| Abstract: | In this paper we suggest a new statistical method of correcting the results of hot-line experiments for the effects of background sources and we use the new method to reassess the adequacy of three probability distributions proposed in the literature for image spread from line sources. The data are from sources labelled with 125I in semi-thin resin sections 0·4-0·8 μm in thickness. The new method reveals that two of the models describe the empirical distributions more closely than earlier analysis had suggested, and it confirms an increasing relationship between half distance of image spread and the thickness of the source. However, it also confirms that considerable ‘inter hot-line’ experimental variation remains, even after background correction. This suggests that multiple experiments are needed to produce reliable estimates of half distance. |
