bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the Alpha8 Integrin Chain Facilitates Phagocytosis by Renal Mesangial Cells
Authors: Marek Ines , Becker Robert , Fahlbusch Fabian B. , Menendez-Castro Carlos , Rascher Wolfgang , Daniel Christoph , Volkert Gudrun , Hartner Andrea
Published: March 2018

Background/Aims: Healing of mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis involves degradation of excess extracellular matrix, resolution of hypercellularity by apoptosis and phagocytosis of apoptotic cells. Integrin receptors participate in the regulation of phagocytosis. In mice deficient for alpha8 integrin (Itga8-/-) healing of glomerulonephritis is delayed. As Itga8 is abundant in mesangial cells (MC) which are non-professional phagocytes, we hypothesized that Itga8 facilitates phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and matrix components by MC. Methods: MC were isolated from wild type (WT) and Itga8-/- mice. Latex beads were coated with matrix components. Apoptosis was induced by cisplatin in macrophages and in DiI-stained MC. After coincubation of latex beads or apoptotic cells with MC, the phagocytosis rate was detected in WT and Itga8-/- MC via fluorescence microscopy and FACS analysis. Results: Itga8-/- MC showed reduced phagocytosis of matrix-coated beads and apoptotic cells compared to WT MC. Reduction of stress fibers was observed in Itga8-/- compared to WT MC. Inhibition of cytoskeletal reorganization by inhibition of Rac1 or ROCK during phagocytosis significantly decreased the rate of phagocytosis by WT MC but not by Itga8-/- MC. Conclusion: The expression of Itga8 facilitates phagocytosis in MC, likely mediated by Itga8-cytoskeleton interactions. An impairment of MC phagocytosis might thus contribute to a delayed glomerular regeneration in Itga8-/- mice.
ПРЕГРАВІДАРНА ПІДГОТОВКА ПАЦІЄНТОК ІЗ СИНДРОМОМ ПОЛІКІСТОЗНИХ ЯЄЧНИКІВ у ПРОГРАМАХ ЕКСТРАКОРПОРАЛЬНОГО ЗАПЛІДНЕННЯ
Authors: Khmil M. S.
Published: March 2018

Мета: оцінити ефективність прегравідарної терапії перед проведенням контрольованої стимуляції овуляції в протоколах екстракорпорального запліднення у пацієнток із синдромом полікістозних яєчників.Матеріали і методи. Рандомізоване клініко-лабораторне дослідження було проведене серед 146 жінок із верифікованим діагнозом синдром полікістозних яєчників. При дослідженні використано загальноклінічні, ембріологічні та гормональні методи обстеження, ультразвукове дослідження.Результати. На основі проведених власних досліджень встановлено, що у пацієнток, яким застосовували комплексну прегравідарну підготовку в програмах допоміжних репродуктивних технологій, спостерігали істотно вищі показники якості яйцеклітин, частоти дроблення ембріонів та вищий відсоток отриманих бластоцист, також доведено, що використання кріопротоколів підвищує частоту настання вагітності.Висновки. Прегравідарна підготовка перед протоколом контрольованої стимуляції овуляції у пацієнток із безпліддям при синдромі полікістозних яєчників покращує якість яйцеклітин, збільшує частоту настання вагітності, знижує прояви метаболічного синдрому.
ОЦІНКА ПОКАЗНИКІВ ЛАТЕНТНОГО ПЕРІОДУ БУЛЬБОКАВЕРНОЗНОГО РЕФЛЕКСУ ТА ЕЛЕКТРОМІОГРАФІЇ В ДІАГНОСТИЦІ ТА ЛІКУВАННІ ХВОРИХ ІЗ ПІДВИЩЕНИМ ТОНУСОМ НЕРВОВО-М’ЯЗОВИХ СТРУКТУР СЕЧОВОГО МІХУРА ТА ДИСТАЛЬНИХ ВІДДІЛІВ ТОВСТОЇ КИШКИ ЗА ГІПЕРКІНЕТИЧНИМ ТИПОМ
Authors: Vozianov S. O. , Zakharash M. P. , Chabanov P. V. , Zakharash Yu. M. , Sevastianov N. A. , Uharov V. Yu. , Repryntseva A. S.
Published: March 2018

Мета: підвищити ефективність діагностики та лікування хворих із підвищеним тонусом нервово-м’язових структур сечового міхура та дистальних відділів товстої кишки за гіперкінетичним типом.Матеріали і методи. В групу дослідження увійшло 33 особи з поєднаною нейрогенною патологією нижніх відділів сечовивідної системи і нижніх відділів товстої кишки. Діагностику функціональних порушень сечового міхура та товстої кишки проводили з визначенням латентного періоду бульбокавернозного рефлексу під контролем електроміографії.Результати. Проведені дослідження дозволили оцінити показники латентного періоду бульбокавернозного рефлексу і електроміографії в діагностиці хворих із підвищеним тонусом нервово-м’язових структур сечового міхура і дистальних відділів товстої кишки за гіперкінетичним типом. Дані електроміографічних досліджень дозволили розробити і оптимізувати методи лікування залежно від тонусу нервово-м’язових структур нижніх сечових шляхів і дистальних відділів товстої кишки.Висновок. Проведене консервативне лікування пацієнтів із підвищеним тонусом нервово-м’язових структур сечового міхура і дистальних відділів товстої кишки за гіперкінетичним типом шляхом електростимуляції за гальмівною методикою є ефективним, забезпечує позитивний ефект в 91,4 % випадків.
ВАРТІСТЬ МЕДИЧНОЇ ПОСЛУГИ ПРИ ПРОВЕДЕННІ ОДНОЕТАПНОЇ ТА БІЛАТЕРАЛЬНОЇ ЧЕРЕЗШКІРНОЇ НЕФРОЛІТОТРИПСІЇ У ВІДДІЛЕННІ УРОЛОГІЇ
Authors: Slabyy O. I. , Borzhievsky A. T. , Gutor T. H.
Published: March 2018

Мета: розрахунок вартості надання медичної послуги пацієнту при проведенні операційного втручання з приводу черезшкірної нефролітотрипсії.Матеріали і методи. У роботі використано офіційні дані кошторису урологічного відділення Львівської обласної клінічної лікарні. Розрахунок медичної послуги проводили відповідно до адаптованої формули, згідно «Єдиної уніфікованої методики розрахунку вартості медичних послуг та вагових коефіцієнтів U-DRG груп у закладах охорони здоров’я України».Результати. Собівартість лікування пацієнта з приводу одномоментної черезшкірної нефролітотрипсії у відділенні урології західного регіону становить 13 673,40 грн, вартість двоетапної нефролітотрипсії – 26 668,60 грн. У тому числі, тільки непрямі витрати, які не пов’язані з лікуванням пацієнта, за весь період його перебування у стаціонарі складають 1 907,15 грн. Найзатратнішими є витрати на зношування апаратури, інструментів та обладнання (4 985 грн).Висновки. Одномоментна нефролітотрипсія є не тільки менш травматичною для пацієнта, але й більш економічно вигідною для держави – сумарні затрати на її проведення є в 1,95 рази менші, ніж на двоетапну нефролітотрипсію.
Defining the Outcome of Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation
Authors: Oloriz Teresa , Baratto Francesca , Trevisi Nicola , Barbaro Melania , Bisceglia Caterina , D’Angelo Giuseppe , Yamase Miki , Paglino Gabriele , Radinovic Andrea , Della Bella Paolo
Published: March 2018

Background:

Catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia (VT) is effective to prevent arrhythmia episode–related implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks. However, recurrences in noninducible patients at programmed ventricular stimulation (PVS) are substantial.

Methods and Results:

From May 2013 to September 2015, 218 PVSs were performed 6 days (5–7) after ablation (186 noninvasive programmed stimulations and 32 invasive PVS) in 210 consecutive patients (ischemic, 48%; median left ventricular ejection fraction, 37%; syncope, 35% with trauma associated 6%), while patients were awake and under β-blocker therapy. After ablation, implantable cardioverter defibrillators were programmed according to noninvasive programmed stimulations results (class A—noninducible; class B—nondocumented inducible VT; and class C—documented inducible VT), with high and delayed VT detection intervals. Concordance between PVS end procedure and PVS day 6 was 67%. Positive predictive value and negative predictive value were higher for PVS day 6 (53% and 88% versus 43% and 71%). Ischemic and patients with preserved ejection fraction showed the highest negative predictive value (91% and 96%). Among 46 of 174 (26%) noninducible patients at PVS end procedure, but inducible at day 6, 59% had VT recurrence at 1-year follow-up; recurrences were 9% when both studies were noninducible. There were no inappropriate shocks; incidence of syncope was 3%; and none was harmful. The rate of appropriate shocks per patient per month according to noninvasive programmed stimulations results was significantly reduced, comparing the month before and after ablation (class A: 2 [0.75–4] versus 0; class B: 2 [1–4] versus 0; class C: 2 [1–4] versus 0;
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

PVS at day 6 predicts VT recurrence more accurately allowing to identify patients who might benefit from a redo ablation and addressing implantable cardioverter defibrillator programming.
Implantable Defibrillator Therapy in Cardiac Arrest Survivors With a Reversible Cause
Authors: Ladejobi Adetola , Pasupula Deepak K. , Adhikari Shubash , Javed Awais , Durrani Asad F. , Patil Shantanu , Qin Dingxin , Ahmad Shahzad , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Rijal Shasank , Wayne Max , Adelstein Evan , Jain Sandeep , Saba Samir
Published: March 2018

Background:

Current guidelines recommend implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy in survivors of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), except in those with completely reversible causes. We sought to examine the impact of ICD therapy on mortality in survivors of SCA associated with reversible causes.

Methods and Results:

We evaluated the records of 1433 patients managed at our institution between 2000 and 2012 who were discharged alive after SCA. A reversible and correctable cause was identified in 792 (55%) patients. Reversible SCA cause was defined as significant electrolyte or metabolic abnormality, evidence of acute myocardial infarction or ischemia, recent initiation of antiarrhythmic drug or illicit drug use, or other reversible circumstances. Of the 792 SCA survivors because of a reversible and correctable cause (age 61±15 years, 40% women), 207 (26%) patients received an ICD after their index SCA. During a mean follow-up of 3.8±3.1 years, 319 (40%) patients died. ICD implantation was highly associated with lower all-cause mortality (
P
<0.001) even after correcting for unbalanced baseline characteristics (
P
<0.001). In subgroup analyses, only patients whose SCA was not associated with myocardial infarction extracted benefit from ICD (
P
<0.001).

Conclusions:

In survivors of SCA because of a reversible and correctable cause, ICD therapy is associated with lower all-cause mortality except if the SCA was because of myocardial infarction. These data deserve further investigation in a prospective multicenter randomized controlled trial, as they may have important and immediate clinical implications.
Prevention of PKG-1α Oxidation Suppresses Antihypertrophic/Antifibrotic Effects From PDE5 Inhibition but not sGC Stimulation
Authors: Nakamura Taishi , Zhu Guangshuo , Ranek Mark J. , Kokkonen-Simon Kristen , Zhang Manling , Kim Grace E. , Tsujita Kenichi , Kass David A.
Published: March 2018

Background:

Stimulation of sGC (soluble guanylate cyclase) or inhibition of PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) activates PKG (protein kinase G)-1α to counteract cardiac hypertrophy and failure. PKG1α acts within localized intracellular domains; however, its oxidation at cysteine 42, linking homomonomers, alters this localization, impairing suppression of pathological cardiac stress. Because PDE5 and sGC reside in separate microdomains, we speculated that PKG1α oxidation might also differentially influence the effects from their pharmacological modulation.

Methods and Results:

Knock-in mice expressing a redox-dead PKG1α (PKG1α
C42S
) or littermate controls (PKG1α
WT
) were subjected to transaortic constriction to induce pressure overload and treated with a PDE5 inhibitor (sildenafil), sGC activator (BAY602770 [BAY]), or vehicle. In PKG1α
WT
controls, sildenafil and BAY similarly enhanced PKG activity and reduced pathological hypertrophy/fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction after transaortic constriction. However, sildenafil failed to protect the heart in PKG1α
C42S
, unlike BAY, which activated PKG and thereby facilitated protective effects. This corresponded with minimal PDE5 activation in PKG1α
C42S
exposed to transaortic constriction versus higher activity in controls and little colocalization of PDE5 with PKG1α
C42S
(versus colocalization with PKG1α
WT
) in stressed myocytes.

Conclusions:

In the stressed heart and myocytes, PKG1α C42-disulfide formation contributes to PDE5 activation. This augments the pathological role of PDE5 and so in turn enhances the therapeutic impact from its inhibition. PKG1α oxidation does not change the benefits from sGC activation. This finding favors the use of sGC activators regardless of PKG1α oxidation and may help guide precision therapy leveraging the cyclic GMP/PKG pathway to treat heart disease.
Atlas of the Immune Cell Repertoire in Mouse Atherosclerosis Defined by Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing and Mass Cytometry
Authors: Winkels Holger , Ehinger Erik , Vassallo Melanie , Buscher Konrad , Dinh Huy Q. , Kobiyama Kouji , Hamers Anouk A.J. , Cochain Clément , Vafadarnejad Ehsan , Saliba Antoine-Emmanuel , Zernecke Alma , Pramod Akula Bala , Ghosh Amlan K. , Anto Michel Nathaly , Hoppe Natalie , Hilgendorf Ingo , Zirlik Andreas , Hedrick Catherine C. , Ley Klaus , Wolf Dennis
Published: March 2018

Rationale:

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is driven by the interplay of pro- and anti-inflammatory leukocytes in the aorta. Yet, the phenotypic and transcriptional diversity of aortic leukocytes is poorly understood.

Objective:

We characterized leukocytes from healthy and atherosclerotic mouse aortas in-depth by single-cell RNA-sequencing and mass cytometry (cytometry by time of flight) to define an atlas of the immune cell landscape in atherosclerosis.

Methods and Results:

Using single-cell RNA-sequencing of aortic leukocytes from chow diet– and Western diet–fed
Apoe
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
mice, we detected 11 principal leukocyte clusters with distinct phenotypic and spatial characteristics while the cellular repertoire in healthy aortas was less diverse. Gene set enrichment analysis on the single-cell level established that multiple pathways, such as for lipid metabolism, proliferation, and cytokine secretion, were confined to particular leukocyte clusters. Leukocyte populations were differentially regulated in atherosclerotic
Apoe
−/−
and
Ldlr
−/−
mice. We confirmed the phenotypic diversity of these clusters with a novel mass cytometry 35-marker panel with metal-labeled antibodies and conventional flow cytometry. Cell populations retrieved by these protein-based approaches were highly correlated to transcriptionally defined clusters. In an integrated screening strategy of single-cell RNA-sequencing, mass cytometry, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we detected 3 principal B-cell subsets with alterations in surface markers, functional pathways, and in vitro cytokine secretion. Leukocyte cluster gene signatures revealed leukocyte frequencies in 126 human plaques by a genetic deconvolution strategy. This approach revealed that human carotid plaques and microdissected mouse plaques were mostly populated by macrophages, T-cells, and monocytes. In addition, the frequency of genetically defined leukocyte populations in carotid plaques predicted cardiovascular events in patients.

Conclusions:

The definition of leukocyte diversity by high-dimensional analyses enables a fine-grained analysis of aortic leukocyte subsets, reveals new immunologic mechanisms and cell-type–specific pathways, and establishes a functional relevance for lesional leukocytes in human atherosclerosis.
Gender Discrimination in Education Expenditure in Nepal: Evidence from Living Standards Surveys
Authors: Khanal Shaleen
Published: March 2018

There is a significant amount of literature on the role of parental gender preferences in determining the level of education expenditure for children. In this study, I examine the effects of such preferences on parents’ education expenditure in Nepal. Using longitudinal data from three Nepal Living Standards Surveys, I apply several decomposition methods to determine the level of bias that parents display in spending on their children's education. I find that parents indeed spend more on boys than girls in both rural and urban areas in Nepal. I also find that this bias is reflected in the higher enrollment levels of boys than girls in private schools.
Assessing Fiscal Risks in Bangladesh
Authors: Medina Leandro
Published: March 2018

This paper identifies, quantifies, and assesses fiscal risks in Bangladesh. By performing sensitivity analysis and using stochastic simulations, it measures risks arising from shocks to gross domestic product growth, the exchange rate, commodity prices, and interest rates. It also analyzes specific fiscal and institutional risks, including those related to the pension system, issuance of guarantees, state-owned commercial banks, and external borrowing and debt management strategies. The paper finds that fiscal aggregates are particularly sensitive to shocks to commodity prices and the exchange rate. Other factors that could affect fiscal aggregates are the unfunded pension system and limited institutional capacity.
Fisheries Enforcement on the High Seas of the Arctic Ocean: Gaps, Solutions and the Potential Contribution of the European Union and Its Member States
Authors: Papastavridis Efthymios
Published: March 2018

Although there is no fishing activity within the central Arctic Ocean at present, commercial fishing activity does occur in the high seas areas of the North Atlantic and North Pacific, and within the exclusive economic zone of the Arctic coastal States. Climate change will most probably lead to an increase in fishing activity, through the reduction in sea ice, opening up new areas of the Arctic to fisheries, including the Central Arctic Ocean. This prospect has fuelled intensive negotiations—still ongoing—for the signing of a legally binding agreement to prevent unregulated fisheries therein. What seems missing, though, from both the ongoing negotiations on this agreement and the scholarly literature is reference to fisheries enforcement in the Arctic. Accordingly, this article identifies the most effective tools that could be employed for fisheries enforcement purposes, including port and flag State measures, and addresses their potential application in the Arctic.
Interdependent Tripartite Efficacy Perceptions and Individual Performance: Case Study of a Boys’ Basketball Team
Authors: Stonecypher Joseph M. , Blom Lindsey C. , Johnson James E. , Bolin Jocelyn H. , Hilliard Robert C.
Published: March 2018

Tripartite efficacy refers to the beliefs of the individuals within a dyad regarding personal abilities (self-efficacy), the partner’s abilities (other-efficacy), or relation-inferred self-efficacy. This efficacy model has recently gained popularity in sports research (Jackson, Whipp, & Beauchamp, 2013), although there has not been any longitudinal research on efficacy beliefs and performance within this complex intra-dyad tripartite efficacy model. In a case study, we examined six individual players on a high school basketball team to explore any longitudinal changes in these tripartite efficacy beliefs through a season of play. On seven data collection periods, players completed the Basketball-Tripartite Efficacy Measure, and their game performance statistics were analyzed with an objective basketball individual performance formula. We found similar variations between participants’ other-efficacy beliefs and the dyad partner’s basketball performance score as well as between self-efficacy and individual performance score. Observational data from this case study lend some support to spiraling of self-efficacy and performance from repeated successes or failures and to perceived efficacy-performance plateaus that have been previously demonstrated in controlled experimental research. Importantly, this study suggests the presence of other-efficacy beliefs in their relationship to other-performance and to spiraling relationships between other-efficacy beliefs and other-performance, which have not been demonstrated previously.
An Internet of ownership: Democratic design for the online economy
Authors: Schneider Nathan
Published: March 2018

The disappointments of the online economy – for instance, user surveillance and systemic labor abuses – stem at least in part from its failures to meaningfully share ownership and governance with relevant stakeholders. Under the banner of ‘platform cooperativism’, an emerging network of cooperative developers, entrepreneurs, labor organizers and scholars is developing an economic ecosystem that seeks to align the ownership and governance of enterprises with the people whose lives are most affected by them. This represents a radical critique of the existing online economy, but it is also a field of experimentation for alternative forms of ownership design. This essay presents and analyzes some of the ways platform cooperativism has begun to generate ownership designs that could serve the platform economy of the future differently than the investor-owned structures that currently prevail.
Embodied commons: Knowledge and sharing in Delhi’s electronic bazaars
Authors: Deka Maitrayee
Published: March 2018

The notion of the ‘sharing economy’ has recently received significant academic and non-academic attention. What the different debates have in common is an emphasis on how technologically mediated knowledge and specific social motivations enable practices of sharing. This article discusses knowledge and sharing in popular marketplaces. Based on an ethnography of Delhi’s electronic bazaars, Lajpat Rai market, Palika Bazaar and Nehru Place, this article suggests ways to think about knowledge that are embodied and practice-based: What is such embodied knowledge? How is it created and shared? The article argues that bazaars combine sociality established through face-to-face bargaining with informal trade arrangements to enable co-creation and collaboration around technological products. The resulting knowledge is tacit in nature and is mimetically transmitted between bodies. As a result, the bazaars feature a kind of sharing that is distinct from what is understood by most accounts of the sharing economy.
Evangelical Christian Education in the Mid-20th Century: Cooperation in Parachurch Ministries
Authors: Lawson Kevin E.
Published: March 2018

The second of three brief articles addressing the development of evangelical Christian education in the 20th century. The middle part of the century saw an explosion of parachurch educational ministry efforts to assist the evangelical movement and renewed efforts to develop professional organizations and curricular resources for the church. The article provides a context for the essays on evangelical Christian education leaders that follow.
From Outside-In to Inside-Out: A Qualitative Analysis of Childhood Motivation by Achievers in AWANA Programs
Authors: Firmin Michael W. , Kuhn Perry C. , Michonski Jared D. , Posten Terra N.
Published: March 2018

This study explored the motivational factors of elementary students participating in AWANA, an evangelical Christian religious club. A qualitative research design was employed to gather data from 52 participants in six states. Participants consisted of 24 male and 28 female sixth grade students in the final year of club participation who were eligible to complete the program in Spring 2004. Involvement with AWANA entails Scripture memory and other character-building activities. Data collection consisted of semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions regarding their overall club experience and motivation. Results were analyzed to assess motivational factors contributing to long-term club participation and completion of the program. By long-term, we indicate that the majority of students had participated in the program enough years to complete the required books for the Timothy Award. Overall, we found that award recipients began AWANA with an outside-in, or extrinsic, motivation. However, by the time they achieved their awards, they seemed to have converted to more of an inside-out, or intrinsic, motivation.
Toward a Rediscovery of the Trinitarian Vision of the Church and Its Christian Formation
Authors: Kang S. Steve
Published: March 2018

Upon briefly examining how the modern church in America has relinquished its soul to the soul of the nation, the author offers a future trajectory of the church from a vantage point of one who longs to see the church in America rediscover its roots and mission. By situating himself as one who has been involved in the educational ministry of the church, the author then puts forth a Trinitarian vision of the church and its educational ministry that involve the on-going process of cultivating the Christocentric identity, virtues and practices that are informed by the biblical narrative, which functions as the only grand narrative of God's eternal kingdom.
Mary McLeod Bethune: Black Educational Ministry Leader of the Early 20th Century
Authors: Johnson-Miller Beverly C.
Published: March 2018

Mary McLeod Bethune's life epitomized her philosophy of Christian education. With a sense of divine destiny, clear vision, and daily awareness of God's presence and purpose, Mary Jane McLeod Bethune, the daughter of freed slaves, became the most influential black woman of her times in the United States. Along with the establishment of the Daytona Normal and Industrial Institute for Negro Girls, later Bethune-Cookman College, Mary Bethune served as president of many national organizations and held leadership appointments under Presidents Coolidge, Hoover, Roosevelt, and Truman. Her life of profound faith and service left a contagious legacy of perpetual spiritual and social transformation.
Jim Rayburn: A Young Life Legacy
Authors: Lanker Jason
Published: March 2018

Jim Rayburn's (1909–1970) passion to see young people come to faith in Christ led to the establishment of Young Life in 1941. This parachurch organization focused on youth evangelism through after-school clubs and summer camps. The high-energy adult-led, conversational, and incarnational program focus that was characteristic of these forums eventually moved beyond Young Life, influencing much of how youth ministry operated through the rest of the 20th century.
Three-Year Outcome Effects of Former AWANA Timothy-Award Recipients
Authors: Firmin Michael W. , Knight Grant E.
Published: March 2018

The present study follows Firmin, Kuhn, Michonski, and Posten (2005) in a series of empirical investigations regarding residual effects of former AWANA participants. We selected 24 Timothy award conducted in-depth interviews with each participant, utilizing a rigorous qualitative research method. Four themes were evident in analyzing the data: salient AWANA influences during the time of the child's participation in AWANA, the current life of the participants, social trends of the participants through their time in AWANA to present day, and the participants' thoughts and feelings on how they perceived AWANA to have been conducted.
Factors Affecting Late-Life Conversion
Authors: Arn Charles
Published: March 2018

Christian conversion rates are highest in early and middle age, then drop dramatically after age 50. An analysis of senior adult conversions identifies variables that can increase the effectiveness of evangelization approaches with older adults.
Leadership Development, Part 1: Churches Don't Have to Go it Alone
Authors: Thoman Rick
Published: March 2018

Leadership development remains a critical need for our churches, despite all that has been written, conferences that have been attended, and our best efforts. Over claims of either relevancy or expediency, some churches have abandoned higher education and have started training leaders from their own ranks of volunteers. This three-part series suggests that the academy can assist the local church with this need by taking a holistic approach to developing emerging leaders and finding new ways to partner with the local church in the process. The first article (Fall 2009) will briefly review the academy's relationship with the church and address ways to increase a leader's capacity to lead, focusing on the first domain, the leader's heart or character development. The second article (Spring 2010) will examine the next domain of holistic development, the leader's knowledge. It will seek to answer the question, “What do ministry leaders need to know and where should it be learned?” The third article focuses on the final domain—skills. The expected abilities of ministry leaders will be discussed. All three articles will consider the implications to the curriculum and suggested church involvement.
The Family of Faith: The Place of Natural Mentoring in the Church's Christian Formation of Adolescents
Authors: Lanker Jason
Published: March 2018

Previous research has shown that an important resource in adolescent development is the presence of natural mentors. Yet what is the impact of natural mentoring on adolescents' spiritual development? This article looks primarily at an exegesis of Titus 2:1–8 in order to gain biblical insights regarding the use of natural mentoring in the church's Christian education of adolescents.
Nurturing Spiritual Identity Formation in Youth Curriculum from the Theological-Psychological Approach of James Loder
Authors: Gushiken Kevin M.
Published: March 2018

Adolescent identity formation involves not simply preparing a young person for the future or equipping them, him or her to cope with the problems of today, but it also requires a personal integrated spiritual formation. This article examines the predominant educational philosophies undergirding youth discipleship and their deficiencies, as well as challenges educators to embrace teaching approaches that focus on identity formation. James Loder's theological-psychological approach to development, specifically his five axes of adolescent identity formation involving space/time, values, authority, love, and worth, is explored. These principles are then expanded to address issues of curriculum development and application.
Spiritual Formation Goes to College: Class-Related “Soul Projects” in Christian Higher Education
Authors: Setran David P. , Wilhoit James C. , Ratcliff Donald , Haase Daniel T. , Rozema Linda
Published: March 2018

Spiritual formation is both an opportunity and a challenge for educators in Christian colleges and seminaries. How can students be nurtured and guided in developing spiritually within the curriculum? Drawing on a number of educators, studies, and arguments, this article develops a rationale for engaging in spiritual formation and for the use of practical assignments or “soul projects.” A selection of such projects is grouped into genres, followed by a brief exploration of best practices and an evaluation of such assignments.
Book Review: Childfaith: Experiencing God and Spiritual Growth with Your Children
Authors: Carr Jane , Sanders Thomas
Published: March 2018

In this section 14 books are reviewed, presented in the following general order: children/family ministry, youth ministry, adult ministry, foundations, teaching-learning process, spirituality/spiritual formation, and leadership/administration—although reviews may not appear for each area. A list of each area and responsible editors appears after the last review in this section. We invite readers to consider reviewing a book for CEJ. Guidelines are available in downloadable documents at www.biola.edu/cej under Publications Policy on the drop down menu.
“Judge Me Gently”: Reflections on the Religious Life of John Milton Gregory, 1822–1898
Authors: Behle J. Gregory
Published: March 2018

John Milton Gregory is familiar to many Christian educators through his 19th-century publication, The Seven Laws of Teaching. For most readers of this important book, little is known about the author himself. This article explores the religious life and theological foundations of John Milton Gregory, who was both author of The Seven Laws of Teaching and founding president of the University of Illinois. Utilizing his spiritual diaries preserved in his daughter's biography of her father and archival sources from the University of Illinois, this essay offers a theological and spiritual understanding of this important historical figure.
Children's Place in the New Forms of Church: An Exploratory Survey of Their Ministry with Children and Families
Authors: May Scottie , Stemp Katie , Burns Grant
Published: March 2018

In recent years, the spiritual formation of children has received considerable attention from scholars in the fields of theology, church history, and practical theology. In what ways, if any, are those theories and insights being received by local churches? The intent of this project was to explore ways that the new forms of church that have appeared in North America in the past 20 years minister with children and their families. Visits and phone interviews were made to 25 new-form churches. This article reports the findings of that investigation, noting patterns of similarity and difference in the views of children and the types of ministries the children experience.
Generational Fragmentations and Christian Education
Authors: Pazmiño Robert W. , Kang S. Steve
Published: March 2018

This articles advocates for the renewal of Christian education as a culturally informative, formative, and transformative ministry of the Christian church in the third millennium. It proposes an intergenerational approach to counter the age-segregated character of contemporary life in the United States and globally.
Growing Disciples in Community
Authors: Beagles Kathleen
Published: March 2018

This article explores the correlation between adolescents' spiritual growth and discipleship and the attitudes and beliefs of family, friends, and the local congregation in their role of equipping/discipling these youth. The data is drawn from a recent secondary data analysis of the Valuegenesis 2 study conducted in the year 2000 among junior high and high school students attending Seventh-day Adventist schools in North America. 1 The analysis indicates that the discipling/equipping attitudes and behaviors of family, friends, Christian teachers, and the local congregation are significant in explaining adolescents' responses to indicators of personal discipleship.

1 The Valuegenesis2 study, a follow-up to the original Valuegenesis study (Dudley & Gilles - pie, 1992), was sponsored by the Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry at La Sierra University, Riverside, California, and the North American Division Office of Education (John Hancock Center for Youth and Family Ministry, 2002). The study involved 6th to 12th grade students who were enrolled in schools affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. The original survey was designed to measure faith maturity, the name given for the balance between two scales blending a vertical dimension (attempting to measure a rich, close relationship with God) and a horizontal dimension (attempting to measure care and compassion for others). The large amount of data gathered in the 396-item questionnaire provided a sufficient number of items with which to create scales that would test the discipleship model presented in this study.
Implementing Intergenerational Youth Ministry within Existing Evangelical Church Congregations: What have we Learned?
Authors: Snailum Brenda
Published: March 2018

In this modified Delphi study, a panel of four intergenerational ministry experts was interviewed to determine specific factors critical to consider when establishing intergenerational youth ministry within an existing congregation. Their recommendations included (a) make intergenerational community a core value, (b) balance intergenerational with age-specific ministry, (c) make sure all leadership is fully vested, (d) educate the congregation, (e) begin where you are, (f) be intentional and strategic, and (g) include all generations and ministry venues. Hindrances included (a) failure to transition to an intergenerational paradigm, (b) lack of understanding the basis/need for intergenerational ministry, and (c) self-centeredness.
Learning that Transforms: For the Sake of His Kingdom
Authors: McEwen Rhonda M.
Published: March 2018

This article argues that a more robust understanding of transformative learning theory will assist Christian educators in cultivating moral discernment and ethical living in the lives of those we teach. However, our view of transformative learning must necessarily encompass personal and social dimensions in order to represent both an individual and corporate kingdom-oriented response essential for the church in mission to the world to adequately address contemporary global challenges.
Educational Reforms of Wittenberg and their Faithfulness to Martin Luther's Thought
Authors: Jackson Christopher D.
Published: March 2018

Early Lutheran educational reforms carried out the educational vision of Martin Luther and were consistent with his thought. Humanistic concerns deeply influenced Melanchthon's educational reforms in lands allied with Wittenberg. Melanchthon's humanism was faithful to Luther's thought. Luther, like Melanchthon, reconciled Northern Renaissance Humanism and his evangelical theology. Luther's and Melanchthon's humanism was consistent with their theology insofar as they worked from a framework that distinguished between two kinds of righteousness. Melanchthon and Luther could uphold humanistic commitments as long as they did not encroach upon the doctrine of justification.
Transformational Learning in Ministry
Authors: Young Curtis J.
Published: March 2018

Transformational learning theory describes the learning process that leads to deep change in adults. Transformational learning research has been conducted and described from within the discipline of adult education (Loder, 1981; Loder & Fowler, 1981; Mezirow, 1991; Taylor, 2000). The purpose of this research is to describe transformational learning from the perspective of practical theology, based on pastors’ observations of transformational learning in their ministries. With contextualized knowledge, ministry leaders can more readily foster transformational learning through ministry practices, including teaching, preaching, and counseling.
The Lived Experience with Christianity and Teenage African-American Females' Perceptions of their Self-Esteem
Authors: King Daphne L.
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this study was to discover the connection between the lived experiences with Christianity of teenage African-American females ages 16 to 18 and their self-esteem by exploring their lived experiences with this form of faith. The participants in the study were African-American females who all attended church at a large, predominantly African-American congregation in Prince George's County Maryland, identified by the initials MEBC. All of the participants had a belief in God and used prayer to exercise that belief. The average age of the participants was 17.25. Their level of education ranged from completion of 11th grade to completion of the first year of college with an average of 11.65 years of education. All of the participants live in Prince George's County, Maryland, in the cities of Clinton, Waldorf, and Capital Heights. Three of the participants were raised in two-parent families and the other five were raised in single-parent homes. This qualitative inquiry used a phenomenological design. A total of five main themes emerged from the data: (a) prayer to God, (b) believe in God, (c) high self-esteem based on Christian values, (d) Christian walk impacts self-esteem, and (e) seeking help from God.
Nested Narratives: Interpersonal Neurobiology and Christian Formation
Authors: Walch Jason
Published: March 2018

Narrative has long held pride of place in human formation and development, enjoying ubiquity if not primacy in educational theories. Developments in neuroscience resonate with many educational concepts regarding narrative, with intriguing implications for educational practice. The insights of interpersonal neurobiology and the fresh perspectives they provide on narrative open up a new frontier of innovation in how we intentionally seek to steward the spiritual formation of our children.
Disciples of all Nations: The Challenge of Nurturing Faith in Multi-Ethnic Congregations
Authors: Dunlow Jacob
Published: March 2018

Today's evangelical local church landscape has begun to experience a shift in its ethnic expressions. Multiethnic churches are a more common reality, and given current demographic trends they will likely become more numerous in the coming decades. This movement has caused many church leaders to question their methods and practices in order to best minister to their changing congregations. This article is a case-study exploration into seven multi-ethnic evangelical churches in the Boston area focused on their Christian formation and discipleship ministries.
Equipping Kids for Ministry
Authors: Carr Jane
Published: March 2018

Most children's ministries focus their creative energies on the evangelization and discipleship of children. They offer excellent, well-planned events and programs that encourage children to form significant relationships, memorize Scripture, learn Bible stories in new and innovative ways, and experience deep and moving worship. Often overlooked is the importance of creating opportunities for children to serve. This article will argue that it is our biblical mandate to serve and that serving is spiritually forming for both adults and children. Various models of how churches are involving children in service opportunities will be explored, as well as the effects that it is having on children, their families, and our churches.
A novel control approach for path tracking of a force-controlled two-wheel-steer four-wheel-drive vehicle
Authors: Tan Qifan , Shi Lingling , Katupitiya Jay
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a novel approach for a force-controlled over-actuated two-wheel-steer four-wheel-drive vehicle to achieve accurate path tracking through control allocation. The control algorithm is developed by combining embedded integrator model predictive control and sequential quadratic programming–based control allocation. Based on the offset model presented in this paper, the model predictive control can generate the virtual accelerations. Using these virtual accelerations in control allocation, the actual control inputs are obtained. The proposed method is then used in a simulation to demonstrate its successful implementation in path tracking.
Multibody simulation of a rope-driven automated people mover
Authors: Bucchi Francesco , Frendo Francesco , Bavaresco Federico , Conte Giuseppe
Published: March 2018

In this paper, a multibody model of the automated people mover, PisaMover, is presented. PisaMover is a rope-driven small train, composed of a few cabins, which makes use of train-inspired bogies. The aim of the model was to support the design of the architecture of the suspensions and to select the proper characteristics of the elastic and damping elements in order to fulfill comfort needs of passengers and to resolve the constraints related to the layout of the vehicle and the guide-ways. For this purpose, attention was especially focussed on the definition of the railway path and the modeling of the forces of the supporting and guidance wheels. A simplified model of the rope was implemented, which neglects the rope elasticity and computes the rope force direction taking account of the different positions of the sheaves along the path. The multibody simulation allowed to select the most appropriate suspension system and to properly define the elastic and damping characteristics of the shock absorbers, with respect to the technical constraints. A modal analysis was performed, and several dynamic on-track simulations were carried out to infer the effect of dampers’ design on the comfort of passengers. Within the validity of the simplifying assumptions, the multibody simulation also allowed to obtain a fairly good estimate of the loads necessary for the design of the main structural components.
Designing safer composite helmets to reduce rotational accelerations during oblique impacts
Authors: Mosleh Yasmine , Cajka Martin , Depreitere Bart , Vander Sloten Jos , Ivens Jan
Published: March 2018

Oblique impact is the most common accident situation that occupants in traffic accidents or athletes in professional sports experience. During oblique impact, the human head is subjected to a combination of linear and rotational accelerations. Rotational movement is known to be responsible for traumatic brain injuries. In this article, composite foam with a column/matrix composite configuration is proposed for head protection applications to replace single-layer uniform foam, to better attenuate rotational movement of the head during oblique impacts. The ability of composite foam in the mitigation of rotational head movement is studied by performing finite element (FE) simulations of oblique impact on flat and helmet shape specimens. The performance of composite foam with respect to parameters such as compliance of the matrix foam and the number, size and cross-sectional shape of the foam columns is explored in detail, and subsequently an optimized structure is proposed. The simulation results show that using composite foam instead of single-layer foam, the rotational acceleration and velocity of the headform can be significantly reduced. The parametric study indicates that using a more compliant matrix foam and by increasing the number of columns in the composite foam configuration, the rotation can be further mitigated. This was confirmed by experimental results. The simulation results were also analyzed based on global head injury criteria such as head injury criterion, rotational injury criterion, brain injury criterion and generalized acceleration model for brain injury threshold which further confirmed the superior performance of composite foam versus single-layer homogeneous expanded polystyrene foam. The findings of simulations give invaluable information for design of protective helmets or, for instance, headliners for the automotive industry.
Suicide prevention in educational settings: a review
Authors: Robinson Jo , Calear Alison L , Bailey Eleanor
Published: March 2018

Objectives:

Youth suicide rates are unacceptably high. Schools have long been accepted as an appropriate setting for suicide prevention activities. This review aims to synthesise the evidence for all types of suicide prevention interventions across educational settings.

Methods:

The review draws on two previous reviews conducted by the authors. In order to be included, studies had to test a specific suicide prevention intervention in an educational setting, have a suicide-related outcome and target young people.

Results:

A totally of 21 studies were included: 17 were conducted in school settings and four in universities. Seven of the school-based studies (41%) and one of the university studies (25%) were randomised controlled trials. Overall, the trials conducted in schools reported positive effects, as did four of the non- randomised controlled trials. Two of the university-based studies reported positive effects. Both universal and indicated interventions showed positive results; no iatrogenic effects were reported.

Conclusions:

School-based studies can have a positive impact on suicide-related behaviour and, overall, do not appear to cause harm. Study quality is variable, and the number of studies conducted in school settings far exceed those conducted in universities. These gaps need to be addressed by future research.