bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Escapism
Authors: Hastall Matthias R.
Published: March 2017

People use media to actively disengage themselves from troubling thoughts and unpleasant mood states caused by challenging life situations. Escapism is one of the most frequently reported motives for engaging in media use. It is a complex phenomenon that involves specific motivations, cognitions, emotional states, media choices, media use periods, and short‐term as well as long‐term consequences. Threatening psychological states such as exhaustion, depression, anxiety, or poor self‐esteem can motivate escapism, which in turn can yield adaptive (e.g., relaxation, mood repair) and maladaptive (e.g., withdrawal, excessive media use) effects simultaneously. Watching television, surfing the Internet, and playing video games are the most frequently studied escapist media activities and are regarded as particularly effective at satisfying individuals' needs to temporarily escape into the absorbing and entertaining mass media worlds.
Information Seeking and Scanning
Authors: Lewis Nehama
Published: March 2017

Information seeking and scanning are core concepts in media effects research and have been studied in a variety of contexts. Information seeking includes deliberate, purposive attempts to acquire information from selected information carriers. It is driven by a perceived need for specific information and is intended to fill a gap in one's existing knowledge. Information scanning involves information acquisition through less deliberate means, which occurs during routine patterns of exposure to mediated and interpersonal sources. Scanned information can be recalled at a later time with a minimal prompt. A common methodological problem in research on information seeking and scanning is that individuals may often be unable or unwilling to report their information acquisition behaviors accurately and with precision. Recent studies have employed new technologies and methods as an alternative to reliance on self‐reported behavior, with the goal of enhancing the validity and reliability of measures of information seeking and scanning.
Intergroup Communication: Media Influence on
Authors: Seate Anita Atwell
Published: March 2017

Media are an important factor in intergroup relations. Drawing insights from both intergroup and mass communication theory, research in this area examines the role of the media in intergroup communication, mainly taking a cognitive and/or a motivational sociopsychological approach. This entry presents an overview of the media's influence on intergroup communication, focusing on the ways dominant and nondominant groups are portrayed in the media landscape; the association between media consumption and stereotype endorsement; the effects of (media) stereotype priming on (unfavorable) intergroup judgments; how cognitive and identity‐based factors help explain media priming findings; and areas for future research.
Emotion in Media Persuasion
Authors: Nabi Robin L.
Published: March 2017

Although the history of the study of media's persuasive influence is long and robust, the examination of emotion in such processes has been more limited. Still, there has been ongoing attention to the role of many emotions, including fear, guilt, and humor, in the processing of media‐based persuasive messages. Although less directly focused on emotion, recent trends in both narrative persuasion and viral messages suggest that emotion may play a key role in media‐based persuasion. Each of these areas is discussed in this entry.
Emotion Regulation and Coping via Media Use
Authors: Schramm Holger , Cohen Elizabeth L.
Published: March 2017

Individuals regularly use media to adjust their affective experiences by selectively exposing themselves to different types of media content, by choosing different types of media platforms, or by using different media simultaneously or in sequence. A number of individual differences have been found to determine when and how individuals use media for emotional regulation. Meta‐emotions are key motivators for emotional regulation through media. Suggestions for future research in this area are discussed.
Entertainment Effects: Enjoyment
Authors: Eden Allison
Published: March 2017

Enjoyment as a concept has been central to media effects research for decades, though an exact definition of the term has proven difficult for communication scientists. This entry offers an overview of the concept of enjoyment, its causes, and its effects. Focusing on the development of entertainment research and theories of enjoyment, it offers a retrospective look at a central media effect and a view on where current research and development in the study of media enjoyment are situated today.
Fright Responses to Media
Authors: Cantor Joanne
Published: March 2017

Fear is a common reaction to television and movies. Research shows that fright reactions to media can often be intense and long‐lasting, involving sleep problems, emotional disturbances, and long‐term changes in attitudes and behavior. These effects are explained through processes of conditioning, stimulus generalization, alterations in risk perception, evolutionary considerations, and the neurophysiology of fear memories. Although there is a great deal of individual variability, age and level of cognitive development are important determinants of what is frightening and which techniques are best for alleviating fears. Gender differences account for some variability as well.
Civic Engagement Through Media
Authors: Thorson Kjerstin , Edgerly Stephanie
Published: March 2017

The study of media and civic engagement concerns the impact of media use on the development of social capital and civic participation within communities. Research suggests that whether media use promotes or hinders civic engagement depends on how media are used: Their use in news and information is positively related to engagement, while their use in entertainment is often negatively related to engagement. Use of the news media in particular is important for the development of political knowledge and for promoting discussion of issues, both of which are predictors of civic engagement. The rise of digital and social media has expanded the focus of civic engagement research beyond the geographic communities within the reach and impact of traditional media. In consequence, such research includes now the effect of Internet use and social media interaction on engagement outcomes.
Media Addiction
Authors: Leung Louis , Liang Jingwen , Zhang Yin
Published: March 2017

This entry discusses the origins, theoretical traditions, and methodological development of the field of media addiction in the past two decades. Specifically, the theoretical underpinnings, definitions, symptoms, and assessments of media addiction are reviewed, and its critical overlap with the research on chemical‐based addiction is addressed. On the basis of this conceptual review, a content analysis of the latest developments in four of the most frequently researched media addiction themes in recent years is presented: Internet addiction, online game addiction, smartphone addiction, and cybersex addiction. This review and its results then serve to inform conclusions about the significance and relevance of media addiction and its context‐specific contingencies and to suggest several fruitful directions for future research.
Attention and Awareness
Authors: Anderson Daniel R.
Published: March 2017

Media effects depend largely on whether media users pay attention. A common concern about media effects, moreover, is that screen media have short‐ and long‐term influences on attention and related psychological processes. The most important determinants of attention to media concern the use of production features, comprehensibility, and individual interest in particular media content. Consequently, beyond those aspects of media that attract and hold attention, preexisting interests and beliefs guide content choices and are therefore self‐reinforcing. With respect to the impact of media on attention skills, entertainment TV and media multitasking is weakly associated with reduced attention and executive function skills, but educational media can increase these skills. Interactive digital screen media are associated with increased attention and executive function skills. Screen media, including television, designed to teach these skills are successful at doing so.
Selectivity Paradigms and Cognitive Dissonance
Authors: Donsbach Wolfgang , Mothes Cornelia
Published: March 2017

Selective exposure and attention are key terms in communication research and particularly in media effects research. As only signals to which we have directed our attention can have an impact on our thinking and feeling, it has become a crucial question for communication scholars which factors influence these decisions. It is possible to distinguish five basic paradigms that try to explain why and how recipients select from the content offered to them by their media environment. One of the most influential frameworks in this context is cognitive dissonance theory, which has further gained in importance with the advent of the Internet. The increasing complexity of media environments has triggered a strong reinvigorated scholarly interest in dissonance‐theoretical assumptions. It has also stimulated various theoretical revisions and innovative methodological approaches to capturing the phenomenon of selective exposure and attention in contemporary media societies.
Modality and Medium Characteristics
Authors: Bracken Cheryl Campanella , Dalessandro Amy
Published: March 2017

Modality and medium characteristics are important to our understanding of how media can influence audiences. These characteristics are related to the formal features or affordances of media platforms. The comparison of media channels or media has a long history in the area of mass media effects research. The examination of modality characteristics has contributed to our understanding of how people process media forms. This entry discusses what is known about medium channels or media channels and individual modality characteristics. The influence of medium channels and modality characteristics on a variety of media effects applications is detailed.
Cyberhate
Authors: Quandt Thorsten , Festl Ruth
Published: March 2017

Cyberhate describes various forms of online communication initiated by hate groups with the purpose of attracting new members, building and strengthening group identity, coordinating group action, distributing propagandistic messages and indoctrination, provoking counterreactions as part of propagandistic campaigns, and attacking societal groups and individuals with hateful messages. A large segment of research under the label “cyberhate” has focused on racist and xenophobic groups (especially white supremacist groups in the United States) and their use of email, websites, blogs, and social online networks. However, the general principles and functions of cyberhate can be identified in the online communication of other extremist groups as well, for instance religious extremists with comparable supremacy, separatist, or extermination ideologies. Typically these groups portray themselves as being oppressed or endangered by a far more powerful, misguided, or despicable enemy, as part of an attempt to justify unrestrained hate and extreme actions.
Media Effects: Methods of Critical Audience Studies
Authors: Hirzalla Fadi , van Zoonen Liesbet
Published: March 2017

In this entry the epistemological and ontological assumptions of critical audience studies are explained first. Then the appropriate research designs are identified and described, in particular ethnography, audience‐cum‐content analysis, and participatory action research. In the next step the discussion focuses on methods for data collection that follow from the tenets of critical audience studies and “belong” to the respective research design. A distinction between nonobtrusive and obtrusive methods is made, claiming that the former are practically and ethically problematic. Obtrusive methods, on the other hand, are more common and involve long interviews, focus groups, and creative methods like photovoice or video diaries. It is argued that data analysis in critical audience studies is fragmented and underdeveloped, but that strategies for quality control—including triangulation, comparison, peer debriefing, exceptionalism, and member feedback—work together to produce trustworthy and plausible results.
Intertextuality
Authors: van Zoonen Liesbet
Published: March 2017

Intertextuality is a term that indicates that all texts, whether written or spoken, whether formal or informal, whether artistic or mundane, are in some way related to each other. It is a particularly apt term to understand current media culture, with its ever increasing abundance of images, sounds, characters, and stories. The term comes from literary studies but was taken up by critical media scholars in the 1970s and 1980s to examine particular popular genres. Currently, the term has found some currency among media psychologists as well. In this entry, the provenance of the concept of intertextuality is described, using James Bond and Lady Gaga as iconic examples. Further, various levels and dimensions of intertextuality are explained. It is shown how intertextuality is an intentional product not only of artists, writers, and media producers but also of particular processes of interpretation and reading.
Gas solubility in long‐chain imidazolium‐based ionic liquids
Authors: Dai Chengna , Lei Zhigang , Chen Biaohua
Published: March 2017

Significance

The gas solubility in 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium [C12MIM] based ionic liquids (ILs) was measured at temperatures (333.2, 353.2, and 373.2) K and pressures up to 60 bar for the first time. The popular UNIFAC‐Lei model was successfully extended to long‐chain imidazolium‐based IL and gas (CO2, CO, and H2) systems. The free volume theory was used to explain the gas solubility and selectivity in imidazolium‐based ILs by calculating the fractional free volume and free volume by the COSMO‐RS model. Furthermore, the excess enthalpy of gas‐IL system was concerned to provide new insights into temperature dependency of gas (CO2, CO, and H2) solubility in ILs. The experimental data, calculation, and theoretical analysis presented in this work are important in gas separations with ILs or supported ionic liquid membranes. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 1792–1798, 2017
A Nickel Dithiolate Water Reduction Catalyst Providing Ligand‐Based Proton‐Coupled Electron‐Transfer Pathways
Authors: Koshiba Keita , Yamauchi Kosei , Sakai Ken
Published: March 2017

A nickel pyrazinedithiolate ([Ni(dcpdt)2]2−; dcpdt=5,6‐dicyanopyrazine‐2,3‐dithiolate), bearing a NiS4 core similar to the active center of [NiFe] hydrogenase, is shown to serve as an efficient molecular catalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). This catalyst shows effectively low overpotentials for HER (330–400 mV at pH 4–6). Moreover, the turnover number of catalysis reaches 20 000 over the 24 h electrolysis with a high Faradaic efficiency, 92–100 %. The electrochemical and DFT studies reveal that diprotonated one‐electron‐reduced species (i.e., [NiII(dcpdt)(dcpdtH2)]− or [NiII(dcpdtH)2]−) forms at pH<6.4 via ligand‐based proton‐coupled electron‐transfer (PCET) pathways, leading to electrocatalytic HER without applying the highly negative potential required to generate low‐valent nickel intermediates. This is the first example of catalysts exhibiting such behavior.
Catalytic Enantioselective Protonation/Nucleophilic Addition of Diazoesters with Chiral Oxazaborolidinium Ion Activated Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Kang Ki‐Tae , Kim Seung Tae , Hwang Geum‐Sook , Ryu Do Hyun
Published: March 2017

A new chiral Brønsted acid derived from carboxylic acid and a chiral oxazaborolidinium ion (COBI), as an activator, is introduced. This acid was successfully applied as a catalyst for the highly enantioselective protonation/nucleophilic addition of diazoesters with carboxylic acids.
Cognitive impairment, self‐perceived health and quality of life of older prisoners
Authors: Combalbert Nicolas , Pennequin Valérie , Ferrand Claude , Armand Marine , Anselme Morgane , Geffray Brigitte
Published: March 2017

Background

There is a wealth of studies of somatic and mental illness among prisoners, but little on older prisoners and their cognitive aging.

Aims

Our study examines the cognitive performance of older male prisoners and its effect on their perceived health and quality of life.

Methods

A total of 138 men aged 50 or over were recruited in seven French prisons and 138 men of similar ages from the general population. Two assessments of executive cognitive functions – the mini‐mental state examination and the frontal assessment battery – were administered to each participant, together with self rating schedules of health (Nottingham Health Profile), subjective state of mental health and quality of life (the brief World Health Organisation Quality of Life Questionnaire).

Results

There were very significant differences between the two groups in terms of cognitive performance, perceived health and quality of life. There was, however, no significant association between cognitive impairment and perceived health or quality of life.

Conclusions

We found evidence that about a fifth of male prisoners in France had executive function test scores suggestive of at least moderately severe dementia and many others some evidence of cognitive impairments. Prisoners suffering from cognitive impairment do not necessarily seek help, perhaps not even considering that their health or quality of life to be affected. Communication deficits may also prevent their participation in prison activities which could prevent, slow or halt cognitive decline. Consequently, it is important that systematic screening for cognitive disorders is offered to men over 50 in prison. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design, Synthesis, and in vitro and in vivo Evaluations of (Z)‐3,4,5‐Trimethoxystyrylbenzenesulfonamides/sulfonates as Highly Potent Tubulin Polymerization Inhibitors
Authors: Mahesh Rasala , Nayak Vadithe Lakshma , Babu Korrapati Suresh , Riyaz Syed , Shaik Thokhir Basha , Kumar Gajjela Bharth , Mallipeddi Prema Latha , Reddy Challa Ratna , Shekar Kunta Chandra , Jose Jedy , Nagesh Narayana , Kamal Ahmed
Published: March 2017

Newer therapeutics can be developed in drug discovery by adopting the strategy of scaffold hopping of the privileged scaffolds from known bioactive compounds. This strategy has been widely employed in drug‐discovery processes. Structure‐based docking studies illustrate the basic underlying concepts and reveal that interactions of the sulfonamide group and hydrophobic interactions are crucial. On the basis of this strategy, over 60 synthetic analogues were synthesized and evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the NCI panel of 60 human cancer cell lines; the majority of these compounds exhibited promising cytotoxicity with GI50 values ranging between 18 and 50 nm. Among these compounds, (Z)‐N‐[2,3‐dimethoxy‐5‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxystyryl)phenyl]‐4‐methoxybenzenesulfonamide (7 a) and (Z)‐N‐[2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐6‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxystyryl)phenyl]‐4‐methoxybenzenesulfonamide (9 a) were found to be potent. Similar results were obtained against three human cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 0.04 and 3.0 μm. Studies aimed at elucidating the mechanism of action of these new analogues revealed that they inhibited the in vitro polymerization of tubulin and disorganized the assembly of microtubules in HeLa and MCF‐7cancer cells. Lead compounds 7 a and 9 a displayed notable in vivo antitumor activity in a HeLa tumor xenograft model. Our studies have resulted in the identification of a scaffold that can target tubulin polymerization, which should have significant potential toward the development of new antitumor drugs.
Dissecting Solidago canadensis–soil feedback in its real invasion
Authors: Dong Li‐Jia , Yang Jian‐Xia , Yu Hong‐Wei , He Wei‐Ming
Published: March 2017

The importance of plant–soil feedback (PSF) has long been recognized, but the current knowledge on PSF patterns and the related mechanisms mainly stems from laboratory experiments. We aimed at addressing PSF effects on community performance and their determinants using an invasive forb Solidago canadensis. To do so, we surveyed 81 pairs of invaded versus uninvaded plots, collected soil samples from these pairwise plots, and performed an experiment with microcosm plant communities. The magnitudes of conditioning soil abiotic properties and soil biotic properties by S. canadensis were similar, but the direction was opposite; altered abiotic and biotic properties influenced the production of subsequent S. canadensis communities and its abundance similarly. These processes shaped neutral S. canadensis–soil feedback effects at the community level. Additionally, the relative dominance of S. canadensis increased with its ability of competitive suppression in the absence and presence of S. canadensis–soil feedbacks, and S. canadensis‐induced decreases in native plant species did not alter soil properties directly. These findings provide a basis for understanding PSF effects and the related mechanisms in the field conditions and also highlight the importance of considering PSFs holistically.
Effects of genetically modified maize events expressing Cry34Ab1, Cry35Ab1, Cry1F, and CP4 EPSPS proteins on arthropod complex food webs
Authors: Pálinkás Zoltán , Kiss József , Zalai Mihály , Szénási Ágnes , Dorner Zita , North Samuel , Woodward Guy , Balog Adalbert
Published: March 2017

Four genetically modified (GM) maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids (coleopteran resistant, coleopteran and lepidopteran resistant, lepidopteran resistant and herbicide tolerant, coleopteran and herbicide tolerant) and its non‐GM control maize stands were tested to compare the functional diversity of arthropods and to determine whether genetic modifications alter the structure of arthropods food webs. A total number of 399,239 arthropod individuals were used for analyses. The trophic groups’ number and the links between them indicated that neither the higher magnitude of Bt toxins (included resistance against insect, and against both insects and glyphosate) nor the extra glyphosate treatment changed the structure of food webs. However, differences in the average trophic links/trophic groups were detected between GM and non‐GM food webs for herbivore groups and plants. Also, differences in characteristic path lengths between GM and non‐GM food webs for herbivores were observed. Food webs parameterized based on 2‐year in‐field assessments, and their properties can be considered a useful and simple tool to evaluate the effects of Bt toxins on non‐target organisms.
Community assembly inNothobranchiusannual fishes: Nested patterns, environmental niche and biogeographic history
Authors: Reichard Martin , Janáč Michal , Polačik Matej , Blažek Radim , Vrtílek Milan
Published: March 2017

The assembly of local communities from regional species pools is shaped by historical aspects of distribution, environmental conditions, and biotic interactions. We studied local community assembly patterns in African annual killifishes of the genusNothobranchius(Cyprinodontiformes), investigating data from 168 communities across the entire range of regionally co‐existing species.Nothobranchiusare small fishes associated with annually desiccating pools. We detected a nested pattern of local communities in one region (Southern Mozambique, withNothobranchius furzerias the core and dominant species), but no nestedness was found in the second region (Central Mozambique, withNothobranchius orthonotusbeing the dominant species). A checkerboard pattern of localNothobranchiuscommunity assembly was demonstrated in both regions. Multivariate environmental niche modeling revealed moderate differences in environmental niche occupancy between three monophyletic clades that largely co‐occurred geographically and greater differences between strictly allopatric species within the clades. Most variation among species was observed along an altitudinal gradient;N. furzeriandNothobranchius kadleciwere absent from coastal plains,Nothobranchius pienaari,Nothobranchius rachovii, andNothobranchius krysanoviwere associated with lower altitude andN. orthonotuswas intermediate and geographically most widespread species. We discuss implications for ecological and evolutionary research in this taxon.
Evaluating models of population process in a threatened population of Steller's eiders: a retrospective approach
Authors: Dunham Kylee , Grand James B.
Published: March 2017

The Alaskan breeding population of Steller's eiders (Polysticta stelleri) was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1997 in response to declines in abundance and a contraction in their breeding and nesting range. Aerial surveys suggest the breeding population is small and breeds in highly variable numbers, with zero birds counted in five of the last 25 years. The primary objective of this research was to evaluate competing population process models of Alaskan breeding Steller's eiders through comparison of model projections to aerial survey data. To evaluate model efficacy and estimate demographic parameters, we used a Bayesian state‐space modeling framework and fit each model to counts from the annual aerial surveys using sequential importance sampling/resampling. The results strongly support that the Alaskan breeding population experiences population‐level non‐breeding events, and is open to exchange with the larger Russian‐Pacific breeding population. Current recovery criteria for the Alaskan breeding population rely heavily on the ability to estimate population viability. Our results provide an informative model of population process that can be used to examine future population states and assess the population in terms of the current recovery and reclassification criteria.
Tumor volume as an independent predictive factor of worse survival in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Chin Shien , de Oliveira Santos André Bandiera , Silva Evandro Lima e , de Matos Leandro Luongo , Moyses Raquel Ajub , Kulcsar Marco Aurélio Vamondes , Pinto Fábio Roberto , Brandão Lenine Garcia , Cernea Claudio Roberto
Published: March 2017

Background

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of tumor volume in the prognosis of patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

Methods

One hundred twenty‐three patients with T4a oral cavity SCCs underwent surgical treatment. The volumes of the primary cancer were calculated by the multiplication of 3 macroscopic dimensions of the surgical specimen and related to recurrence and death.

Results

There were 54 recurrences (43.9%) and 75 deaths (60.9%). The mean tumor volume among the patients living without disease during the follow‐up period was 28.2 cc, compared to 88.2 cc for patients living with disease, and to 78.9 cc for patients who died of the disease (p < .001). Multivariate analyses showed that volume and perineural invasion were independent factors for recurrence, whereas volume and lymph node metastasis were independent factors for death.

Conclusion

Among patients who already have advanced cancers, tumor volume can significantly impact their prognoses. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 960–964, 2017
Remixing My Life: The Multimodal Literacy Memoir Assignment andSTEM
Authors: Pytash Kristine E. , Kist William , Testa Elizabeth
Published: March 2017

The authors explore the experiences and multimodal compositions of a student at aSTEM(science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) high school who opted to take an elective course on multimodal autobiography. They document how her meaning making included her beliefs and perspectives about the world, as well as a finely developed aesthetic sense.
ADCtotal ratio and D ratio derived from intravoxel incoherent motion early after TACE are independent predictors for survival in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Lifang , Xu Pengju , Rao Shengxiang , Yang Li , Chen Caizhong , Liu Hao , Fu Caixia , Zeng Mengsu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To explore the threshold of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters, apparent diffusion coefficient [ADCtotal and ADC(0,500)] ratios 24–48 hours after transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) to assess early response in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to compare the association between diffusion‐weighted imaging with the intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM‐DWI) and mRECIST with survival.

Materials and Methods

Institutional Review Board approval and informed consent were obtained for this prospective study. There were 30 patients undergoing 1.5T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with IVIM‐DWI of 12 b values (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 70, 100, 200, 300, 500, 800 s/mm2) 1 week before and 24–48 hours after TACE. Response was assessed with the change of true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo‐diffusion coefficient (D*), perfusion fraction (PF), ADCtotal, and ADC(0,500) values relative to baseline and with mRECIST. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to explore the threshold of these parameters ratios. Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank tests, and the Cox hazard model were used to correlate the response variables with progression‐free survival (PFS) and to assess the incidence and potential clinical risk factors for PFS. Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare the difference in parameters between different groups with progression within and beyond median PFS prior to TACE.

Results

Median PFS was 99 days, within which 16 patients progressed. The threshold of ADCtotal ratio, D ratio, and ADC(0,500) ratio were 13.1% (P = 0.001), 7.0% (P = 0.011), and 3.6% (P = 0.018) with sensitivity and specificity of 78.6% and 87.5%, 85.7% and 62.5%, 78.6% and 75%, respectively. The predictive utility of ADCtotal ratio, D ratio, and ADC(0,500) ratio for PFS were 0.848, 0.772, and 0.754, respectively. Survival analyses showed ADCtotal ratio, D ratio, ADC(0,500) ratio, liver cirrhosis, and mRECIST had a significant effect on PFS (P < 0.05). ADCtotal ratio and D ratio were independent predictors for 99‐day PFS (P = 0.025, P = 0.036). There were no significant differences in pretreatment IVIM‐DWI parameters between PFS > 99‐day group and PFS ≤ 99‐day group with P values of 0.547 for D, 0.394 for D*, 0.575 for PF, 0.901 for ADC(0,500), and 0.506 for ADCtotal, respectively.

Conclusion

The ADCtotal ratio and D ratio 24–48 hours after TACE were independent predictors for response to TACE for HCC, and showed stronger association with PFS than mRECIST.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:820–830
Evaluating the freezing impact on the proximate composition of immature cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) pods: classical versus spectroscopic approaches
Authors: Machado Nelson , Oppolzer David , Ramos Ana , Ferreira Luis , Rosa Eduardo AS , Rodrigues Miguel , Domínguez‐Perles Raúl , Barros Ana IRNA
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Freezing represents a common conservation practice regarding vegetal foodstuffs. Since compositional features need to be monitored during storage, the development of rapid monitoring tools suitable for assessing nutritional characteristics arises as a pertinent issue. In this study, cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) pods, both fresh and after 6 and 9 months of freezing at −18 °C, were evaluated by high‐performance liquid chromatography for their content of protein as well as of essential and nonessential amino acids, while their Fourier transform infrared spectra in the mid infrared (MIR) and near infrared (NIR) ranges were concomitantly registered to assess the feasibility of this approach for the traceability of these frozen matrices.

RESULTS

For the NIR interval, the application of the 1st derivative to the spectral data retrieved the best results, while for lower concentrations the application of the Savitzky–Golay algorithm was indispensable to achieve quantification models for the amino acids. MIR is also suitable for this purpose, though being unable to quantify amino acids with concentrations below 0.07 mmol g−1 dry weight, irrespective of the data treatment used.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectroscopic approach constitutes a methodology suitable for monitoring the impact of freezing on the nutritional properties of cowpea pods, allowing accurate quantification of the protein and amino acid contents, while NIR displayed better performance. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
On‐chip laser processing for the development of multifunctional microfluidic chips
Authors: Wang Huan , Zhang Yong‐Lai , Wang Wei , Ding Hong , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: March 2017

In the development of microfluidic chips, conventional 2D processing technologies contribute to the manufacturing of basic microchannel networks. Nevertheless, in the pursuit of versatile microfluidic chips, flexible integration of multifunctional components within a tiny chip is still challenging because a chip containing micro‐channels is a non‐flat substrate. Recently, on‐chip laser processing (OCLP) technology has emerged as an appealing alternative to achieve chip functionalization through in situ fabrication of 3D microstructures. Here, the recent development of OCLP‐enabled multifunctional microfluidic chips, including several accessible photochemical/photophysical schemes, and photosensitive materials permiting OCLP, is reviewed. To demonstrate the capability of OCLP technology, a series of typical micro‐components fabricated using OCLP are introduced. The prospects and current challenges of this field are discussed.

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Online Display Advertising: The Influence of Web Site Type on Advertising Effectiveness
Authors: Auschaitrakul Sumitra , Mukherjee Ashesh
Published: March 2017

This research shows that online display advertising is more effective in terms of attitudes toward the ad and brand when it appears on commercial Web sites such as Walmart or Amazon, compared to social Web sites such as LinkedIn or Facebook. Consistent with a fit‐fluency mechanism, this effect of Web site type on advertising effectiveness was found to be driven by higher feelings of processing fluency on commercial compared to social Web sites. Further consistent with a fit‐fluency framework, online display advertising was found to be more effective on brand compared to personal pages of social Web sites. These results contribute to the literature on Internet advertising by identifying Web site type as a new antecedent and fit‐fluency as a new mechanism underlying the effectiveness of online display advertising.
Sustainability as a Measure of Success: Externally Promoted Participatory Budgeting in El Salvador 10 Years Later
Authors: Bland Gary
Published: March 2017

This article examines the sustainability of externally promoted participatory budgeting (PB) over more than a decade and, given the results, considers the implications for participatory practice in international development. In 2009, I investigated the continued utilization of PB as introduced through a US‐financed local government development project in post‐war El Salvador. I examined all 28 project municipalities 5 years after the project ended and found limited but important PB sustainability. In 2015, I replicated the study, using the same parameters in the same 28 municipalities, more than 10 years after completion of the project. This article presents the findings of the latter study and compares them with 2009 results. PB continues to be utilized in more than half of the 28 municipalities examined—a striking example of long‐term sustainability—although there is also little continuity of use among individual municipal governments. I conclude that PB is becoming institutionalized, in part because of the initial project. This case of sustainability and institutionalization of PB may allow us to be more optimistic about the potential effects of participation in international development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mn-rich Ilmenites in Dyke Rocks – Potential Diamondiferous Occurrence in Malanjkhand Porphyry Copper Mine, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Nehru C. E. , Sikka D. B.
Published: March 2017

Mn-rich ilmenites (up to 7 % MnO) have been identified in dykes cutting the Malanjkhand porphyry copper mining area in Madhya Pradesh. The dykes are hydrothermally altered and are of tholeiitic affinities. Lamprophyres have been reported from nearby areas. The presence of Mn-rich Ilmenites in the Malanjkhand copper mine dykes and the occurrence of lampro-phyres and the pervasive potassium metasomatism in the area strongly suggests a possibility of finding diamondiferous rocks in the area. Such high-Mn bearing ilmenites are associated with diamondiferous deposits in other parts of the world, e.g. Juina kimberlites, Brazil. Mn-bearing ilmenite is considered as an indicator mineral for kimberlite/diamond occurrences. The presence of kimberlite pipes in Raipur district and the association of Mn-rich ilmenite with kimberlites is a fortuitous coincidence for venture-some mining companies. A probable explanation for the origin of manganese layers in the context of ‘rift’ tectonic environment is offered. Also a possible link between the dykes, quartz veins in the Malanjkhand granitic rocks and the copper mineralization is proposed.
Stability Investigation of Hill Cut Soil Slopes along National Highway 222 at Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra
Authors: Sharma L. K. , Umrao Ravi Kumar , Singh Rajesh , Ahmad M. , Singh T. N.
Published: March 2017

The section of about 12 km of National highway 222 passing through the Malshej Ghat experience frequent slope failure due to complex geological condition, heavy rainfall and slope geometry. The area is part of Western Ghat Deccan trap and slope masses are made of basalt and its weathered crust (debris/soil). The soil slope failure problem mainly occur in rainy seasons due to induced pore water pressure and reduced strength of the slope mass. The present study has been carried out to investigate the slope forming material and assess the stability of soil slopes by numerical approach. For the identification of the vulnerable zones, field study has been carried out and five vulnerable soil slopes identified namely MGS1, MGS2, MGS3, MGS4 and MGS5 on the basis of degree of weathering and slope geometry. The laboratory experiments were carried out to determine the strength properties of the geomaterials. All the input variables acquired from the field and laboratory experiments have been used for numerical simulation, which was performed with the help of limit equilibrium method (LEM) and finite element method (FEM). Numerical analysis provides understanding of the slope behaviour and illustrates that MGS1 and MGS3 are stable slopes, MGS2 and MGS4 are critically stable, whereas, slope MGS5 is unstable. This study recommend the protection of soil slopes and suggest that more detailed investigation is required for long term remedial measures to prevent risk of damage in Malshej Ghat.
An Assessment and Extension of the Mechanism-Based Approach to the Identification of Age-Period-Cohort Models
Authors: Bijlsma Maarten J. , Daniel Rhian M. , Janssen Fanny , De Stavola Bianca L.
Published: March 2017

Many methods have been proposed to solve the age-period-cohort (APC) linear identification problem, but most are not theoretically informed and may lead to biased estimators of APC effects. One exception is the mechanism-based approach recently proposed and based on Pearl’s front-door criterion; this approach ensures consistent APC effect estimators in the presence of a complete set of intermediate variables between one of age, period, cohort, and the outcome of interest, as long as the assumed parametric models for all the relevant causal pathways are correct. Through a simulation study mimicking APC data on cardiovascular mortality, we demonstrate possible pitfalls that users of the mechanism-based approach may encounter under realistic conditions: namely, when (1) the set of available intermediate variables is incomplete, (2) intermediate variables are affected by two or more of the APC variables (while this feature is not acknowledged in the analysis), and (3) unaccounted confounding is present between intermediate variables and the outcome. Furthermore, we show how the mechanism-based approach can be extended beyond the originally proposed linear and probit regression models to incorporate all generalized linear models, as well as nonlinearities in the predictors, using Monte Carlo simulation. Based on the observed biases resulting from departures from underlying assumptions, we formulate guidelines for the application of the mechanism-based approach (extended or not).
Fluid Genetic Algorithm (FGA)
Authors: Jafari-Marandi Ruholla , Smith Brian K.
Published: March 2017

Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been one of the most popular methods for many challenging optimization problems when exact approaches are too computationally expensive. A review of the literature shows extensive research attempting to adapt and develop the standard GA. Nevertheless, the essence of GA which consists of concepts such as chromosomes, individuals, crossover, mutation, and others rarely has been the focus of recent researchers. In this paper method, Fluid Genetic Algorithm (FGA), some of these concepts are changed, removed, and furthermore, new concepts are introduced. The performance of GA and FGA are compared through seven benchmark functions. FGA not only shows a better success rate and better convergence control, but it can be applied to a wider range of problems including multi-objective and multi-level problems. Also, the application of FGA for a real engineering problem, Quadric Assignment Problem (AQP), is shown and experienced.

Highlights This work presents a novel Genetic Algorithm alteration. Chromosome concept and structure in FGA is more similar to the real genetic world. FGA comprises global and individual learning rates. We show FGA enjoys higher success rate, and better convergence control.
Study design of GENERAL (general practitioners and embolism prevention in NVAF patients treated with rivaroxaban: Real‐life evidence): A multicenter prospective cohort study in primary care physicians to investigate the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban in Japanese patients with NVAF
Authors: Kusano Kengo , Akao Masaharu , Tsuji Hikari , Matsui Kunihiko , Hiramitsu Shinya , Hatori Yutaka , Odakura Hironori
Published: March 2017

Background

Rivaroxaban, a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC), has become available for stroke prevention in patients with non‐valular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). However, little is known about its effectiveness and safety when prescribed by general practitioners in real‐life settings.

Methods

GENERAL is a multicenter, prospective, non‐interventional observational study of patients receiving rivaroxaban for NVAF in daily clinical practice prescribed specifically by general practitioners. The target number of participating medical institutions is 500–700 clinics with fewer than 20 beds and the target number of participants is 5000. The baseline clinical data, including antidementia medication and frailty, and follow‐up data including concomitant treatment and outcomes until September 2018 (maximum three years) will be collected. The primary efficacy endpoints will be stroke and/or systemic embolism and the secondary endpoints will be major bleeding meeting the ISTH guidelines, non‐major and clinically relevant bleeding, onset of symptomatic stroke (ischemic/hemorrhagic), systemic embolism, deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary thromboembolism, myocardial infarction and/or cardiovascular death, and systemic embolism. Based on the provided information, the event assessment committee will investigate the endpoint‐related events. The annual incidence and predictive factors for primary/secondary endpoint will be investigated based on underlying disease, age, renal function, and CHADS2, CHA2DS2‐VASC, and HAS‐BLED scores using Cox regression. We will also compare the incidence of the primary/secondary endpoint between the present study, EXPAND study, and FUSHIMI AF registry study.

Results

The results of this study are currently under investigation.

Conclusion

This study will provide important information regarding the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban treatment in Japanese patients with NVAF among general practitioners.
Factors Associated with Adherence to Transdermal Nicotine Patches within a Smoking Cessation Effectiveness Trial
Authors: Handschin Jonnie , Hitsman Brian , Blazekovic Sonja , Veluz-Wilkins Anna , Wileyto E. Paul , Leone Frank T. , Ashare Rebecca L. , Schnoll Robert A.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Adherence to transdermal nicotine patches, one of the most popular and effective treatments for nicotine dependence, remains very low and is a strong predictor of cessation rates.

Aims: This study examined individual factors related to adherence as well as differences over time between adherent (>85% of daily patch use) and non-adherent participants (<85% of daily patch use).

Methods: We analysed data from 440 participants who received 8 weeks of 21 mg transdermal nicotine and four behavioural counselling sessions within an effectiveness trial that examined the effects of long-term treatment. Multiple logistical regression assessed baseline variables associated with patch adherence and generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate changes in craving and withdrawal, depressive and anxiety symptoms, substitute and complementary reinforcers, and side effects between participants who were or were not adherent.

Results: Adherence to patch use was strongly associated with smoking cessation at week 8 (p< 0.05). In a logistic regression model, being female, living with a child or children, and higher self-reported anxiety symptoms were predictive of lower patch adherence (p< 0.05). In the GEE analysis, adherence was significantly associated with a greater reduction in craving, a greater engagement in substitute reinforcers, and a greater decrease in complementary reinforcers over time (p< 0.05).

Conclusions: Difficulties adhering to transdermal nicotine patches may be related to psychiatric comorbidity, difficulty managing nicotine craving, and challenges with engaging in substitute reinforcers and reducing exposure to complementary reinforcers. These constructs may serve as targets for interventions designed to increase treatment adherence.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01047527
A novel duplex ddPCR assay for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica: proof of concept in an experimental mouse model
Authors: WEERAKOON KOSALA G. , GORDON CATHERINE A. , CAI PENGFEI , GOBERT GEOFFREY N. , DUKE MARY , WILLIAMS GAIL M. , MCMANUS DONALD P.
Published: March 2017

The current World Health Organization strategic plan targets the elimination of schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2025 and accurate diagnostics will play a pivotal role in achieving this goal. DNA-based detection methods provide a viable alternative to some of the commonly used tests, notably microscopy and serology, for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis. The detection of parasite cell-free DNA in different clinical samples is a recent valuable advance, which provides significant benefits for accurate disease diagnosis. Here we validated a novel duplex droplet digital PCR assay for the diagnosis of Chinese (SjC) and Philippine (SjP) strains of Schistosoma japonicum infection in a mouse model. The assay proved applicable for both SjC and SjP infections and capable of detecting infection at a very early intra-mammalian stage in conveniently obtainable samples (urine and saliva) as well as in serum and feces. The target DNA copy numbers obtained in the assay showed a positive correlation with the infection burden assessed by direct traditional parasitology. The potential to detect parasite DNA in urine and saliva has important practical implications for large-scale epidemiological screening programmes in the future, particularly in terms of logistical convenience, and the assay has the potential to be a valuable additional tool for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis japonica.