Large datasets at a glance: combining textures and colors inscientific visualization

We present a new method for using texture and color to visualize multivariate data elements arranged on an underlying height field. We combine simple texture patterns with perceptually uniform colors to increase the number of attribute values we can display simultaneously. Our technique builds multicolored perceptual texture elements (or pexels) to represent each data element. Attribute values encoded in an element are used to vary the appearance of its pexel. Texture and color patterns that form when the pexels are displayed can be used to rapidly and accurately explore the dataset. Our pexels are built by varying three separate texture dimensions: height, density, and regularity. Results from computer graphics, computer vision, and human visual psychophysics have identified these dimensions as important for the formation of perceptual texture patterns. The pexels are colored using a selection technique that controls color distance, linear separation, and color category. Proper use of these criteria guarantees colors that are equally distinguishable from one another. We describe a set of controlled experiments that demonstrate the effectiveness of our texture dimensions and color selection criteria. We then discuss new work that studies how texture and color can be used simultaneously in a single display     

Electrooptical Properties of TiO2 Doped with Gold Nanoparticles

Semiconductors - In this work, a versatile method to increase the optical response of oxide nanostructures is described. Thin TiO2 films with buried gold nanoparticles (TiO2-AuNP) were synthesized...     

Updating a cautionary tale of masked priming: Reply to Klapp (2005).

The commentary by S. T. Klapp (see record 2005-09704-010) on our recent article (A. Lleras & J. T. Enns, [see record 2004-21166-001]) proposes that the empirical finding of negative compatibility in masked priming be attributed to 2 distinct theoretical constructs: (a) perceptual priming through object updating, as described in our article, and (b) nonperceptual priming based on inhibited unconscious response tendencies. The authors argue that this 2nd construct is not supported by either the new data the authors report or the extant literature. Instead, the negative compatibility effect in masked priming is influenced by perceptual interactions among stimuli that appear in the same spatial location, and the authors believe it is this process that deserves further systematic study. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Decoupling Stimulus Duration From Brightness in Metacontrast Masking: Data and Models.

A brief target that is visible when displayed alone can be rendered invisible by a trailing stimulus (metacontrast masking). It has been difficult to determine the temporal dynamics of masking to date because increments in stimulus duration have been invariably confounded with apparent brightness (Bloch's law). In the research reported here, stimulus luminance was adjusted to maintain constant brightness across all durations. Increasing target duration yielded classical U-shaped masking functions, whereas increasing mask duration yielded monotonic decreasing functions. These results are compared with predictions from 6 theoretical models, with the lateral inhibition model providing the best overall fit. It is tentatively suggested that different underlying mechanisms may mediate the U-shaped and monotonic functions obtained with increasing durations of target and mask, respectively. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Design Features of Parameterized Analog Cells Based on Matched SOI Matrix Elements

This paper considers the design features of parameterized analog cells based on the matched matrix elements for the SOI technology. A technique for synthesizing such cells is developed. Some examples are presented of the program code for building parameterized analog cells synthesized based on the matched matrix elements.     

Psychometric properties of the 42-item and 21-item versions of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales in clinical groups and a community sample.

The factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS; S. H. Lovibond & P. F. Lovibond, 1995) and the 21-item short form of these measures (DASS–21 ) were examined in nonclinical volunteers (n?=?49) and patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) diagnoses of panic disorder (n?=? 67), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n?=?54), social phobia (n?=?74), specific phobia (n?=?17), and major depressive disorder (n?=?46). This study replicates previous findings indicating that the DASS distinguishes well between features of depression, physical arousal, and psychological tension and agitation and extends these observations to the DASS–21. In addition, the internal consistency and concurrent validity of the DASS and DASS–21 were in the acceptable to excellent ranges. Mean scores for the various groups were similar to those in previous research, and in the expected direction. The implications of these findings are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Relative stability of dimensions of perfectionism in depression.

Investigated the degree of absolute change, affective state dependence, and relative trait stability of several dimensions of perfectionism assessed by two popular, multidimensional measures. The study sample was 105 adult outpatients from a university hospital mood disorders program who met diagnostic criteria for major depressive episode at Time 1 and did not meet criteria for major depressive episode one year later (Time 2). Mean total scores on the Beck Depression Inventory decreased by almost 50% (from 28 to 15). Absolute change on perfectionism indices was smaller but significant for some maladaptive dimensions. Correlational, regression, and path analyses all indicated the presence of affective state dependence for several maladaptive dimensions of perfectionism (e.g., concern over mistakes, socially prescribed perfectionism). However, in all cases strong evidence was also found for the enduring trait stability of these dimensions. The results support a state-trait conceptualization of maladaptive perfectionism dimensions, which denotes stable individual difference variables that are elevated in the depressive state. Adaptive aspects of perfectionism showed little or no evidence of affective state dependence, consistent with findings from other research. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Shape completion time depends on the size of the occluded region.

Observers made speeded discriminations of whole, occluded, and mosaic shapes. Shape matching times increased with the amount of occluded shape (Experiment 1), as did the time to merely discriminate 2 shapes (Experiments 2–4). By contrast, the time to judge the shape of the visible portion decreased with larger occluded regions (Experiments 5–7). Experiments 3 and 6 used motion parallax to show that different perceptual operations are involved in discriminating occluded versus mosaic shapes. Experiments 4 and 7 showed that shape completion was unaffected by spatial attention. Results suggest that shape completion is a rapid and obligatory aspect of perception. However, they also show that the time course of completion varies with the size of the hidden region. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)