Soul-Training: The Why, What, and How of Spiritual Formation in Sports

Sportspeople know how to train and prepare their bodies for competition. The question this article seeks to explore is how sportspeople should approach training and preparing their souls. The Willardian corpus provides sportspeople a framework for understanding spiritual formation. This article examines the “why,” “what,” and “how” of soul-training, how Christians in sports can engage in spiritual formation. Sportspeople train their souls to experience God’s presence and worship him on and off the competition stage (why). In order to do so, they train their souls by following Christ as his apprentices, leading to transformation into his likeness (what) by cooperating with the Holy Spirit through intentional practice of spiritual disciplines (how). Spiritual disciplines are repeated practices of the mind, body, and heart that rely on God the Father, cooperate with the Holy Spirit, and are directed by Christ. Applications and examples of spiritual disciplines for sportspeople are provided

Cultural Amenities and the Consumer City Hypothesis

The rise of the modern service- and information-based economy has accompanied anincreased concern for quality of life compared to earlier eras. The consumer city hypothesis argues that in a post-industrial society, people increasingly value the location-specific amenities a particular city has to offer when deciding where to live. This is in contrast to traditional wisdom, which holds that jobs are the sole or most important criterion in attracting people to a given place. While other studies have found an association between natural amenities and greater demand for places that have them, there is much less work focusing on whether cultural amenities have the same effect. This analysis aims to discover whether there is additional evidence to support the consumer city hypothesis by investigating the relationship between cultural amenity levels (as measured by employment in amenity-related fields) and demand for particular places (as measured by median home prices).This study examines 357 Metropolitan Statistical Areas in the United States(including those in Alaska and Hawaii). Data from the American Community Survey andthe Bureau of Labor Statistics were used to measure amenity-related employment, median home prices, and other demographic variables. Four linear regressions were run to determine the relationship between these variables in the years 2012 and 2005, as well as to discover the predictive value of amenity-related employment for future median home prices and changes in median home prices over time.The results indicate that higher levels of cultural amenity-related employment areindeed associated with higher median home prices, providing support for the consumer-city hypothesis. Furthermore, levels of amenity-related employment at one point in time can be strong predictors of median home prices several years later, although they proved less useful for predicting the percentage change in median home values over time. Amenity-related employment may therefore be a potentially useful indicator to consider when predicting median home values. These findings also open up avenues for future research into the applicability of the consumer-city hypothesis in other First World countries as well as the developing world

The Effects of Dietitian Weight and Self-Disclosure About Weight on Women\u27s Evaluations of Registered Dietitians

This study investigated the effects of dietitian weight status, dietitian self-disclosure about personal weight issues, and participant weight status on participants\u27 initial perceptions and evaluations of registered dietitians. The research design was a randomized 2x2x2 factorial design consisting of 2 dietitian weight status conditions (normal weight and obese), 2 dietitian self-disclosure conditions (absence or presence of self-disclosure about personal weight issues), and 2 participant weight status conditions (normal weight and obese). A simulated nutrition counseling situation was developed in which participants were shown a photograph of a dietitian and then listened to an audio recording of an overview of nutrition counseling supposedly prepared by the dietitian. Participants were subsequently asked to evaluate the dietitian on a variety of dimensions related to nutrition counseling. Results of this study were divided into 3 parts. In the first part, the outcome measures were participants\u27 ratings of the dietitian\u27s expertness, trustworthiness, and attractiveness, as measured by the Counselor Rating Form. Statistical analyses included multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) as appropriate. Results indicated that an obese dietitian who self-disclosed about (i.e., verbally acknowledged) her current overweight status was rated as less expert (p = .0003) and attractive (p = .02) by normal weight participants than an obese dietitian who did not self-disclose. These effects were not observed with obese participants. In the second part, the outcome measures were participants\u27 ratings of their willingness to begin nutrition counseling with the dietitian, perception of the dietitian\u27s knowledgeability, perception of the dietitian\u27s effectiveness (both general effectiveness and effectiveness within a variety of specific nutrition counseling contexts), perception of the dietitian\u27s status as a role model, comfort in discussing personal concerns with the dietitian, and perception of the dietitian\u27s ability to relate to their concerns. Analyses again consisted of MANOVA and ANOVA as appropriate. Results indicated that participants were less willing to begin nutrition counseling with the obese dietitian compared with the normal weight dietitian (p = .01). No effects were observed for participants\u27 ratings of the dietitian\u27s knowledgeability or overall effectiveness as a nutrition counselor. However, the obese dietitian was generally perceived as less effective than the normal weight dietitian in weight-related nutrition counseling contexts (p ≤ .05). The normal weight dietitian who disclosed a past history of overweight was seen as a better role model than the normal weight dietitian who did not self-disclose (p = .02). The obese dietitian who acknowledged her current overweight status was seen as a poorer role model than one who did not self-disclose (p = .0007). Normal weight participants were more comfortable with the normal weight dietitian than with the obese dietitian (p = .01) and also thought that the normal weight dietitian would be better able to relate to their concerns (p = .005). Obese participants were equally comfortable with the normal weight or obese dietitian, but thought that the obese dietitian would be better able to relate to their concerns (p = .009). In the third part, the outcome measures were again participants\u27 ratings of the dietitian\u27s expertness, trustworthiness, and attractiveness, as measured by the Counselor Rating Form. For this part, predictive models were developed for each of these dependent variables using multiple regression procedures with stepwise selection method. Potential predictors in each model were participants\u27 internal, powerful others, and chance health locus of control beliefs, as assessed with the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) Scale. Results indicated that participants\u27 powerful others health locus of control scores were positively related to their evaluations of the dietitian\u27s expertness, trustworthiness, and attractiveness (p ≤ .05 in each model), while their chance health locus of control scores were negatively related to their evaluations (p ≤ .05 in each model), These health locus of control dimensions accounted for small, but significant amounts of variability in each dependent variable (model R2 values of .05 - .07). Some overall conclusions may be drawn from the results of this study. First, in no instance was it beneficial for the obese dietitian to verbally acknowledge her current overweight status; acknowledgement of personal overweight consistently resulted in more negative perceptions of the dietitian by participants. Negative effects of dietitian obesity were observed for some of the outcome variables; most notable was that participants were less willing to begin nutrition counseling with the obese dietitian. Otherwise, when dietitian weight status was important in participants\u27 perceptions, the effects appeared to be context-specific and/or dependent upon the weight status of the participants. Thus, in some situations, obese dietitians may face an additional barrier with clients that normal weight dietitians do not face. Finally, a characteristic of the participants, health locus of control orientation, also played an important role in their perceptions of the dietitian. In conclusion, characteristics and behaviors of the dietitians, as well as characteristics of the participants, were important factors in participants\u27 perceptions and evaluations of registered dietitians

A Community Conversation on Adolescent Pregnancy and Parenting Services: Networks of Support, Gatekeepers to Care, and Non-Compulsory Fathering in a Black Urban Community

This study employed Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) methods to document needs and capacity around adolescent pregnancy and parenting in one predominately Black, low-income urban community. Using an iterative focus group method, we engaged 60 participants in a two-day community conversation. Quantitative data from an enrollment questionnaire and qualitative transcripts of the discussions are analyzed. Our results indicate that the community’s greatest capacity lies in a network of women. Men tend to participate in parenting more holistically once formal paternity is established. Neighborhood women typically introduce adolescents to prenatal care, so delays in revealing the pregnancy to them serves as a barrier to accessing prenatal care. Overall, participants want health agencies to uphold their formal social contracts with the community, but to entrust informal services to community members who have the necessary insight and expertise to deliver support and information that is usable in their social context

When Goods Become Gods: Fractured Identities and the Call for Safe Spaces in Sports

What is the relationship between identity, idolatry, wholeness, and community? What are the ways in which sports culture bolsters or misdirects God-given identity? How can leaders in sports cultivate authentic, loving community that provides athletes safe spaces to explore and discern messages from the world and truth from God? In this paper, we will explore existential questions such as these. First, we will describe how identity is inherently physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual, developing subconsciously through explicit and implicit messaging. Then, we will explore the ways in which sports – organized play, human creation, and a good gift from God – can become an idol, and how idolatry both stems from and perpetuates fragmented identity. Next, we will explain what a life of wholeness means for sportspeople. Lastly, we will conclude with recommendations for leaders in sports to provide authentic and safe communities driven by love and faithfulness

Interactive Effects of Nutrients and Temperature on Plant-Herbivore Interactions

Global environmental changes such as increased temperatures and deposition of nutrients are greatly affecting many organisms, including a number of Lepidoptera species. Numerous studies have been conducted to determine the impacts of temperature and nutrients on herbivores, although many have tested each variable separately and could consequently be missing possible interactive effects. In this experiment, we tested the interactive effects of nutrients and temperature on interactions between Pieris rapae and its host plant, Brassica oleracea. Using a full-factorial design, we grew Brussels sprouts at one of three temperatures (16±2°C, 23±2°C, or 30±2°C), on one of three nutrient treatments that varied in the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (4:1, 16:1, or 64:1). One first instar caterpillar was assigned to each plant at the various treatments and was fed experimental leaves until pupation. We measured macronutrient and elemental content of leaves for each plant, as well as various life history traits for larvae, including time to pupation, amount of leaves eaten, adult mass, and adult lipid content. Plant macronutrient content was not affected by temperature treatment, but was significantly affected by nutrient treatment. We found an interactive effect for only one variable - time to pupation - with the majority of other significant variables being influenced by temperature, such as time to pupation, survival, and adult size. We also found adult lipid content to be highly affected by nutrient treatment, with butterflies from the warmest treatment having a higher lipid content. Our results suggest that temperature may be the most influential variable for herbivore growth and fitness.Integrative Biolog

KSR2 mutations are associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and impaired cellular fuel oxidation.

Kinase suppressor of Ras 2 (KSR2) is an intracellular scaffolding protein involved in multiple signaling pathways. Targeted deletion of Ksr2 leads to obesity in mice, suggesting a role in energy homeostasis. We explored the role of KSR2 in humans by sequencing 2,101 individuals with severe early-onset obesity and 1,536 controls. We identified multiple rare variants in KSR2 that disrupt signaling through the Raf-MEKERK pathway and impair cellular fatty acid oxidation and glucose oxidation in transfected cells; effects that can be ameliorated by the commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug, metformin. Mutation carriers exhibit hyperphagia in childhood, low heart rate, reduced basal metabolic rate and severe insulin resistance. These data establish KSR2 as an important regulator of energy intake, energy expenditure, and substrate utilization in humans. Modulation of KSR2-mediated effects may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for obesity and type 2 diabetes.This work was supported by the Wellcome Trust (098497/Z/12/Z; 077016/Z/05/Z; 096106/Z/11/Z) (ISF and LRP), Medical Research Council (MC_U106179471) (NW), NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (ISF, IB and SOR), and European Research Council (ISF). This study makes use of data generated by the UK10K Consortium (WT091310). A full list of the investigators who contributed to the generation of the data is available from http://www.UK10K.org.This is the final published version. It first appeared at http://www.cell.com/abstract/S0092-8674%2813%2901276-2

Improved imputation of low-frequency and rare variants using the UK10K haplotype reference panel

Imputing genotypes from reference panels created by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides a cost-effective strategy for augmenting the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) content of genome-wide arrays. The UK10K Cohorts project has generated a data set of 3,781 whole genomes sequenced at low depth (average 7x), aiming to exhaustively characterize genetic variation down to 0.1% minor allele frequency in the British population. Here we demonstrate the value of this resource for improving imputation accuracy at rare and low-frequency variants in both a UK and an Italian population. We show that large increases in imputation accuracy can be achieved by re-phasing WGS reference panels after initial genotype calling. We also present a method for combining WGS panels to improve variant coverage and downstream imputation accuracy, which we illustrate by integrating 7,562 WGS haplotypes from the UK10K project with 2,184 haplotypes from the 1000 Genomes Project. Finally, we introduce a novel approximation that maintains speed without sacrificing imputation accuracy for rare variants

Whole-genome sequence-based analysis of thyroid function

Tiina Paunio on työryhmän UK10K Consortium jäsen.Normal thyroid function is essential for health, but its genetic architecture remains poorly understood. Here, for the heritable thyroid traits thyrotropin (TSH) and free thyroxine (FT4), we analyse whole-genome sequence data from the UK10K project (N = 2,287). Using additional whole-genome sequence and deeply imputed data sets, we report meta-analysis results for common variants (MAF >= 1%) associated with TSH and FT4 (N = 16,335). For TSH, we identify a novel variant in SYN2 (MAF = 23.5%, P = 6.15 x 10(-9)) and a new independent variant in PDE8B (MAF = 10.4%, P = 5.94 x 10(-14)). For FT4, we report a low-frequency variant near B4GALT6/ SLC25A52 (MAF = 3.2%, P = 1.27 x 10(-9)) tagging a rare TTR variant (MAF = 0.4%, P = 2.14 x 10(-11)). All common variants explain >= 20% of the variance in TSH and FT4. Analysis of rare variants (MAFPeer reviewe

Bi-allelic Loss-of-Function CACNA1B Mutations in Progressive Epilepsy-Dyskinesia.

The occurrence of non-epileptic hyperkinetic movements in the context of developmental epileptic encephalopathies is an increasingly recognized phenomenon. Identification of causative mutations provides an important insight into common pathogenic mechanisms that cause both seizures and abnormal motor control. We report bi-allelic loss-of-function CACNA1B variants in six children from three unrelated families whose affected members present with a complex and progressive neurological syndrome. All affected individuals presented with epileptic encephalopathy, severe neurodevelopmental delay (often with regression), and a hyperkinetic movement disorder. Additional neurological features included postnatal microcephaly and hypotonia. Five children died in childhood or adolescence (mean age of death: 9 years), mainly as a result of secondary respiratory complications. CACNA1B encodes the pore-forming subunit of the pre-synaptic neuronal voltage-gated calcium channel Cav2.2/N-type, crucial for SNARE-mediated neurotransmission, particularly in the early postnatal period. Bi-allelic loss-of-function variants in CACNA1B are predicted to cause disruption of Ca2+ influx, leading to impaired synaptic neurotransmission. The resultant effect on neuronal function is likely to be important in the development of involuntary movements and epilepsy. Overall, our findings provide further evidence for the key role of Cav2.2 in normal human neurodevelopment.MAK is funded by an NIHR Research Professorship and receives funding from the Wellcome Trust, Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital Charity, and Rosetrees Trust. E.M. received funding from the Rosetrees Trust (CD-A53) and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity. K.G. received funding from Temple Street Foundation. A.M. is funded by Great Ormond Street Hospital, the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and Biomedical Research Centre. F.L.R. and D.G. are funded by Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre. K.C. and A.S.J. are funded by NIHR Bioresource for Rare Diseases. The DDD Study presents independent research commissioned by the Health Innovation Challenge Fund (grant number HICF-1009-003), a parallel funding partnership between the Wellcome Trust and the Department of Health, and the Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute (grant number WT098051). We acknowledge support from the UK Department of Health via the NIHR comprehensive Biomedical Research Centre award to Guy's and St. Thomas' National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust in partnership with King's College London. This research was also supported by the NIHR Great Ormond Street Hospital Biomedical Research Centre. J.H.C. is in receipt of an NIHR Senior Investigator Award. The research team acknowledges the support of the NIHR through the Comprehensive Clinical Research Network. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR, Department of Health, or Wellcome Trust. E.R.M. acknowledges support from NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, an NIHR Senior Investigator Award, and the University of Cambridge has received salary support in respect of E.R.M. from the NHS in the East of England through the Clinical Academic Reserve. I.E.S. is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (Program Grant and Practitioner Fellowship)