Virtually in love: The role of anthropomorphism in virtual romantic relationships.

Romantic relationships are a cornerstone of human nature. Today, these relationships can potentially be fulfilled by virtual agents. Although previous psychological research has examined how human needs can be met by anthropomorphized agents, it has neglected virtual romantic relationships. This paper introduces the concept of romantic anthropomorphism (i.e. giving a non-human agent human-like characteristics in a romantic context) to help understand virtual romance. In three laboratory studies, we used romantic video games (RVGs) to examine how romantic anthropomorphism predicts relationship authenticity, desire for real-world relationship and mood (Studies 1A, 1B and 2) as well as real-world interpersonal behaviour (Study 2). Study 1A revealed that romantic anthropomorphism of a virtual agent predicted desire for a real-world relationship with the virtual agent and greater positive affect via feeling that the relationship built with the virtual agent was authentic. Study 1B replicated these results using a larger sample and a different RVG. Study 2 replicated these results, but revealed that playing RVGs failed to predict real-world behaviour in a subsequent interaction with a human confederate. This research identifies a unique way that people find connection in the modern world and provides novel insight into the fields of anthropomorphism, virtual interactions and relationship science.

Modeling personality antecedents and second language self-efficacy constructs with emerging adults in Japan: Domain-specific matching for assessing global competence in applied contexts.

Introduction: Research on self-efficacy in intercultural communication (SEIC) provided validity evidence for second language (L2) self-efficacy domains. However, it lacked (1) an analysis of individual differences in personality as antecedents, (2) divergent validity from anxiety variables (i.e., foreign language classroom anxiety; FLCA), and (3) disambiguation from speaking (S-SE) and listening (L-SE) skill-specific self-efficacy types. Methods: We conducted structural equation modeling of L2 self-efficacy and anxiety as response variables predicted by the Big Five model of personality in the context of Japanese undergraduate students at three university sites (n = 373), and a geographically diverse online survey of emerging adults (n = 1,326) throughout Japan. Results: The final model for the nationally representative sample showed that SEIC was predicted by all identified personality factors. Differentially supported paths were observed linking L-SE with Conscientiousness (ß = 0.24) and Extraversion (ß = 0.16), and S-SE with Extraversion (ß = 0.24) and Neuroticism (ß = -0.12). The fear of failure factor of FLCA was predicted positively by Neuroticism (ß = 0.25) and, surprisingly, Conscientiousness (ß = 0.10), and negatively by Extraversion (ß = -0.13). Relationships to Openness to Experience were only supported for SEIC (ß = 0.17) and S-SE (ß = 0.12). Discussion: These findings provide specificity matching for personality and L2 self-efficacy domains as empirical advances for assessing global competence within the context of Japan. Implications for cultural influences on self-efficacy and applied educational practices in language and intercultural learning are discussed.

What factors attract people to play romantic video games?

People in romantic relationships often benefit from improved mental and physical health and well-being. Today, these relationships can be recreated using virtual agents. For instance, some people anthropomorphize and fall in love with a virtual partner in a romantic video game. Although previous psychological research has examined anthropomorphized agents, it has neglected virtual romantic relationships. This study aims to examine the desire to play underlying playing romantic video games (RVGs). In Study 1, 43 Japanese participants completed a survey about their desire to play RVGs and their current romantic relationship status. The research revealed that a human-like voice and the use of touch were perceived as important factors in anthropomorphized relationships. In Study 2, an independent sample of 281 Japanese participants replicated the results of Study 1 regarding the importance of voice and touch in RVGs. Moreover, we found that a desire to develop social skills and alleviate negative emotions independently desire to play RVG use. As an important first step, these findings reveal several factors which might contribute to developing a romantic relationship with a virtual agent.

UHRF1, a Regulator of Methylation, as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker for Lung Cancer.

We evaluated the value of UHRF1, a regulator of methylation, as a biomarker for lung cancer. UHRF1 is expressed at higher levels in both lung adenocarcinoma (AD) and squamous cell carcinoma (SQ); however, a meta-analysis showed that UHRF1 expression is correlated with worse survival in patients with AD but not in those with SQ. UHRF1 knockdown suppressed the growth of lung cancer cell lines through G1 cell cycle arrest in some cell lines. These results suggest that UHRF1 may server as a diagnostic marker for AD and SQ and as a prognostic marker for AD in lung cancer.

[The Safety of Super-Selective Intra-Arterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Induction with Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and 5-Fluorouracil for Oral Cancer].

Adverse events and complications were retrospectively evaluated in 13 oral cancer patients receiving 3-drug, super-selective, intra-arterial infusion induction chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (GroupA ), and another 13 patients receiving systemic chemotherapy (GroupB ). As a systemic adverse event, neutropenia was significantly milder in GroupA than in GroupB (p=0.043). However, among local adverse events, the incidence rates of oral mucous membrane disorders were 69.2% (9 patients) in GroupA and 23.1% (3 patients)in GroupB, and therefore significantly higher in Group A(p=0.021). No significant difference was observed between the two groups considering the time of onset of oral mucous membrane disorders. Among complications, there were no cerebral infarctions, but facial palsy occurred in 1 patient. Thus, in a comparison between adverse events associated with super-selective intra-arterial infusion induction chemotherapy for oral cancer and systemic chemotherapy, the former showed milder neutropenia and a trend toward milder systemic adverse events. However, the incidence rate of oral mucositis as a local adverse event was significantly higher. For super-selective intra-arterial infusion chemotherapy, it appears to be important to prevent oral mucositis and to control the risks of complications such as facial palsy and cerebral infarction.