout the 3D volume, as illustrated by depth-dose profiles. These profiles are shown to be monoexponential, and the linear attention coefficient of PRESAGE® for the synchrotron-generated x-ray beam is measured to be (0.185 ± 0.02) cm(-1) in excellent agreement with expectations. Low-level (<5%) residual image artefacts are discussed in detail. It was possible to resolve easily slit patterns of width 37 µm (which are smaller than many of the microbeams used on ID-17), but some uncertainty remains as to whether the low values of MTF for the higher spatial frequencies are scanner related or a result of genuine (but non-ideal) dose distributions. We conclude that microscopy images from our scanner do indeed have intensities that are proportional to spectrophotometric optical density and can thus be used as the basis for accurate dosimetry. However, further investigations are necessary before the microscopy images can be used to make the quantitative measures of peak-to-valley ratios for small-diameter microbeams. We suggest various strategies for moving forward and are optimistic about the future potential of this system.
01 Jan 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explain why assuming domain generality poses large risks that creativity training may be ineffective, whereas assuming domain specificity poses no such risks even if domain specificity were completely mistaken, and suggest ways to avoid some of the negative effects of evaluation on intrinsic motivation and creativity.
Abstract: There is not yet consensus among creativity researchers about how domain-specific creativity may be, but domain specificity has huge implications for activities designed to nurture divergent thinking. I will explain why assuming domain generality poses large risks that creativity training may be ineffective if domain generality is wrong, whereas assuming domain specificity poses no such risks even if domain specificity were completely mistaken. I will also suggest ways to avoid some of the negative effects of evaluation on intrinsic motivation and creativity and describe ways to balance teaching for skills and content knowledge with teaching for creativity.
TL;DR: This paper showed that some novel tropes are privileged in metaphor over simile form, and others may express different interpretations in simile and in metaphor form, thus providing support for the categorization model.
Abstract: Four experiments tested three competing theories of metaphor comprehension: comparison, categorization, and career-of-metaphor. The findings shed light on key mechanisms involved in metaphor processing and conceptual combination. They show that some novel tropes are privileged in metaphor over simile form, and others may express different interpretations in simile and in metaphor form. These results speak against the assumption that metaphors and similes are interchangeable, thus providing support for the categorization model. A unifying account of metaphor comprehension is proposed, along with a discussion of implications for conceptual combination.
TL;DR: With the continuing increase of inclusive education in our public school classrooms today, there is a great deal of interest in co-teaching teams as discussed by the authors, and research indicates that administrative support is...
Abstract: With the continuing increase of inclusive education in our public school classrooms today, there is a great deal of interest in co-teaching teams. Research indicates that administrative support is ...
TL;DR: This paper reported an analysis of the Chinese discourse on McDonald's during three historical periods: 1978-1991, 1992-2000, and 2001-2012, and found that the discourse had gradually diverged.
Abstract: This article reports an analysis of the Chinese discourse on McDonald’s during three historical periods: 1978-1991, 1992-2000, and 2001-2012. It finds that the Chinese discourse had gradually diver...
TL;DR: In this article, the relative importance of health benefits and other attributes when choosing food to be eaten at home, cluster analysis to identify segments, and analysis of variance to analyze differences between clusters.
Abstract: Purpose – This study aims to examine factors that influence consumption of vegetables in the USA.Design/methodology/approach – Discrete choice methodology is used to measure the relative importance of health benefits and other attributes when choosing food to be eaten at home, cluster analysis to identify segments, and analysis of variance to analyze differences between clusters.Findings – The results show that, for food in general, nutrition and impact on weight are more important than value for money, ease of preparation and taste. However, for vegetables, while the nutrition and weight benefits are very positive factors, taste, cost and ease of preparation inhibit consumption. Results of the cluster analysis suggest that marketing strategies should be adapted for different consumer segments.Research limitations/implications – The sample size is fairly small – 250.Practical implications – The results can be used to help food marketers increase consumption of vegetables.Social implications – More effecti...