bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy‐Associated
LRRC10
(Leucine‐Rich Repeat–Containing 10) Variant Reveals LRRC10 as an Auxiliary Subunit of Cardiac L‐Type Ca
2+
Channels
Authors: Woon Marites T. , Long Pamela A. , Reilly Louise , Evans Jared M. , Keefe Alexis M. , Lea Martin R. , Beglinger Carl J. , Balijepalli Ravi C. , Lee Youngsook , Olson Timothy M. , Kamp Timothy J.
Published: February 2018

Background

Genetic causes of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are incompletely understood. LRRC10 (leucine‐rich repeat–containing 10) is a cardiac‐specific protein of unknown function. Heterozygous mutations in
LRRC10
have been suggested to cause DCM, and deletion of
Lrrc10
in mice results in DCM.

Methods and Results

Whole‐exome sequencing was carried out on a patient who presented at 6 weeks of age with DCM and her unaffected parents, filtering for rare, deleterious, recessive, and de novo variants. Whole‐exome sequencing followed by trio‐based filtering identified a homozygous recessive variant in
LRRC10
, I195T. Coexpression of I195T
LRRC10
with the L‐type Ca
2+
channel (Ca
v
1.2, β
2CN2
, and α
2
δ subunits) in HEK293 cells resulted in a significant ≈0.5‐fold decrease in I
Ca,L
at 0 mV, in contrast to the ≈1.4‐fold increase in I
Ca,L
by coexpression of
LRRC10
(n=9–12,
P
<0.05). Coexpression of
LRRC10
or I195T
LRRC10
did not alter the surface membrane expression of Ca
v
1.2.
LRRC10
coexpression with Ca
v
1.2 in the absence of auxiliary β
2CN2
and α
2
δ subunits revealed coassociation of Ca
v
1.2 and LRRC10 and a hyperpolarizing shift in the voltage dependence of activation (n=6–9,
P
<0.05). Ventricular myocytes from
Lrrc10

−/−

mice had significantly smaller I
Ca,L
, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments confirmed association between LRRC10 and the Ca
v
1.2 subunit in mouse hearts.

Conclusions

Examination of a patient with DCM revealed homozygosity for a previously unreported
LRRC10
variant: I195T. Wild‐type and I195T LRRC10 function as cardiac‐specific subunits of L‐type Ca
2+
channels and exert dramatically different effects on channel gating, providing a potential link to DCM.
Synopsis of the spurred species of Lobelia section Stenotium (Campanulaceae) in Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico, and the description of two new species
Authors: GUTIÉRREZ-SÁNCHEZ ROSA IVONNE , CASTRO-CASTRO ARTURO , GONZÁLEZ-GALLEGOS JESÚS GUADALUPE , LÓPEZ-ENRÍQUEZ IRMA LORENA , FRÍAS-CASTRO ALFREDO
Published: February 2018

The genus Lobelia is cosmopolitan and comprises 423 species in 18 sections. Lobelia sect. Stenotium is the most diverse group with 153 species, has a wide distribution in continental North America and is segregated into two subgroups based on the presence of spurred flowers. There are 16 spurred Lobelia species that occur in streamside or seep areas, throughout pine and oak mixed forests from USA to Costa Rica, but they are frequent along the Pacific slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO), Mexico, where 10 species grow. In this paper we present a synopsis of the spurred species of Lobelia in the SMO and propose two new taxa. First, Lobelia rzedowskii is morphologically similar to L. ayersiae, L. cordifolia and L. endlichii but differs by its rosulate leaves, blades 0.5–1.5 × 0.4–1 cm, subsessile, racemose to paniculate inflorescences, with (4–)10–35(–191) flowers, flowers 4–6 mm long including hypanthium, spur 0.5–1 × 0.5–0.8 mm, with the lower two calyx lobes positioned at the middle portion of the spur, white corolla with a yellow spot above lobe sinuses on the throat and staminal tube 1.3–2.5 mm long. Second, Lobelia saturnini is morphologically similar to L. knoblochii, L. macrocentron, L. mcvaughii and L. villaregalis, but differs from them by leaves (2–)4–14(–17) mm long, petioles 2–6(–17) mm long, solitary flowers, flowers 12–16 mm long including hypanthium, hypanthium 1.2–2.5 mm long, spur 2–3 mm long, pedicels (1.3–)2–9(–12) cm long and anthers 1–2.2 mm long. We include an identification key for spurred species of Lobelia in the SMO, photographs, distribution notes with a map, and illustrations.
Hydnora ­arabica (Aristolochiaceae), a new species from the Arabian Peninsula and a key to Hydnora
Authors: BOLIN JAY F. , LUPTON DARACH , MUSSELMAN LYTTON JOHN
Published: February 2018

The plant parasite Hydnora arabica (Aristolochiaceae) is described from the Arabian Peninsula. This species was previously identified as Hydnora africana in Oman. It can be separated from other Hydnora taxa primarily by its terete rhizome, red to orange inner perianth tube color, and tepal lobe margins entirely covered with dense strigose setae. In Oman, Hydnora arabica is known to parasitize two leguminous trees: Acacia tortilis and the introduced Pithocellobium dulce, but may parasitize additional Fabaceae. At least eleven synonyms or subspecific varieties of H. abyssinica are described in the literature, all from east or southern Africa. These synonyms are discussed in light of new observations of morphology including tepal margin ornamentation. A new key for Hydnora is proposed.
Contribution to study of the superfamily Cleroidea (Coleoptera) from Iran and adjacent countries: a checklist of Melyridae, Prionoceridae and Trogossitidae
Authors: MIRUTENKO VLADYSLAV , GHAHARI HASSAN
Published: February 2018

The fauna of Iranian Melyridae, Prionoceridae and Trogossitidae (Coleoptera: Cleroidea) is discussed in this paper. In total 13 species of Melyridae from 3 genera Anthodromius Redtenbacher, Cerallus Jacquelin du Val and Melyris Fabricius, one species of Prionoceridae and one species of Trogossitidae are listed as the fauna of Iran. Cerallus pilosus Reitter, 1889 (Melyridae) and Nemozoma elongatum Linnaeus, 1761 (Trogossitidae) are new records for the fauna of Iran.
The first zoeal stage morphology of Achelous spinimanus (Latreille), A. gibbesii (Stimpson), and Portunus sayi (Gibbes) (Decapoda, Brachyura)
provides support for molecular phylogeny
Authors: MANTELATTO FERNANDO L. , PANTALEÃO JOÃO A. F. , CUESTA JOSÉ A. , FRANSOZO ADILSON , FELDER DARRYL L.
Published: February 2018

Taxonomic rearrangements were recently proposed for some members of Portunus Weber and Cronius Stimpson, including the re-elevation of the status of the subgenus Achelous De Haan to accommodate 21 American species. In the present study the first zoea of Achelous spinimanus, type species of the genus, A. gibbesii and Portunus sayi were obtained from laboratory-hatched specimens. The morphology of the first zoeal stage of A. spinimanus is described and illustrated for the first time. Those of A. gibbesii and P. sayi are redescribed in detail using standard terminology and compared with previous unpublished descriptions. Differences are listed and remarks from a comparative analysis of available descriptions of other portunid genera and species with a known first zoeal stage are furnished. The larval morphology pattern observed in the studied species corroborates a previous hypothesis on the phylogeny of the group.
A new species of Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) from Thailand, with description of the imago of Platybaetis bishopi Müller-Liebenau, 1980
Authors: SUTTHINUN CHANAPORN , GATTOLLIAT JEAN-LUC , BOONSOONG BOONSATIEN
Published: February 2018

Platybaetis bishopi Müller-Liebenau, 1980 was originally described from Malaysia only at the larval stage. We provide the first description of the imaginal stage of P. bishopi based on materials from Thailand. The imago of this species can be separated from the known species by coloration of abdominal terga and coloration of wings. A new species, Platybaetis nayokensis sp. nov., is described based on male and female imagos and larvae from Thailand. The larva of this species is mainly distinguished by medium acute spines on the posterior margin of the abdominal terga and two apical setae on the glossa, which seem to be shorter than in other species. The imago can be separated by the abdominal color pattern. The larva of this genus is adapted to live on wet rocks projecting out of water; it prefers large stones near small waterfalls or areas between two large rocks in running water.
Remarks on the genus Tamdaotettix Gorochov, 1998 (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae: Aemodogryllinae) from China
Authors: ZHU QIDI , BIAN XUN , SHI FUMING
Published: February 2018

In this paper, a new species of the genus Tamdaotettix from China, Tamdaotettix (Tamdaotettix) longituberus sp. nov., is described, with a new recorded species, Tamdaotettix (Tamdaotettix) dilutus Gorochov, 1998 from China. The morphological photographs of Tamdaotettix (Tamdaotettix) longituberus sp. nov., Tamdaotettix (Tamdaotettix) dilutus Gorochov, 1998, Tamdaotettix (Tamdaotettix) tridenticulatus Qin, Liu & Li, 2016 and the distribution data of the genus Tamdaotettix from China are provided. All specimens examined are preserved in the Museum of Hebei University.
Impacts of the Atlantic Multidecadal Variability on North American Summer Climate and Heat Waves
Authors: Ruprich-Robert Yohan , Delworth Thomas , Msadek Rym , Castruccio Frederic , Yeager Stephen , Danabasoglu Gokhan
Published: February 2018

The impacts of the Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV) on summertime North American climate are investigated using three coupled global climate models (CGCMs) in which North Atlantic sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are restored to observed AMV anomalies. Large ensemble simulations are performed to estimate how AMV can modulate the occurrence of extreme weather such as heat waves. It is shown that, in response to an AMV warming, all models simulate a precipitation deficit and a warming over northern Mexico and the southern United States that lead to an increased number of heat wave days by about 30% compared to an AMV cooling. The physical mechanisms associated with these impacts are discussed. The positive tropical Atlantic SST anomalies associated with the warm AMV drive a Matsuno–Gill-like atmospheric response that favors subsidence over northern Mexico and the southern United States. This leads to a warming of the whole tropospheric column, and to a decrease in relative humidity, cloud cover, and precipitation. Soil moisture response to AMV also plays a role in the modulation of heat wave occurrence. An AMV warming favors dry soil conditions over northern Mexico and the southern United States by driving a year-round precipitation deficit through atmospheric teleconnections coming both directly from the North Atlantic SST forcing and indirectly from the Pacific. The indirect AMV teleconnections highlight the importance of using CGCMs to fully assess the AMV impacts on North America. Given the potential predictability of the AMV, the teleconnections discussed here suggest a source of predictability for the North American climate variability and in particular for the occurrence of heat waves at multiyear time scales.
Leveraging Genomics for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kemmer J.D. , Johnson D.E. , Grandis J.R.
Published: February 2018

The genomic landscape of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been recently elucidated. Key epigenetic and genetic characteristics of this cancer have been reported and substantiated in multiple data sets, including those distinctive to the growing subset of human papilloma virus (HPV)–associated tumors. This increased understanding of the molecular underpinnings of HNSCC has not resulted in new approaches to treatment. Three Food and Drug Administration–approved molecular targeting agents are currently available to treat recurrent/metastatic disease, but these have exhibited efficacy only in subsets of HNSCC patients, and thus surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation remain as standard approaches. The lack of predictive biomarkers to any therapy represents an obstacle to achieving the promise of precision medicine. This review aims to familiarize the reader with current insights into the HNSCC genomic landscape, discuss the currently approved and promising molecular targeting agents under exploration in laboratories and clinics, and consider precision medicine approaches to HNSCC.
International agreement design and the moderating role of domestic bureaucratic quality
Authors: Karreth Johannes , Tir Jaroslav
Published: February 2018

Much of international cooperation research has long assumed that building and deepening (i.e. institutionalizing) international agreements can substitute for weak domestic bureaucratic capacity when it comes to promoting cooperative policies between countries. Qualifying this assumption, we argue that domestic bureaucracies are a key piece of international cooperation: the cooperation-inducing effect of international institutions is conditional on the quality of domestic bureaucracies. We examine this relationship in the context of the politics of interstate cooperation over transboundary rivers, an important test case given concerns about looming water conflict in the face of increasing water scarcity. Using data on freshwater-related events, 1984–2006, on the level of institutionalization of river treaties, and on the quality of domestic bureaucracy, we find that domestic bureaucracies moderate the ability of international institutions to elicit cooperative interstate behavior. The finding is robust to a multitude of specifications and provides important implications for institutional research and policy approaches to cooperation problems beyond freshwater.
Do Private Schools Manage Better?
Authors: Bryson Alex , Green Francis
Published: February 2018

There is a perception among some commentators and policy analysts that leadership and managerial practices in private schools are superior to those in state schools. Analysing a survey of workplaces in Britain, we find little evidence to support this contention when examining the prevalence of modern human resource management (HRM) practices in schools. Rather, the evidence points to greater use of such practices in state schools. Those practices are correlated with improved school performance in the state sector, but not in the private sector. We discuss the implications of these findings for the policy of encouraging managers of private schools to sponsor state schools.
The value of Twitter data for determining the emotional responses of people to urban green spaces: A case study and critical evaluation
Authors: Roberts Helen , Sadler Jon , Chapman Lee
Published: February 2018

Interactions between humans and nature are understood to be beneficial for human well-being. In cities, urban green spaces are believed to provide many benefits to urban populations in terms of mental and emotional well-being. Through a case study of 60 urban green spaces in Birmingham, United Kingdom, this article investigates the spatial and temporal variation of the emotions experienced by individuals whilst using urban green spaces. Using a dataset obtained from Twitter as the basis for emotional explorations, sentiment analysis was performed on over 10,000 tweets to ascertain the positivity/negativity of individuals. Positive responses were more common than negative responses across all seasons, with happiness and appreciation of beauty being the common positive emotions identified. For the negative responses, fear and anger were present in similar amounts, with fewer tweets indicating sadness and disgust. Our findings show that Twitter data is a viable source of information to researchers investigating human interaction and emotional response to space in cities. Such information has implications for urban planners and park managers, enabling the creation of evidence-based spaces which enhance positive outdoor experience. Limitations in using Twitter data are discussed and these should be considered in future research.
Tri-phasic fever in dengue fever
Authors: D Pradeepa H , Rao Sathish B , B Ganaraj , Bhat Gopalakrishna , M Chakrapani
Published: February 2018

Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness with a duration of 2–12 days. Our observational study observed the 24-h continuous tympanic temperature pattern of 15 patients with dengue fever and compared this with 26 others with fever due to a non-dengue aetiology.

A tri-phasic fever pattern was seen among two-thirds of dengue fever patients, but in only one with an inflammatory disease. One-third of dengue fever patients exhibited a single peak temperature. Continuous temperature monitoring and temperature pattern analysis in clinical settings can aid in the early differentiation of dengue fever from non-dengue aetiology.
A Preliminary Assessment of Mental Health Needs Faced by Religious Leaders in Eastern Europe
Authors: Ellens Brent M. , McMinn Mark R. , Lake Linda L. , Hardy Matthew M. , Hayen Elizabeth J.
Published: February 2018

Enormous sociopolitical changes in Eastern Europe in the last decade have had a profound impact on the psychological functioning of the citizens of these nations. In order to assess and intervene in the mental health realm in Eastern Europe, a brief survey was sent to various Christian leaders in Eastern Europe. Common mental health problems identified across the various Eastern European countries and cultures include depression, relationship difficulties, alcohol abuse, and anxiety disorders. Christians in Eastern Europe tend to turn to family and friends for help with these problems first, pastors second, and almost never to mental health professionals. Clergy and laypersons have little training in mental health issues. A promising direction for future service is training those who can, in turn, train Eastern European laypersons in basic listening and support skills. Cultural awareness and sensitivity will be of paramount importance in such an endeavor.
Using the Levels of Family Involvement Model with Religious Professionals
Authors: Hawley Dale R. , Dahl Carla
Published: February 2018

Serving as a religious professional is a complex task with a wide variety of demands and responsibilities. This variety contributes to a professional identity that requires the fulfillment of a number of roles. The Levels of Family Involvement (LFI) model (W. J. Doherty, 1995) offers a structure for helping clergy ascertain which roles may be most beneficial to a family in a given set of circumstances, as well as which roles are beyond their training and mission. The LFI is offered as a guideline for helping clergy select modes of intervention and identify areas for personal and professional development. Case examples are offered to illustrate the model.
Integration as Service: Implications of Faith-Praxis Integration for Training
Authors: Schwer Canning Sally , Pozzi Carlos F. , McNeil J. Derek , McMinn Mark R.
Published: February 2018

Faith-praxis integration should be given further attention as the integration of applied psychology and Christian theology proceeds. The authors outline a rationale for faith-praxis integration based upon patterns of mental health needs and resources in the U.S. and for a Kingdom mandate. Implications of a faith-praxis perspective for trainers of Christian psychologists are suggested in relation to a program's missions statement, faculty, course work, practical training, research, and relationship to the community. Selected activities of existing Christian psychology training programs are included to illustrate these implications. Ongoing discussion is invited concerning this emerging area of integration.
Resources from Reformed Spirituality for Christian Spiritual Formation in Clinical Practice
Authors: Morgan Dennis , Yarhouse Mark
Published: February 2018

The purposes of this article are to introduce the reader to Reformed theology and to begin to discuss implications of Reformed spirituality on the practice of Christian psychology. A discussion of a case example will be utilized to consolidate the reader's understanding of the Reformed theological tradition and its application to Christian spiritual formation in a clinical setting. This article implies that the impact of Reformed theology and spirituality on clinical practice is profound enough to warrant further investigations of theologically congruent psychotherapies.
Forgiveness and Health: Review and Reflections on a Matter of Faith, Feelings, and Physiology
Authors: Vanoyen Witvliet Charlotte
Published: February 2018

Empirical research on the links between forgiveness and both mental and physical health is burgeoning. This article reviews current research, with reflections on how Christians might engage this literature. It considers Christian and psychological conceptualizations of forgiveness, reviews the published literature on forgiveness and mental and physical health, addresses theoretical and interpretive issues, and reflects on ways that Christians may thoughtfully consider the contributions and limitations of empirical research on forgiveness and health.
Common Sense Professional Ethics: A Christian Appraisal
Authors: Hathaway William L.
Published: February 2018

Christian organizations have joined the secular professions in spelling out detailed ethical codes. Yet what basis can be provided for the supposition that these ethical codes truly inform us about what is objectively right or wrong? Frequently, modern ethicists have argued that we must derive our moral judgments by the application some specific ‘ethical theory’ to ensure that we are arriving at moral truth. The lack of success in this modern project has contributed to post-modern skepticism about the possibility of arriving at objective moral truth. The modern moral project, and its post-modern skeptics, share a set of mistaken assumptions Plantinga has summarized under the term “internalism.” These assumptions are contrasted with the common sense moral realism advocated by the Christian thinker Thomas Reid. It is argued that common sense moral realism provides a practical and rich basis for professional ethics that is informed by a Christian world-view, one that does not leave us with the forced choice of either first justifying our ethical beliefs on some special grounds or doubting the reality of objective moral truth. The implications of this approach for ethical training are briefly considered.
Sex Differences: Evolved, Constructed, and Designed
Authors: Looy Heather
Published: February 2018

Evolutionary psychology (EP) is reviewed as one currently popular theoretical framework to explain and predict psychological and behavioral differences between women and men. This approach has considerable promise, but there are numerous logical, theoretical, and methodological problems yet to be resolved. Social constructionism (SC) is briefly reviewed as an alternative approach that more adequately accounts for gender and sexual diversity; however it minimizes human embodiment. Both approaches deny a supernatural or spiritual dimension in creation; EP often explicitly assumes philosophical naturalism–a belief in a material universe in which evolutionary processes are random and purposeless. This assumption limits its ability to account for several aspects of the experience and the expression of human sexuality. The intelligent design (ID) approach is considered here as a possible complement to EP and SC. The key difference is foundational: ID assumes and infers the necessity of a supernatural, purposeful element. This assumption provides a broader interpretive framework and some potentially novel predictions about human sexuality. All three approaches have something to contribute to our understanding of human sexuality, and I conclude that a cautious, critical mutual engagement may enable us to transcend the dichotomies and limitations of each theoretical framework.
Evolutionary Psychology as Computational Theory in the Cognitive Sciences
Authors: Fikes Thomas G.
Published: February 2018

Scarcely a decade old, evolutionary psychology (EP) has developed a high profile within the cognitive sciences. EP's niche involves what David Marr (1982) called “computational theories:” functional descriptions of what information processing devices, including brains, are designed to do. Such theories constrain and inform the search for cognitive and neural descriptions of the device. EP is characterized by primary commitments to modularity of mind, the use of evolutionary biology's adaptationist program to generate hypotheses regarding mental modules, and the use of cognitive science's methods for testing such hypotheses. It is also characterized by a number of secondary commitments and positions on important issues that are not necessitated by the evolutionary approach. These are defensible within the broader fields of human behavior and cognition, and by tertiary commitments that are logically unrelated to the EP program but nonetheless characteristic of the field (i.e., anti-theistic biases and other strong reductionisms). EP has much to offer. Combining the conceptual methods of evolutionary biology and the empirical methods of the cognitive sciences seems genuinely promising, but it's rhetoric is strong for an immature discipline and its reductionism pits it against disciplines with which it might productively coexist. The primary (and even secondary) commitments are not antithetical to an orthodox Christian faith, but the anti-theistic and anti-religious tendencies of some vocal protagonists represent a challenge.
Reading by Design: Evolutionary Psychology and the Neuropsychology of Reading
Authors: Johnson Eric L. , Hetzel June , Collins Sarah
Published: February 2018

A large body of evidence exists which points to the existence of a neural substrate dedicated to reading: (a) neuroimaging (and other) studies which have identified neural regions activated in reading by normal Ss; (b) similar studies on individuals with reading disabilities that show inactivity in those regions; (c) cases of hyperlexia in which preschool children have well-developed word recognition abilities, far beyond their reading comprehension; (d) persons born blind who activate the same neural regions during braille reading as sighted readers do with visual text; (e) similarities between the neuropsychology of language and of reading; and (f) other, similar neural regions which process information that has greater adaptive significance (e.g., an object recognition substrate). Naturalistic evolution would predict there would be no neural tissue dedicated to reading. So this body of research raises questions about the ability of evolution to account for this psychological phenomenon, creates a significant problem for evolutionary psychology's theoretical commitment to modularity, and provides an example of psychological evidence that points to intelligent design.
Evolutionary Psychology: Sexual Ethics and Our Embodied Nature
Authors: Cole Sherwood O.
Published: February 2018

As a supplement to Van Leeuwen's excellent article on evolutionary psychology, the present article expands upon the importance of our embodied nature (i.e., biological processes) to a consideration of the ethics of human gender relations. An attempt is made to demonstrate that biological processes are important to the interpretation, formulation, and behavioral implementation of any ethical system of human sexual relations based upon Biblical teachings. Two examples of the importance of biology to implementing behavioral ethics (homosexuality and heterosexual offenses) are briefly discussed. Finally, it is suggested that we need to accept the importance of our biological nature without accepting the assumptions of evolutionary psychology and that only a “holistic” view adequately reflects our created nature.
Sexual Script Theory: An Integrative Exploration of the Possibilities and Limits of Sexual Self-Definition
Authors: Jones Stanton L. , Hostler Heather R.
Published: February 2018

Sexual Script Theory (SST) and its clinical applications are premised on the notion that the subjective understandings of individuals of their sexuality determine the persons' choices of sexual actions and the qualitative experiencing of those sexual acts. The key elements of SST and key Christian control beliefs about sexuality are described, and then related in an integrative exploration of SST. The limits of an understanding of psychological scripting grounded in an unfettered Constructivism, and the limits of a purely pragmatic understanding of script legitimacy, are each discussed. We develop the pervasive theme of the necessary connectedness of sexual scripting to the broader processes of self-definition, which for the Christian, are to be rooted in a biblically-derived set of categories that connect sexuality to the character of the whole person, to their union with a spouse in marriage, and to the human community (individually and corporately) in its relationship to God.
Single And Sexual: The Church'S Neglected Dilemma
Authors: Rosenau Douglas E. , Tan Erica S. N.
Published: February 2018

The topic of single sexuality is one that can be broached from many different viewpoints–-psychological, spiritual, emotional, physical, biological, or relational. Thus, the scope of this topic lends itself to various interpretations and points from which to discuss the dilemma that individuals who are single face about their sexuality. Essentially, this predicament can be summed in two questions: (a) What does it mean to be single and sexual; and (b) what does the church say about it? This article provides the reader with an overview of the state of single sexuality in the world and in the church. It addresses some of the mythology and helpful theology in addressing the two critical questions, in addition to various supports provided by the people who work with this population. We close with a practical model for singles considering courtship or Stage II dating.
Profound Sexual and Spiritual Encounters among Practicing Christians: A Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Macknee Chuck M.
Published: February 2018

Existential-phenomenological methodology explored the meaning and experience of profound sexual and spiritual encounters described by five men and five women who were practicing Christians. Through qualitative analysis of these mysterious experiences, eleven common themes that portrayed the wonder, euphoria, bonding, arousal, transcendence, blessing, and sacredness of these peak events emerged. God's presence during sexual intimacy enabled the body, soul, and spirit to celebrate ecstatic union collectively in elevated responsiveness. In addition, the aftereffects of linking sexual and spiritual dimensions for the contributors were revealed as seven transforming, empowering, and affirming themes. Results provide a valid basis for a previously undisclosed phenomenon as well as inform Christian educators, pastors, counselors, and practitioners regarding the potential of biblical “one flesh” connection.
Spiritual Direction in the Roman Catholic Tradition
Authors: Barrette Rev Gene
Published: February 2018

This article presents the practice of spiritual direction in the Roman Catholic tradition. Specific attention is given to: definition and description of spiritual direction, scriptural roots, Roman Catholic specificity, practice in the early Church and association with the beginning of Monasticism, and the impact of Vatican II. The development of different forms of spiritual direction is presented within the context of the variety of theological, philosophical, cultural, and historical biases evident throughout church history. The process of authentic spiritual transformation and the role of the spiritual director plays are described–-both as it was understood historically and in terms of the present practice. Contrasts between spiritual direction and traditional psychotherapy are proposed.
A Living Stream: Spiritual Direction within the Pentecostal/Charismatic Tradition
Authors: McMahan Oliver
Published: February 2018

Charismatics and Pentecostals have a relatively brief history and tradition. In the short span of just over one hundred years for Pentecostals and fifty years or less for Charismatics, there are a number of characteristics that have emerged. Charismatics and Pentecostals have sought renewal but may, in their desire to return to their initial spiritual experiences of believing and Spirit Baptism, have missed more opportunities for reflection. Their spiritual directors have been diverse but close to the community of believers. The closeness of the community has seemed like a family as much as a spiritual movement. The implications of the Pentecostal/Charismatic spiritual pursuit, the history of spiritual directors, and methods of spiritual direction are explored in this article with recommendations for further investigation and reflection.
Nurturing Spiritual Growth
Authors: Benner David G.
Published: February 2018

This article is a response to the preceding articles. It begins by reflecting on the recent rise of interest in spirituality in society and the mental health professions and then examines the diversity of ways of understanding and practicing spiritual direction. It also discusses the opportunities for an enhanced understanding of spiritual transformation that this diversity provides, and investigates the overlapping and permeable nature of the boundaries between spiritual direction and other relationships of soul care. It concludes with some observations about the future.
Three Voices, one Song: A Psychologist, Spiritual Director, and Pastoral Counselor Share Perspectives on Providing Care
Authors: Tisdale Theresa Clement , Doehring Carrie E. , Lorraine-Poirier Veneta
Published: February 2018

A psychologist, spiritual director, and pastoral counselor provide perspectives on approaching the care of persons. Taking a narrative, dialogical approach, each author in turn briefly introduces herself and her approach to care. Next a vignette is presented involving a clergy person who is in crisis, which is followed by a perspectival analysis by each author of how she would approach the case. Finally, each author offers reflections and comments on the perspective and approach of the other disciplines. Closing thoughts on integrative approaches to care are offered.
Introduction: Reflections on the Current Status and Future of Christian Marriages
Authors: Ripley Jennifer S.
Published: February 2018

This article is the Editor's introduction to the special issue of the Journal of Psychology and Theology on Current Issues in Christian Marriages. The current literature on religious marriages are used to understand the materials discussed in this journal issue. Future directions for the development of the scholarly basis and community interventions for Christian marriages are introduced.
The State of Christian Marriage
Authors: Clinton Tim
Published: February 2018

Questions are answered in relationship to Tim Clinton's work in professional leadership and marriage education. Sociocultural factors concerning the condition and treatment of marriage issues in contemporary society are discussed. Dr. Clinton's approach to marital interventions and integration are presented. In addition, recommendations are made for marital interventions to local community and church leaders as well as marital therapists.
Burnout among Dutch Reformed Pastors
Authors: Evers Will , Tomic Welko
Published: February 2018

The present study examined the degree of burnout among Dutch reformed pastors and aspects that may be conducive to the onset of burnout. They were asked to report how difficult they found their tasks and what options they had to alleviate the pressure of work they experienced. Compared with other human service professionals the results show that pastors have relatively high scores on emotional exhaustion and relatively low scores on depersonalization. Pastors have relatively low scores on personal accomplishment. Those who say they are experiencing severe pressure of work appear to have high scores on the three burnout dimensions. Role ambiguity and lack of social support appear to intensify reported feelings of burnout. This article concludes by discussing some of the pastor's own suggestions as to how to relieve work pressure.
Shedding Light on Theophostic Ministry 1: Practice Issues
Authors: Entwistle David N.
Published: February 2018

Theophostic Ministry (TPM), a “Christian Counseling Ministry” developed by Ed Smith (1997, 2000), is reviewed and critiqued regarding practice issues that emerge from its use. According to Smith, thousands of pastoral, lay, and professional counselors have been trained in Theophostic Ministry, treating a wide range of mental health disorders. To date there is virtually no published literature on Theophostic Ministry in the professional journals, either of a theoretical or empirical nature. After providing a summary of TPM methods and claims made in its behalf, the present article aims to (a) evaluate the adequacy of Smith's exegetical support for TPM and (b) evaluate praxis and theory issues regarding TPM relative to (1) views on neurobiology, memory, emotion, and antidepressants; (2) views on dissociative phenomena and demonology; (3) reported rates of traumatic abuse; and (4) the possibility that TPM may induce iatrogenic memories.
Emotionally Absent Fathers: Furthering the Understanding of Homosexuality
Authors: Seutter Ray A. , Rovers Martin
Published: February 2018

Homosexuality is a complex and multi-factorial mosaic. The debate regarding the etiology of homosexuality ranges from the biological to psychological, from the essential / materialist to the constructionist. This study explored emotionally absent fathers as one variable in the understanding of homosexuality. The levels of father-son and mother-son emotional connectedness / distance, measured in terms of intimacy and intimidation, were studied among male Catholic seminarians in Canada. Results indicated that those seminarians who identified their sexual orientation as homosexual scored significantly lower on their level of intimacy with their fathers than did heterosexual seminarians. No such differences existed in the relationship of seminarians and their mothers. There were no significant differences on the intimidation scores. Results lend new credence to the “weak father” theory of homosexuality and to the importance of same-sex emotional connectedness in the psychosexual gender development of individuals. Implications for therapy are discussed with suggestions for further research.
Correlation of the Holy Spirit Questionnaire with the Spiritual Well-Being Scale and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory
Authors: Fee Jennifer L. , Ingram John A.
Published: February 2018

The Holy Spirit Questionnaire (HSQ) is an exploratory instrument developed by Ingram and Sandvik (1994) to measure differences in perceptions regarding personal knowledge about filling of the Holy Spirit among Christians. Past examination of the HSQ asserts that the instrument is a reliable measure that examines knowledge about the Holy Spirit (Hurst, 1995). This study included 133 respondents to the HSQ and correlated their responses to results from the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS) (Ellison & Paloutzian, 1982) and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory (SAI) (Hall & Edwards, 1996). Analyses demonstrated significant correlations between the HSQ and the SWBS and SAI, indicating that certain areas of religious and existential well-being and spiritual maturity are significantly related to knowledge of the Holy Spirit.
Examining Connections between Values and Practice in Religiously Committed U.K. Clinical Psychologists
Authors: Baker Martyn , Wang Michael
Published: February 2018

Christian psychologists as employees of secular organizations may experience a particular values interface of their religious commitment and their workplace setting. The idiographic emphasis of this study involved data collection from a small group of Christian U.K. clinical psychologists, using repertory grid and semi-structured interview procedures, and a mix of exploratory quantitative and qualitative data analysis. The three themes reported (an added dimension to work, disclosure to colleagues and clients, and the values congruence/clash of integration) are discussed as providing illustrations of greater evocative detail than is possible from questionnaire-driven research. The aspects of the grounded theory analysis of the data are brought together in a tentative model of identity comprising constantly shifting positions on the dimensions described by the three themes.
Expanding Horizons for Christians in Psychology
Authors: Hathaway William L.
Published: February 2018

The integration of psychology and Christianity involves the juxtaposition of at least two horizons of understanding. Numerous attempts have been made to produce an expanded horizon that is faithfully and integrally both Christian and psychological. The current paper explores the role of the concept of “faithful comprehension” as a regulative ideal for integration. This idea is unpacked both in light of externalist epistemology and hermeneutical realism. Some implications for psychological and Christian knowing are considered. The paper concludes by calling Christian psychologists, and Christian psychology training programs, to develop expanded epistemologies that complement what is truth-productive in psychological science with other methods that allow a more complete range of the person to be investigated. Such calls are not unique in the integration literature. Externalism's emphasis on reliable truth production clarifies what must be accomplished by any such expanded psychological science, Christian or otherwise.
The Multidimensional Nature of Quest Motivation
Authors: Beck Richard , Jessup Ryan K.
Published: February 2018

Although Daniel Batson's (1976) construct of “Religion as Quest” has been widely applauded as an important theoretical innovation in the assessment of religious motivation, there are lingering concerns regarding the validity of the Quest construct. This study follows up some past suggestions in the literature that Quest may be a multidimensional construct and that facets of Quest may have very different relationships with religious variables. To test these hypotheses we constructed a multidimensional measure of Quest and administered it to 183 college students along with measures of spiritual well-being, Christian orthodoxy, extrinsic and intrinsic religiosity, and Batson's 12-item Quest measure. Overall, the results suggest that Quest is indeed a multidimensional construct and that the dimensions of Quest need to be assessed separately to assess Quest's construct validity. Specifically, two broad trends were noted. First, some facets of Quest seem to capture the free-roaming existential Quest Batson has frequently described. However, other facets of Quest seem to be compatible with orthodox Christian beliefs, suggesting that possessing metaphysical convictions are compatible with Quest-like attributes.
Male Spirituality and the Men's Movement: A Factorial Examination of Motivations
Authors: Castellini J. D. , Nelson W. M. , Barrett J. J. , Nagy Mark S. , Quatman G. L.
Published: February 2018

The growing visibility of the grassroots movement of men's support groups throughout this country and a resurgence of spiritual interest and faith within the American population come together in the emerging phenomena of men gathering together to worship. To better understand the motivations behind men's participation in such events, the Xavier Religious Index (XRI) was designed to identify factors forming underlying motivational constructs and was administered to two separate groups of men who had attended one or more such religious events. Sample 1 was comprised of 1190 men who attended a large, religious, men's conference. In order to cross validate the XRI, it was administered to Sample 2, comprised of 301 men who had attended one or more men's retreat weekends at a spiritual renewal center. Results from both samples were factor analyzed. In both samples, the factor identified as comprising the largest portion of the variance was that of Male Bonding. Other factors identified included: Self-awareness, Relationship with God, Isolation or Emptiness, Faith/Prayer Community, Father-Son Relationships, Coping Strategies, and Fear or Grief. The data were also examined for differences across the lifespan. When the first and fourth quadrants of Sample 1 were grouped for age and compared, corresponding values existed. Although an examination of Factor 2, Self-awareness and Existential Concern, suggested that the directions in which these men focused were diametrically opposed, with older men endorsing a higher satisfaction with quality of life, a t-test failed to confirm that these differences were significant. The implications of this are discussed in light of developmental theory.
Interventions that Apply Scripture in Psychotherapy
Authors: Garzon Fernando
Published: February 2018

Christian therapists are sometimes challenged in their work with appropriately religious clients to develop treatment components that incorporate the Bible. Utilizing a case study format, this article describes various intervention strategies available for the clinician to consider. Psychodynamic, psychoeducational, theoeducational, cognitive, behavioral, and affective experiential therapeutic examples are presented. As long as sound ethical and religio-cultural assessment guidelines are followed, Scripture remains a rich resource for clinicians in their work.
Gender Role Orientation and Attitude toward Christianity: A Study among Older Men and Women in the United Kingdom
Authors: Francis Leslie J.
Published: February 2018

A sample of 496 older men and women in England, mainly in their sixties and seventies, completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory together with the Francis Scale of Attitude toward Christianity. The data demonstrated that psychological femininity is key to individual differences in religiosity (as assessed by attitude toward Christianity) within the sexes and that, after taking gender role orientation into account, biological sex conveyed no additional predictive power in respect of individual differences in religiosity (as assessed by attitude toward Christianity). This finding is explained in terms of Eysenck's biologically-based dimensional model of personality which construes psychological masculinity and femininity as one of the seven constituent components of one of the three major dimensions of personality (psychoticism). This psychologically-based theory renders redundant sociologically-based socialization theories designed to account for differences in religiosity between the sexes.
To be Loved and to Love
Authors: Clough William R.
Published: February 2018

Love is a powerful force in human life. It seems to be one thing, but takes on many forms. A major task in therapy is to tap into intrinsic motivations for healthy change; to help people to fall in love with what they can, at their best, become. The Christian Scriptures offer a definition of love that can encourage healthy growth without the narcissistic overtones of self-esteem, which psychology can fall into, or a mechanical set of doctrines into which Christianity can fall. In this article, the nature of love is considered from psychological and theological literature. The various nuances of love are explored in relationship to attachment theory, altruism, some therapeutic schools, and Biblical perspectives. Finally I John 4, as the prototypical theological discussion of love, is applied to the counseling and growth process.
Is there a Basis for Loving All People?
Authors: Evans C. STEPHEN
Published: February 2018

Many ethical systems hold that there are obligations to love and value all human beings. This essay assumes the existence of such universal obligations, and argues that a divine command meta-ethical theory provides a better account of these obligations than secular meta-ethical theories, such as the evolutionary biology and contractual meta-ethical accounts that are favored by many psychologists. God's command to humans to love their neighbors as themselves not only explains the existence of such obligations, but also gives a plausible account of the psychological motivation for acting in accord with such a duty.