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Sickly Saints: Religion as a Source of Hope through the Stages of Grief
Get PDFWith the objective of understanding why some people turn to religion–specifically Christianity–in the face of hardship, mortality, and grief, I examined the writings and wrestlings of three Spanish Catholic mystics of the 15th and 16th centuries: Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross, and Sister Teresa of Cartagena. Using the model of psychiatrist Elizabeth Kübler-Ross, who proposed that most people follow a similar path through grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance, the writings of the abovementioned mystics can be interpreted as their way of processing grief on the journey to acceptance. Through each stage of the model of grief, Kübler-Ross also proposes that there lies an underlying foundation of hope. The writings of Saint Teresa of Ávila, Saint John of the Cross, and Sister Teresa of Cartagena reveal that as each mystic wrestled through the stages of grief, their love for God served as the underlying hope that led them to a final stage of acceptance
The Home-Concept: A Descriptive Analysis of Schemas for the Home
Get PDFThroughout history, one\u27s home has had great significance, typically viewed as the prototypical place (Lewicka, 2010a, p. 211). Homes help fulfill many needs in the lives of their occupants, including self-expression (Gosling et al., 2002), feelings of safety and control (Smith, 1994), among others. Even so, psychological research on the topic of home is relatively minimal (Graham et al., 2015; Meagher, 2020).
To evaluate what concepts people most associate with their home, we employed an adapted version of the Twenty-Statements Test (Kuhn & McPartland, 1954; Rees & Nicholson, 2004) that asked participants to respond to the statement My Home is…. to assess the frequency of particular types of schemas. Specifically, how commonly abstract, psychological terms are used to describe the home relative to physical or objective features.
We collected data from 204 participants from around the U.S. through the online platform Prolific and coded participant responses using the following codes: (1) Location (e.g., next to a park), (2) Activity (e.g., where I sleep), (3) Possessive (e.g., mine), (4) Financial (e.g., expensive), (5) Occupant (e.g., where my dog lives), (6) Objective Physical Descriptor (e.g., brick), (7) Subjective Physical Descriptor (e.g., dark), (8) Evaluative (e.g., good), and (8) Abstract Descriptor (e.g., safe). The most common responses were physical descriptors, either objectively (15.6%) or subjectively (26.6%), followed closely by Abstract Descriptors (37.4%).
In addition to our descriptive analysis, we will also perform an exploratory analysis to test if any differences emerge in the types of home schemas people use, based on: home ownership (owning, renting), gender, and location (urban, suburban, rural). This study will improve our understanding of the common cognitive associations people have about their homes by revealing the schemas most prevalent in this fundamental person-place relationship
Modeling Dopaminergic Loss in the Zebrafish Olfactory System
Get PDFZebrafish provide an ideal model to study neurodegenerative diseases and regenerative processes as they present neurogenesis and a high degree of neuroplasticity throughout their lifespan. It has been suggested that dopamine has an important role in regulating olfaction. We aimed to study the structural and functional effects of dopaminergic loss in the olfactory system. We injected 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) int the ventricular zone of adult zebrafish at the interphase between the olfactory bulbs and the telencephalon to target dopaminergic neurons in the olfactory bulb.Then, we assessed dopaminergic neural loss, markers of inflammation, morphological changes of olfactory axons, and synaptic connections. Olfactory function was evaluated using behavioral assays. 6OHDA injections cause an increase in apoptosis (TUNEL) in the olfactory bulb as well as a significant loss of dopaminergic neurons (TH) at 1- and 3- days post injection (dpi), confirming the success of our approach. Morphological changes in the olfactory glomeruli were discovered by differences in the distribution of the presynaptic marker, SV2. Astroglial activation (GFAP) and cell proliferation (PCNA) were also increased. Furthermore, we found disturbances in olfactory-mediated behavior that suggest olfactory functional alterations. Further studies will explore the relationship between olfactory function, dopaminergic neurons, and the adverse effects of 6-OHDA
Examining the Validity of the Polar Grit X Pro and Two Step Tests in Predicting VO2max
Get PDFSmartwatches and submaximal tests, such as step tests, are utilized to predict maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). The Polar Grit X Pro watch claims to predict VO2max via its Fitness Test Function (FTF). However, this watch and its FTF have not been validated. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Polar Grit X Pro watch, the Queens College Step Test, and the Forestry Step Test accurately predict VO2max in experienced runners aged 18-22 (n=15). Participants included 7 males (20.29 ± 1.11 years) and 8 females (19.63 ± 1.06 years). All participants performed a graded maximal treadmill test, two submaximal step tests, and the Polar Fitness Test. It was hypothesized that all tests would be valid predictors of VO2max. Data were analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance with a Bonferroni adjustment along with a Pearson\u27s correlation. Results indicated that the Polar Grit X Pro watch (57.67 ± 7.86 ml/kg/min) was not a valid predictor of VO2max across the entire population’s true VO2max (47.15 ± 4.06 ml/kg/min, p = 0.001). However, the Polar watch was a valid predictor of VO2max in females (52.875± 6.47 ml/kg/min, p = 0.166) when compared to the criterion measure (45.7 ± 3.3 ml/kg/min). Both step tests were valid predictors of VO2max in male and female experienced runners (p = 1.000). Therefore, female experienced runners could consider purchasing the Polar Grit X Pro to track cardiorespiratory fitness. Furthermore, both males and females could utilize either step test to predict VO2max. Future research is needed to determine if these results can be expanded to other populations and whether a clinical significance is present
My Mother\u27s Milk for Michigan Infants Data Web-Based Application Focus Group Feedback
Get PDFTo reach national expert recommendations of 6 months of exclusive human milk for infants, a multifactorial and interdisciplinary approach is needed to increase lactation outcomes. Mother\u27s Milk for Michigan Infants (MMMI), a nurse-led research team, developed MyMMMI Data, a bilingual (Spanish and English) encrypted web-based smartphone application. MyMMMI Data provides targeted enhanced lactation education; tracks participant-recorded feeding, pumping, diaper, and weight logs; and links participants to online resources. This study aimed to assess the visual appeal, usability, and helpfulness of MyMMMI Data to increase lactation duration. A convenience sample of 25 English (n=15) and Spanish-speaking (n=10) lactating parents (\u3c12 weeks postpartum) and lactation consultants were recruited to participate in an online focus group and complete a demographic survey. During focus groups, the team used a deliberative discussion approach and collected verbal and non-verbal responses while participants created accounts and interacted with MyMMMI Data. Focus group data was examined using a qualitative thematic analysis. Most participants were lactation providers (n=17, 65%) and college-educated (n=10, 58%) with a bachelor\u27s degree. The themes identified were organization, aesthetics, motivational features, account creation/maintenance, and resources. Participants liked the purpose, design, and logging features. Areas of concern were account creation and the tone and nuance of the Spanish translations. Recommendations such as timers and push notifications were specified. Feedback revealed that MyMMMI Data is appealing, simple to use, engaging, and educational, but creating an account and translation tone needs improving. Participants stated they would continue using or recommend MyMMMI Data. Limitations include self-reported data and participant fidelity. Focus groups helped refine this smartphone application to address technical, functional, and language issues. Application and Spanish-language revisions are underway. Although participants requested timers and push notifications, these features are incompatible with the current application platform
Object Lessons: Selected Gifts from the Kamansky-Wheaton Collection, 2014-2024
Get PDFKruizenga Art Museum, Hope College Catalog for the exhibition: Object Lessons: Selected Gifts from the Kamansky-Wheaton Collection, 2014-2024. Exhibition dates: June 4 – August 3, 2024. Text by Charles Mason. Photography by Andie Near and Alexandra Lewis. Design by Andie Near.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_catalogs/1006/thumbnail.jp
The Effects of Self-Selected and Pre-Selected Music on Acute Exercise Perceptions and Performance in Insufficiently Active College Students
Get PDFExtensive research has investigated the effects of music on exercise. Researchers suggest that music can improve athletic performance and promote positive perceptions of exercise. However, previous research has focused on athletes or recreationally active participants, and often compares the presence of music during exercise to a lack of music. This study aims to determine whether listening to self-selected preferred music versus pre-selected motivational music improves acute exercise performance and perception of exercise in sedentary college students. Ten individuals will complete baseline testing by following the YMCA cycling protocol. Each participant will then complete two subsequent trials in which they will cycle at a resistance corresponding to 85% of their Age-Predicted Maximum Heart Rate (APMHR) until exhaustion. In one of these testing trials the participants will listen to motivational music that has been selected for them, while in the other testing trial participants will listen to music of their choice. It is hypothesized that participants will have a longer time to exhaustion, a lower rating of perceived exertion, and a more positive perception of the exercise protocol during the preferred music condition compared to the motivational music condition. Time to exhaustion and time to 85% of APMHR will be analyzed using a dependent samples t-test. Rating of Perceived (RPE) will be analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and qualitative responses regarding exercise and music perceptions will be analyzed using thematic analysis. Final results will be presented at CURCA 2024 and could allow for the further development of recommendations for sedentary people to increase their enjoyment and regular participation in exercise in the future
β-decay Strength Function of 53Ni and 52Co
Get PDFThe p process is believed to be responsible for the formation of heavy proton-rich nuclei in the universe. This work deals with the decay of two nuclei that are part of the p process, 53Ni and 52Co. β+ decays for each isotope were recorded with the Summing NaI(Tl) detector at the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. A preliminary β-decay Intensity Function was derived with Total Absorption Spectroscopy. Total energy spectra, β-particle spectra, individual γ-energy spectra, and multiplicity spectra for the decay to levels in the child nucleus were modeled with GEANT4 based on information from the National Nuclear Data Center. The experimentally measured spectra, when fit with the simulated spectra, give the probability that a particular child level is populated during decay. Refined results, when compared to theory, will provide insight into the formation of p-nuclei elements
The Effect of Different Timing Schedules on Learning in Individuals With and Without ADHD
Get PDFBackground. Learning involves encoding and retaining information. Previous studies have investigated different methods that lead to the greatest learning. Two common methods are massing—studying one topic during one time period and spacing—interleaving topics and studying across multiple sessions. Massing may facilitate encoding (Carvalho & Goldstone, 2014, 2015), whereas spacing is the best route to retention (Cepeda et al., 2008). However, which of these methods is best for individuals with symptoms of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is untested.
Approach. We tested individuals with and without ADHD symptoms. We also included a novel timing schedule called clustering that combines aspects of spacing and massing. We predicted that all individuals, especially those with ADHD symptoms, would benefit most from clustering, which involves support for initial encoding— repetitions ( clusters )— and support for retention—spacing out of those clusters.
Method. Participants (n=84) learned the painting styles of unfamiliar artists on three training schedules—massed, spaced, and clustered—in a within-subjects design, with schedule order randomized (see Figure 1A). Participants were tested immediately following training (encoding) and on a subsequent day (retention; see Figure 1B). Individuals were classified into either ADHD or non-ADHD symptom groups using a validated six-item screener (ASRS [V1.1]; Kessler, 2005, 2007).
Results. Preliminary results revealed that training condition was a significant predictor of learning. Specifically, clustering and spacing resulted in equally greater encoding (ps \u3c .01) and retention (ps \u3c .001), compared to massing (see Figure 1C-D). Additionally, there was a marginal main effect of ADHD-symptom group; individuals with symptoms of ADHD exhibited marginally worse encoding (p = .087), but not retention (p = .222).
Discussion. These findings provide the first evidence of timing effects in individuals exhibiting ADHD symptoms. They also suggest that, because individuals typically do not space out their studying, it might be advisable to recommend clustered studying, where performance is just as good as spacing
Lysine 473 Regulates the Activity and Trafficking of the Cystine/Glutamate Transporter, System x\u3csub\u3ec\u3c/sub\u3e\u3csup\u3e-\u3c/sup\u3e
Get PDFSystem xc- is a membrane transport system that plays a critical role in mitigating oxidative stress. Past work in our lab has shown that System xc- localizes to the plasma membrane allowing for increased activity to support production of antioxidants during oxidative stress. In this study, we sought to determine if post-translational modification (PTM) of the transporter regulates its trafficking. A C-terminal 3KR mutant (K422,472,473R) exhibited decreased membrane localization and activity, suggesting that PTM at one of these sites increases activity. Further, we observed that K473R exhibits a 7 kD decrease in the molecular weight, indicating that K473 may be modified under basal conditions. We determined that this loss in molecular weight is not due to ubiquitination. In addition, we found that K473R exhibited complete loss of xCT activity and loss of membrane expression. K473Q, an acetylated lysine mimic, appears to lead to an intermediate molecular weight loss, an intermediate level of membrane expression, and complete loss of xCT activity. We are currently working to identify the PTMs that K473 acetylation might regulate. Regardless, these preliminary data suggest that acetylation at K473 could serve as a potential mechanism by which System xc- activity and trafficking is regulated