bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What's New in Neuroimaging Methods?
Authors: Bandettini Peter A.
Published: March 2009

The rapid advancement of neuroimaging methodology and its growing availability has transformed neuroscience research. The answers to many questions that we ask about how the brain is organized depend on the quality of data that we are able to obtain about the locations, dynamics, fluctuations, magnitudes, and types of brain activity and structural changes. In this review an attempt is made to take a snapshot of the cutting edge of a small component of the very rapidly evolving field of neuroimaging. For each area covered, a brief context is provided along with a summary of a few of the current developments and issues. Then, several outstanding papers, published in the past year or so, are described, providing an example of the directions in which each area is progressing. The areas covered include functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), voxel‐based morphometry (VBM), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), optical imaging, and positron emission tomography (PET). More detail is included on fMRI; its subsections include fMRI interpretation, new fMRI contrasts, MRI technology, MRI paradigms and processing, and endogenous oscillations in fMRI.
The Evolution of Language
Authors: Corballis Michael C.
Published: March 2009

Language, whether spoken or signed, can be viewed as a gestural system, evolving from the so‐called mirror system in the primate brain. In nonhuman primates the gestural system is well developed for the productions and perception of manual action, especially transitive acts involving the grasping of objects. The emergence of bipedalism in the hominins freed the hands for the adaptation of the mirror system for intransitive acts for communication, initially through the miming of events. With the emergence of the genusHomofrom some 2 million years ago, pressures for more complex communication and increased vocabulary size led to the conventionalization of gestures, the loss of iconic representation, and a gradual shift to vocal gestures replacing manual ones—although signed languages are still composed of manual and facial gestures. In parallel with the conventionalization of symbols, languages gained grammatical complexity, perhaps driven by the evolution of episodic memory and mental time travel, which involve combinations of familiar elements—Who did what to whom, when, where, and why? Language is thus adapted to allow us to share episodic structures, whether past, planned, or fictional, and so increase survival fitness.
Neurobiological Mechanisms of Placebo Responses
Authors: Zubieta Jon‐Kar , Stohler Christian S.
Published: March 2009

Expectations, positive or negative, are modulating factors influencing behavior. They are also thought to underlie placebo effects, potentially impacting perceptions and biological processes. We used sustained pain as a model to determine the neural mechanisms underlying placebo‐induced analgesia and affective changes in healthy humans. Subjects were informed that they could receive either an active agent or an inactive compound, similar to routine clinical trials. Using PET and the μ‐opioid selective radiotracer [11C]carfentanil we demonstrate placebo‐induced activation of opioid neurotransmission in a number of brain regions. These include the rostral anterior cingulate, orbitofrontal and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, anterior and posterior insula, nucleus accumbens, amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal grey. Some of these regions overlap with those involved in pain and affective regulation but also motivated behavior. The activation of endogenous opioid neurotransmission was further associated with reductions in pain report and negative affective state. Additional studies with the radiotracer [11C]raclopride, studies labeling dopamine D2/3 receptors, also demonstrate the activation of nucleus accumbens dopamine during placebo administration under expectation of analgesia. Both dopamine and opioid neurotransmission were related to expectations of analgesia and deviations from those initial expectations. When the activity of the nucleus accumbens was probed with fMRI using a monetary reward expectation paradigm, its activation was correlated with both dopamine, opioid responses to placebo in this region and the formation of placebo analgesia. These data confirm that specific neural circuits and neurotransmitter systems respond to the expectation of benefit during placebo administration, inducing measurable physiological changes.
Embodied Cognition and the Simulation of Action to Understand Others
Authors: Grafton Scott T.
Published: March 2009

Understanding the goals or intentions of other people requires a broad range of evaluative processes including the decoding of biological motion, knowing about object properties, and abilities for recognizing task space requirements and social contexts. It is becoming increasingly evident that some of this decoding is based in part on the simulation of other people's behavior within our own nervous system. This review focuses on aspects of action understanding that rely on embodied cognition, that is, the knowledge of the body and how it interacts with the world. This form of cognition provides an essential knowledge base from which action simulation can be used to decode at least some actions performed by others. Recent functional imaging studies or action understanding are interpreted with a goal of defining conditions when simulation operations occur and how this relates with other constructs, including top‐down versus bottom‐up processing and the functional distinctions between action observation and social networks. From this it is argued that action understanding emerges from the engagement of highly flexible computational hierarchies driven by simulation, object properties, social context, and kinematic constraints and where the hierarchy is driven by task structure rather than functional or strict anatomic rules.
Approximating SWAT Model Using Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machine1
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Srinivasan Raghavan , Van Liew Michael
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  With the popularity of complex, physically based hydrologic models, the time consumed for running these models is increasing substantially. Using surrogate models to approximate the computationally intensive models is a promising method to save huge amounts of time for parameter estimation. In this study, two learning machines [Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM)] were evaluated and compared for approximating the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. These two learning machines were tested in two watersheds (Little River Experimental Watershed in Georgia and Mahatango Creek Experimental Watershed in Pennsylvania). The results show that SVM in general exhibited better generalization ability than ANN. In order to effectively and efficiently apply SVM to approximate SWAT, the effect of cross‐validation schemes, parameter dimensions, and training sample sizes on the performance of SVM was evaluated and discussed. It is suggested that 3‐fold cross‐validation is adequate for training the SVM model, and reducing the parameter dimension through determining the parameter values from field data and the sensitivity analysis is an effective means of improving the performance of SVM. As far as the training sample size, it is difficult to determine the appropriate number of samples for training SVM based on the test results obtained in this study. Simple examples were used to illustrate the potential applicability of combining the SVM model with uncertainty analysis algorithm to save efforts for parameter uncertainty of SWAT. In the future, evaluating the applicability of SVM for approximating SWAT in other watersheds and combining SVM with different parameter uncertainty analysis algorithms and evolutionary optimization algorithms deserve further research.
Evaluation of a Watershed Model for Estimating Daily Flow Using Limited Flow Measurements1
Authors: Du Bing , Ji Xiaoyi , Harmel R. Daren , Hauck Larry M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was evaluated for estimation of continuous daily flow based on limited flow measurements in the Upper Oyster Creek (UOC) watershed. SWAT was calibrated against limited measured flow data and then validated. The Nash‐Sutcliffe model Efficiency (NSE) and mean relative error values of daily flow estimations were 0.66 and 15% for calibration, and 0.56 and 4% for validation, respectively. Also, further evaluation of the model’s estimation of flow at multiple locations was conducted with parametric paired t‐test and nonparametric sign test at a 95% confidence level. Among the five main stem stations, four stations were statistically shown to have good agreement between predicted and measured flows. SWAT underestimated the flow of the fifth main stem station possibly because of the existence of complex flood control measures near to the station. SWAT estimated the daily flow at one tributary station well, but with relatively large errors for the other two tributaries. The spatial pattern of predicted flows matched the measured ones well. Overall, it was concluded from the graphical comparisons and statistical analyses of the model results that SWAT was capable of reproducing continuous daily flows based on limited flow data as is the case in the UOC watershed.
Incorporating Uncertainty Into the Ranking of SPARROW Model Nutrient Yields From Mississippi/Atchafalaya River Basin Watersheds1
Authors: Robertson Dale M. , Schwarz Gregory E. , Saad David A. , Alexander Richard B.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Excessive loads of nutrients transported by tributary rivers have been linked to hypoxia in the Gulf of Mexico. Management efforts to reduce the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico and improve the water quality of rivers and streams could benefit from targeting nutrient reductions toward watersheds with the highest nutrient yields delivered to sensitive downstream waters. One challenge is that most conventional watershed modeling approaches (e.g., mechanistic models) used in these management decisions do not consider uncertainties in the predictions of nutrient yields and their downstream delivery. The increasing use of parameter estimation procedures to statistically estimate model coefficients, however, allows uncertainties in these predictions to be reliably estimated. Here, we use a robust bootstrapping procedure applied to the results of a previous application of the hybrid statistical/mechanistic watershed model SPARROW (Spatially Referenced Regression On Watershed attributes) to develop a statistically reliable method for identifying “high priority” areas for management, based on a probabilistic ranking of delivered nutrient yields from watersheds throughout a basin. The method is designed to be used by managers to prioritize watersheds where additional stream monitoring and evaluations of nutrient‐reduction strategies could be undertaken. Our ranking procedure incorporates information on the confidence intervals of model predictions and the corresponding watershed rankings of the delivered nutrient yields. From this quantified uncertainty, we estimate the probability that individual watersheds are among a collection of watersheds that have the highest delivered nutrient yields. We illustrate the application of the procedure to 818 eight‐digit Hydrologic Unit Code watersheds in the Mississippi/Atchafalaya River basin by identifying 150 watersheds having the highest delivered nutrient yields to the Gulf of Mexico. Highest delivered yields were from watersheds in the Central Mississippi, Ohio, and Lower Mississippi River basins. With 90% confidence, only a few watersheds can be reliably placed into the highest 150 category; however, many more watersheds can be removed from consideration as not belonging to the highest 150 category. Results from this ranking procedure provide robust information on watershed nutrient yields that can benefit management efforts to reduce nutrient loadings to downstream coastal waters, such as the Gulf of Mexico, or to local receiving streams and reservoirs.
WAY OF UNITY, WAY OF HOLINESS
Authors: Monti Emilio N.
Published: March 2009

We have all become neighbours in a ‘global village’, black and white, rich and poor, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, followers of other faiths or atheists. Torn by our differences and tensions we still do not know how to live together in a world where we are bound to live together as one community.
The Role of the Jewish Bible in African Independent Churches1
Authors: Mbiti John S.
Published: March 2009

This article examines the way the Old Testament (Jewish Bible) play,} a major role in the African Independent Churches. Many of these churches are founded following the publication of the whole Bible in local languages. The founders and followers see numerous points of contact between the life of Jewish people in the Bible and their own. They identify themselves in and through the Bible. It forms the authority by which they teach and live the Christian life. Consequently, they direct their church life according to insights that they derive from the Jewish Bible, whilst, at the same time, they hold firmly on to Jesus Christ.

Examples of church life with roots in the Jewish Bible include taboos and customs connected with food, worship and death. The churches also use the Jewish Bible in matters connected with health, sickness and wellbeing. Healing activities feature prominently in many of the churches, and the Bible is the guide and authority for them. The churches have sacred places (mountains, beaches and villages), where members go for pilgrimage and special worship. Some are given biblical names. The land is very significant for them, but in South Africa some members were slaughtered in, and others forcefully thrown out of the land of their churches. African Christianity needs a theology of the land.
A Trinitarian Ontology of Missions
Authors: Tan Seng‐Kong
Published: March 2009

Bosed on the premise that nature and action are inextricably linked, it is contended that any con‐strual of missional theology as the church's participation in the missio Dei, cannot disregard the doctrine of the immanent Trinity. Four images of the Trinity are appropriated as theological maps for a critical and “thick”description of missions. The trinitarian paradigms characterising the three divine Persons as Source, Word and Love (emphasised by the Greek, Protestant and Latin traditions respectively) are used to counterbalance the contemporary bias toward a social Trinity, which draws its inspiration from the classical doctrine of perichoresis. In the processional model, God's transcendence secures a theocentric missiology, while the reciprocity of the Son and Spirit is correlated to incarnational and charismatic ministry. The linguistical paradigm points to our participation in the mission of the Word that demands both proclamation and action; the eternal dialogue within God prompts our continual hearing and speaking, in relation to God and the world. The dispositional image highlights the Spirit of love, who brings about mis‐sional spirituality, humility and unity, even as the loving embrace of the Father and Son leads us to participate in the sufferings of those at the margins. Finally, the perichoretic model of the Trinity points to the inseparability of the missio Dei and the imago Dei, being and doing, the self and the Other. The oneness of the divine mission implies an integral missional praxis that is rooted in the worship of this triune God.
CONTEMPORARY “WITCHDEMONOLOGY” IN AFRICA
Authors: Onyinah Opoku
Published: March 2009

The paper is a study of the current deliverance ministry in Africa, with reference to Ghana. The general opinion gathered from current anthropological studies on witchcraft is that the ultimate outcome of exorcism is for it to become modernized. However, the paper departs from this and contends that it is divinatory‐consultation, or an inquiry into the sacred and the search for meaning that underlies the contemporary “deliverance” ministry, where the focus is to identify and break down the so‐called demonic forced by the power of God in order to “deliver” people from their torment. This paper represents a further attempt to contextualise the gospel to African people. However, its preoccupation with demonisation and its exorcistic practices are found to bring Christianity into tension with family ties and other religions. Therefore, the paper suggests that there is the need to develop a properly safeguarded ministry of exorcism in an African context.
JAMES 5:14–18: HEALING THEN AND NOW
Authors: Warrington Keith
Published: March 2009

Much exposition of James 5:14–18 has tended to polarize the teaching therein. Either the author is seen to be promulgating medical therapy or spiritual ministry, a restoration to physical health or spiritual wellbeing. Instead, it will be proposed that James is advocating the re‐estab‐lishment of wholeness of a comprehensive nature. The key aspect in the guidelines is prayer and, in particular, the prayer of faith, the latter to be equated with a prayer that is in accordance with the will of God. Other issues explored include the identity of the suffering, the significance of the use of oil, the identity of those who offer prayer, the relevance of the use of the name of the Lord, the place for confession and the value of the illustration concerning Elijah. James offers a path to wholeness and healing in their fullest sense, and encourages believers to participate in this ministry. This will necessitate actively righteous lifestyles on their part combined with compassion, wisdom and love; the whole will enable them to minister appropriately.
Mental Health as a Key Issue in the Future of Global Health Developments
Authors: Tharyan Prathap , Braganza Deepa , Jebaraj Pradanna
Published: March 2009

Mental and behavioural disorders are common, and affect more than 25% of all people at some time during their lives. Mental disorders are alio universal, and affect people of all countries and societies, individuals at all ages, women and men, and the rich and the poor from urban and rural environments. One in four families is likely to have at least one member with a behavioural or mental disorder. Suicide is a leading cause of death in many regions of the world and there is also a ruing trend for suicides in these regions. It is estimated that mental disorders contribute a large share to the Global Disease Burden, and account for 33% of the years lived with disability worldwide. This burden caused by neuropsychiatric disorders is expected to increase over the years and will soon surpass the burden posed by HIV/AIDS. The resources available in the form of trained mental health professionals and psychiatric services are, and will continue to be, woefully inadequate to meet the needs posed by the increasing burden. The World Health Organization in its Mental Health Global Action Programme (WHO mhGAP) has outlined the needs of those with mental health problems and the actions that are required to meet these needs. This paper provides an elaboration of a presentation at an international consultation, and the ensuing recommendations of ways in which churches could play a significant role in partnering the WHO mhGAP in bridging the ever‐widening gap between resources and needs in mental health. Could mental health be the new frontier that revitalizes the commitment of the church and its congregations to the healing ministry?
Religion, Public Health and Church for the 2Ist Century
Authors: Cochrane James R.
Published: March 2009

In the midst of enormous challenges threatening the public health systems in sub‐Saharan Africa, faith‐based organizations (FBOs) are making a substantial contribution to the health of communities. This paper offers a brief retrospective into the development of such collaboration, and how scientific “religion blindness” made it all but invisible.

In this context, the African Religious Health Assets Programme (ARHAP) was initiated to research and understand “religious health assets” (RHAs), to probe how such assets can be drawn into public health systems, and to develop appropriate language for this field. First, we explain the turn to “assets” in contrast to the more common discourse of “needs” or “deficits”, and show the importance of both tangible and intangible RHAs for a proper understanding of their significance.

Second, we are interested in how religion might strengthen the “leading causes of life”, rather than focusing in the first instance on illness and the burden of disease. We suggest that the potency of an FBO for health will depend on the extent to which these leading causes of life are present. A third innovation arose once we contemplated that fact that many African languages have no direct equivalents for either ‘religion’ or ‘health’, but use comprehensive concepts like bophelo, that encapsulate both religion and health in terms of holistic, relational well‐being. To express this, we have coined the term “healthworlds”, which describes the way in which religion and health are intertwined with each other, and impact on the choices people make about their health. The paper emphasized the connection between (ill‐) health, power and justice as essential areas of concern for people of faith. It clodes by stressing the need for collaboration, not only between the religious and public health sectors, but also among those who are seeking to understand this area.
Meeting the Challenge with God on our Side
Authors: Steinitz Lucy Y.
Published: March 2009

In Southern African countries that are heavily affected by HIV and AIDS, churches play a significant role in the provision of medical treatment, prevention education, home‐based care, and orphan support services. Churches provide facilities, local leadership, volunteers and strong theological concepts that are consonant with local cultural values of neighbours helping each other. However, this foundation must be nurtured and extended to meet long‐term demands imposed by the HIV pandemic, as well as some of the underlying causes that promote the spread of HIV, e.g. poverty, alcoholism, and domestic violence. Volunteers, too, must receive training and support in order to provide quality‐based services and not burn out. This article draws on the Namibian experience to describe the development of church‐based services related to HIV and AIDS, and to cite lessons learned for the future.
Mental Health and the Churches: the Story of Lucrecia
Authors: Ruiz Brenda Consuelo
Published: March 2009

In this article, prepared originally as a powerpoint presentation, Brenda Consuelo Ruiz attempts to show, by way of a case study, bow churches can contribute to the mental and physical illness of individuals and families in the church, as well as to their health. She also proposes different ways in which churches can engage in promoting mental health.
God's Grace, Healing and Suffering
Authors: Onylnah Opoku
Published: March 2009

This paper shows that people have always attempted to stamp out diseases and other misfortunes on earth through both spiritual and natural means. The approach adopted by the Lord in the Old Testament as Yahweh‐Rapha, wherein/ he was a powerful healer to those who obey him, was, in a way, a response to this. Healing was vital in the ministry of Jesus in the execution of his divine mission to save human life. However, scepticism towards divine healing began during the Enlightenment. The emergence of the Pentecostal movement in the 20th century sought to change this trend. However, there is a tendency among some practitioners of healing that makes it appear that healing is a sign of living right with God, while lack of healing, or suffering of any kind is a curse or a result of disobedience by a person or their progenitors. There are indications in the New Testament that Jesus was selective in his healing ministry, and that in the presence of the apostles not all people were healed. The Christian “lives between the times” of “the already” and the “not yet”, and thus is still exposed to physical afflictions, including any type of suffering. Prayer for healing must be seen as part of the means of dealing with a variety of manifestations of evil and frailty in human life. The place of suffering in the Bible needs to be brought to bear on the healing ministry.
Opening Biblical Meditation
Authors: Matthey Jacques
Published: March 2009

While Jesus was by the lakeside, the president of one of the dynagogues came up, Jairus by name, and, when he saw him, threw himself down at his feet and pleaded with him. “My little daughter”, he said, “is at death's door. 1 beg you to come and lay your hands on her to cure her and save her life.” So Jesus went with him, accompanied by a great crowd which passed upon him.

Among them wad a woman who had suffered from haemorrhages for twelve years; and in spite of long treatment by many doctors, on which she had spent all she had, there had been no improvement; on the contrary, she had grown worse. She had heard what people were saying about Jesus, do she came up from behind in the back of the crowd and touched his cloak; for she said to herself, “If I touch even his clothes, I shall be cured.” And there and then the source of her haemorrhages dried up and she knew in herself that she wad cured of her trouble. At the same time Jesus, aware that power had gone out of him, turned round in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?” His disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing upon you and yet you ask, ‘Who touched me?” Meanwhile he wad looking round to see who had done it. The woman, trembling with fear when she grasped what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and told him the whole truth. He said to her, “My daughter, your faith had cured you, Go in peace, free for ever from this trouble.”

While he wad still speaking, a message came from the president's house, “Your daughter is dead; why trouble the Rabbi further?” But Jesus, overhearing the message as it was delivered, said to the president of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only have faith.” After this he allowed no one to accompany him except Peter and James and James's brother John. They came to the predident's house, where they found a great commotion, with loud crying and wailing. So Jesus went in and said to them,“Why this crying and commotion? The child id not dead: she is asleep”: but they only laughed at him. After turning all the others out, he took the child'd father and mother and his own companions and went in where the child was lying. Then, taking hold of her hand, he said to her, “Talitha cum”, which means, ‘Get up, my child’. Immediately the girl got up and walked about‐she was twelve years old ‐ at that they were beside them‐selves with amazement. He gave them strict orders to let no one hear about it, and told them to give her something to eat.
Healing and Salvation in Late Modernity: the Use and Implication of Such Terms in the Ecumenical Movement
Authors: Horsfjord Vebjørn
Published: March 2009

This article explores developments over the last decades in the way ecumenical texts, primarily originating from world conferences organized by the Commission on World Mission and Evangelism, speak about soteriology. Under the headlines, “Salvation Today” (1973) and “Your Kingdom Come” (1980), terminology inspired by liberation theology took centre stage, and a predominantly immanent understanding of salvation was promoted. In recent years a different terminology has taken over, and it is one that focuses on “healing” and “the fullness of life”. At its best, the holistic healing approach manages to take up the important concerns from earlier times, such as economic justice, racism and environmental issues, while at the same time giving more room for existential issues and the experiences of the individual

The new healing discourse appears to reflect two different modalities of the church's healing ministry, viz. that which is concerned with the causes of suffering, and that which addresses the experience of suffering. The latter was often ignored in the recent past. The healing discourse gives room for new explorations of practices that have been central in the church throughout its history, such as anointing the sick, and praying for and with them, and hearing individual confessions.

Openness towards subjective experience also has implications for the contextualization of the Christian faith. There is a new awareness that not only do the causes of suffering vary from situation to situation but so does the understanding of (what constitutes) suffering itself. Changing or varying understandings of suffering give rise to different approaches to its alleviation, and can inspire a rethinking of how we understand salvation in different contexts.

The new healing discourse can also be studied in its relationship to cultural trends known as post‐modernity or late modernity. The texts under study display very ambivalent approaches to these developments. There might be a tendency for texts that have concrete experience as their starting point to take a more positive view of these cultural developments than do texts that begin with more general theological observations.
The Theological Foundations of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue in Christian‐Muslim Relations1
Authors: Jukko Risto
Published: March 2009

Thy article first presents the Secretariat for Non‐Christians/the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue that Pope Paul VI founded in 1964. Then it deals with the theological foundations that have been laid for Christian‐Muslim relations in the pontifical council's recent official documents (1966–2005), and shows that the classical doctrine of the trinitarian nature of God is the cornerstone on which the theology of the Secretariat for Non‐Chrutians/the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue rests. This trinitarian dimension will be a major challenge to the 21st century theology of religions.
Christian Missions in South‐Western Nigeria, and the Response of African Traditional Religion
Authors: Fatokun Samson Adetunji
Published: March 2009

This work is an historical assessment of Christian‐African traditional religion worshipper relations in south‐western Nigeria from the inception of Christian mission to date. A combination of bibliographical search and field work methods were employed to elicit information for the research. The paper shows that first contact in south‐western Nigeria was a smooth relation between the two faiths. However, no sooner had Christianity become established than tensions began arising between the two religious faiths, simply owing to differences in belief systems and world views. The work identifies the root cause of these problems as a lack of organized dialogue between the adherents of the two faiths. Suggestions are made that the researcher strongly believes, if followed, would aid peaceful co‐existence among the adherents of the two faiths on the one hand, and on the other enhance Christian missionary enterprise in south‐western Nigeria.
Panel on Salvation: the Catholic Perspective
Authors: Rossi Teresa Francesca
Published: March 2009

In the reflection about salvation, mission and healing, the aspect of revelation has not been so much emphasized in the last years. However, it seems to me that revelation, rather than just eschatology, might be the key concept in understanding healing and reconciliation. The signs and wonders that confirm the preaching of the gospel of salvation are necessary in order to give the preacher and the faithful a shape, a frame to human knowledge of God and salvation, though in the “fleshy” knowledge of the human being. Without the shape or frame of a divine sign there can be neither prophecy nor preaching, because prophecy and preaching concern the Word of God. Signs and wonders confirm preaching but only by deepening a cognitive dimension. When we day, “God will heal you,” we are announcing the good news of healing, while at the same time we are budding some new conditions to know God. We are at the heart of revelation. At the same time, when we deal with healing, we are not only dealing with the dimension of knowing God and operating signs and wonder, we are also dealing with a dimension of prophecy inasmuch as no prophecy is allowed unless there is a capability of speaking “in the name of”, and “on behalf of”, which implies a real, though imperfect, knowledge of God, such as we receive not only in revelation but also in signs and wonders. So, healing, this starting point, this unexplored way, this unprecedented path to the understanding of the economy of sulfation, continues revelation because it leads to new knowledge. Inasmuch ad heading does not belong to the economy of final salvation but to the economy of a “restored flesh”, it is closer to revelation than to resurrection. It is the seal of redemption.
Revamping Pentecostal Evangelism: Appropriating Walter J. Hollenweger's Radical Proposal
Authors: Richie Tony
Published: March 2009

As the Christian Church endeavours to be faithful to its evangelistic mission, increasingly intense problems arise in international contexts of cultural diversity and religious plurality. Pentecostal, noted for “aggressive evangelism”, are frequently at the forefront of such negative encounters. Walter J. Hollenweger offers Pentecostals a complementary paradigm of “dialogical evangelism” that is sensitive to this situation without stilling the voice of evangelism. The present project overviews Hollenweger's “radical proposal” and traditional Pentecostal evangelism and its current trends before assessing their compatibility or contradictoriness and exploring possible appropriation.
Speaking Credibly? Communicating Christian Particularism in Postmodern Contexts
Authors: Stanley Timothy
Published: March 2009

How can Christian particularism be credibly discussed in postmodern culture? The answer to this question does not necessarily demand an abandonment of the particular salvific claims of the Christian tradition. This essay explores the cultural and philosophical subtext of religious pluralism in order to discuss religious particularity in a more credible way. If Christians are faithfully to articulate their own particularity, they must first seek to understand the way postmodernity's emancipatory strategies have co‐opted the category of religion. Though modernity's quest for political and social emancipation is not a novel thesis, the elucidation of how emancipation in modernity has been radicalized in postmodernity offers new insight into the cultural context within which Christum traditions now find themselves. By explicating the relationship between freedom and religious pluralism in postmodernity, we can begin to see that by gaining a more thoughtful understanding of freedom we can develop more adept strategies for communicating Christian particularity. In this regard, the Christian doctrine of the Trinity may play a crucial role.
Recovering Missional Ecclesiology in Theological Education
Authors: Laing Mark
Published: March 2009

The first part of this paper seeks to demonstrate how predominant Christianity, under Christendom, divorced mission from ecclesiology, and marginalized missiology from the theological curriculum. This is not only a problem for the west, as this model was then exported and replicated worldwide through the agency of the Protestant missionary movement. In the second part the paper explores the factors which have led us to a more adequate ecclesiology. Since we have recovered the missionary dimension in ecclesiology the paper argues that this must also be reflected in our theological curriculum.
Beyond Four‐Walled Campuses: Models of Ecumenical Theological Education in Interfaith Issues in India
Authors: Longchar Wati
Published: March 2009

This article examines the relevancy of three education system models – professional or university, banking or teacher‐centred, and campus or residential – from an inter‐religious perspective. These models are no longer adequate in a multi‐religious context and a shift is imperative. We need to evolve a model of education “together with people”, which includes all sections of the society – rich and poor, young and old, Christians and non‐Christians. An inclusive curriculum that affirms plurality/diversity and the common good is urgently needed. This must take place within the larger academic world. A theological education in interaction with the secular learning process will contribute to reinforcing moral and ethical values in society for the common good.
Theological Reconstruction in China: Ecumenical Accompaniment in the Self‐Theologizing Effort in Theological Education
Authors: Wilson Henry S.
Published: March 2009

In 2007 Protestants in China celebrated the 200th anniversary of their journey of faith. The continuing concern of Chinese Christian theological educators is to rejuvenate Christianity in China by critically adapting to the contemporary socialist order and the best religio‐cultural tradition of Chinese society. Chinese Christians have been challenged by the socialist order of society particularly because of the political and social changes that have taken place in China since the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949 and the changes brought about within Chinese society. With the end of the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976) and the change of political atmosphere in 1978 there has been once again an opening for public Christian activities within the confines of certain state regulations. This change has provided scope for pursuing the reconstruction in China of Christianity initiated in the 1950s under the Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM). Besides the revival of TSPM, the Chinese leaders have set up another instrument, the China Christian Council (CCC) especially to cater to the surging pastoral and congregational needs. This article briefly surveys the development of the vision of reconstructing Christianity through “theological reconstruction” and the need for ecumenical accompaniment.
Towards a Relevant Paradigm of Theological Education for an Effective Christian Mission in South East Asia: An Attempt at Re‐engineering the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology
Authors: Po Ho Huang
Published: March 2009

The advanced theological education implemented in Asia through area cooperation in order to overcome the limitation of personnel, experiences and educational resources, i.e. South East Asia Graduate School of Theology (SEAGST), has come to a turning point under the influence of factors within and outside. The challenges of the popularity of religious studies in universities, and the readiness of many of the local theological institutes to offer higher theological degree programmes, raised questions about the quality and legitimacy of the current area setup (more and more participating schools are launching their own advanced theological degrees, which creates an overlapping of programmes). While recognizing the strengths of the current model for contextual concerns, the need for reviewing and re‐engineering the SEAGST to a more relevant model of theological education for the churches and societies in Asia has been discussed widely. This article proposes the idea of a supplementary centre or centres to the current area setup, so that the current strengths will be preserved and its weaknesses can be remedied.
Major Challenges for African Women Theologians in Theological Education (1989–2008)
Authors: Phiri Isabel Apawo
Published: March 2009

The paper reflects on the major challenges for African women theologians in theological education as presented and experienced in the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians (“Circle”) which was launched in Ghana in 1989 as a community of African women theologians who come together to reflect on what it means to them to be women of faith within their experiences of religion, culture, politics and social‐economic structures in Africa. Four major challenges are identified that African women theologians have had to contend with and which are still present, namely (1) re‐defining the identity of African women theologians; (2) promoting more women to study theology and be on permanent staff; (3) inclusion of African women's theology in the theological curriculum; and (4) collaboration with male theologians.
Ionized Hypercalcemia in Dogs: A Retrospective Study of 109 Cases (1998–2003)
Authors: Messinger J.S. , Windham W.R. , Ward C.R.
Published: March 2009

Background:Serum hypercalcemia in dogs has been reported in association with a variety of diseases. Serum‐ionized calcium (iCa) concentration is a more accurate measure of hypercalcemia than total serum calcium or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of hypercalcemia has been utilized to suggest the most likely differential diagnosis for the hypercalcemia.

Hypothesis:Diseases causing ionized hypercalcemia may be different than those that cause increases in total or corrected serum calcium concentrations. The severity of ionized hypercalcemia in specific diseases cannot be used to determine the most likely differential diagnosis for ionized hypercalcemia.

Animals:One‐hundred and nine client‐owned dogs with a definitive cause for their ionized hypercalcemia evaluated between 1998 and 2003 were included in this study.

Methods:Retrospective, medical records review.

Results:Neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma, followed by renal failure, hyperparathyroidism, and hypoadrenocorticism were the most common causes of ionized hypercalcemia. Dogs with lymphoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma have higher serum iCa concentrations than those with renal failure, hypoadrenocorticism, and other types of neoplasia. The magnitude of serum‐ionized hypercalcemia did not predict specific disease states.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance:Serum‐ionized hypercalcemia was most commonly associated with neoplasia, specifically lymphosarcoma. Although dogs with lymphosarcoma and anal sac adenocarcinoma had higher serum iCa concentrations than dogs with other diseases, the magnitude of the serum iCa concentration could not be used to predict the cause of hypercalcemia. Total serum calcium and corrected calcium concentrations did not accurately reflect the calcium status of the dogs in this study.
Asparaginase and MOPP Treatment of Dogs with Lymphoma
Authors: Brodsky E.M. , Maudlin G.N. , Lachowicz J.L. , Post G.S.
Published: March 2009

Background:Dogs with multicentric lymphoma are treated with various cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP)‐based chemotherapy protocols with variable success.

Objectives:To describe the progression‐free survival (PFS) time and overall survival time (OST) of dogs with T‐cell lymphoma or hypercalcemic lymphoma treated withl‐asparaginase and mechlorethamine, vincristine, prednisone, procarbazine (MOPP).

Animals:Fifty dogs with T‐cell lymphoma, hypercalcemic lymphoma, or both treated at 3 referral veterinary hospitals.

Methods:Retrospective study. Case were selected based on histologic or cytologic diagnosis of lymphoma; presence of the T‐cell phenotype, presence of hypercalcemia or both; and absence of previous chemotherapy. The T‐cell phenotype was determined by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, or polymerase chain reaction of antigen receptor rearrangement.

Results:The overall response rate was 98% (78% complete response, 20% partial response). The median PFS for the entire study population was 189 days with 25% PFS at 939 days. The median OST for the entire study population was 270 days with 25% surviving 939 days. Twenty percent of the dogs required hospitalization for treatment related complications.

Conclusions and clinical importance:l‐Asp/MOPP chemotherapy might result in longer PFS and OST for dogs with multicentric T‐cell lymphoma, dogs with hypercalcemic lymphoma or both, than achieved with CHOP.
The Security of Northeast Asia*
Authors: Kang David C.
Published: March 2009

Although the Northeast Asian region is more stable now than during the Cold War, significant unresolved issues remain. Most significantly, North Korea remains a security and economic problem for the entire region. In addition, unresolved territorial and historical disputes, how to deal with China's emergence, and whether the USA will retain its leadership position, are all issues on the agendas of states in the region. This article will address those four issues, and argue that neither realism nor liberalism provide a comprehensive explanation for the relative salience and importance of these issues. Alternatively, I argue that identities and interests are central to explaining both the sources of stability and potential instability in East Asia, and that relative capabilities and economic relations, while important, do not provide a clear picture of the fundamental dynamics in the region. What states want is more important than how powerful they are, and it is the question of state intentions, and how they view their own position in the world and their relationship to their neighbors, that will ultimately determine whether Northeast Asia continues to move toward stability or slides into instability.
The Korean Peninsula Peace Regime: How to Build It
Authors: Kwak Tae‐Hwan
Published: March 2009

A Korean peninsula peace regime has not yet been established, over a half century since the Korean armistice agreement. Two approaches to a Korean peninsula peace‐regime‐building process are required: inter‐Korean and international approaches. The two Koreas should play leading roles at the inter‐Korean and international levels in inter‐Korean confidence‐building measures by reducing tension through reconciliation and economic cooperation. A Korean peace forum involving the USA, China and the two Koreas under the 19 September joint agreement could conclude a Korean peninsula peace treaty to replace the armistice agreement and a peace regime could be institutionalized by implementing the inter‐Korean basic agreement (1992) through inter‐Korean cooperation.

This article proposes a comprehensive, long‐term roadmap for the Korean peninsula peace‐regime‐building process. The author makes three major arguments. First, the two Koreas and the four powers need to agree on a comprehensive roadmap for the Korean peninsula peace‐regime‐building process as suggested here. The inter‐Korean and international approaches to the peace‐regime‐building process should be considered in parallel. Second, the North Korean nuclear issue should be resolved peacefully through the Six‐Party Talks. Third, the two Koreas need to work together to find an alternative to their respective proposals. The author proposes a Korean peninsula peace treaty signed by the ROK, the DPRK, the USA and China as an alternative. Unless the two Koreas demonstrate their desire to cooperate through sincere deeds by implementing inter‐Korean agreements and are willing to make concessions by working together for establishing a peace regime in Korea, there is little chance of achieving this goal.
Transforming the US–ROK Alliance: Changes in Strategy, Military and Bases*
Authors: Suh Jae‐Jung
Published: March 2009

Since the waning days of the Cold War, the US–ROK alliance has gone through a number of changes. Its transformation has accelerated for the past several years in no small part due to the Bush administration's new strategy, military transformation, and global base realignment as well as the Roh government's desire for self‐reliant defense. This article outlines the ways in which the three changes have affected the alliance, and assesses the impacts they are likely to have on the security of the Korean peninsula and Northeast Asia. It concludes with a consideration of the modifications that the new governments in Seoul and Washington are likely to make to the transformation of the alliance in the near future.