We demonstrate how to construct calibrated, stable, and inexpensive tissue-like phantoms for near-IR (NIR) fluorescence imaging applications. The bulk phantom material is composed of gelatin, intralipid, hemoglobin, and indocyanine green (ICG). Absorbance, scatter, background fluorescence, and texture can be tuned as desired. NIR fluorescent inclusions are comprised of ICG-labeled polystyrene divinylbenzene beads and Pam78-labeled hydroxyapatite crystals. The former mimic tumor masses of controllable size and contrast agent concentration, and the latter mimic microcalcifications in breast cancer. NIR-fluorescent inclusions can be positioned precisely in phantoms, with one or more regions having different optical properties, and their position can be verified independently using microcomputed tomography. We demonstrate how these phantoms can be used to calibrate and compare imaging systems, and to train surgeons to operate under NIR fluorescence image guidance.

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Despite the vast amount of research on cognitive strategy instruction in recent years, few studies have focused on academic strategies taught in school settings over a long time. The interview study reported here tapped the understandings and beliefs about strategy instruction of 31 classroom teachers experienced in strategy instruction and 9 strategy researchers. Though the two groups were generally in agreement about the components of strategy instruction and when to include these components in teaching, significant differences were discovered that merit consideration as part of a comprehensive strategy instruction model.

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