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Conceptualizing Spirituality and Religion as Psychological Processes: Validation of the Factor Structure of the BMMRS
Get PDFThis study validated previous principal component analyses of the Brief Multidimensional Measure of Religiousness/Spirituality (BMMRS) that have been conducted with persons with diverse medical conditions and traumatic brain injuries from diverse cultures (India, US), ethnicities (African American, Caucasian, South Asian), and religions (Christian, Hindu, Muslim). Participants included 398 healthy undergraduate students who completed the BMMRS online. A principal components factor analysis identified a five factor solution accounting for 64.00% of the variance in scores, labelled as: (1) Positive Spiritual Experience; (2) Negative Spiritual Experience/Congregational Support; (3) Forgiveness; (4) Religious Practices; and (5) Positive Congregational Support. The current analysis is supportive of a conceptual framework in which the BMMRS spiritual and religious variables are best conceptualised in terms of positive/negative psychological processes including: (a) emotional connection with the divine (i.e., spirituality); (b) behavioural rituals/beliefs (i.e., religiosity); and (c) social support (i.e., congregationally based). Implications for psychoneuroimmunological research are discussed
Resilience, Resistance and Revival in 20th-Century Yoruba Art
Get PDFKruizenga Art Museum, Hope College Catalog for exhibition: “Resilience, Resistance and Revival in 20th-Century Yoruba Art”. Exhibition dates: January 17—May 16, 2020. Charles Mason, author; Andie Near, photographer, designer; Lisa Barney, editor; Cecilia O’Brien ‘21, typographer.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_catalogs/1003/thumbnail.jp
The Effect of Electrolytic Lesions of Superior Colliculus on Circadian Rhythms and Anxiety-like Behavior in Rats
Get PDFCircadian rhythms are physiological oscillations that allow organisms to maintain homeostasis. Circadian disruption can lead to negative health implications such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, depression, and even cancer. (AASM, 2005; Shields, 2002). Several brain structures modulate circadian rhythms, including the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), and the intergeniculate leaflet (IGL), but very little is known about the role of the superior colliculus (SC). Here, we focused on how the SC modulates circadian rhythms and anxiety-like behaviors in diurnal species. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (N = 18) were used in this study; nine rats experienced electrolytic lesions of the SC, while nine rats were controls. We then performed behavioral tests, including the open field test (OFT), elevated plus maze (EPM), sociability test, and light-dark box (LD box). Moreover, we assessed animals’ circadian rhythms by tracking their activity with infrared sensors under various lighting conditions. Our results show that in the EPM, the lesioned rats demonstrated significantly greater risk taking behavior, evidenced by the rats’ higher latency to enter the closed arm (p=.014). Moreover, animals with SC lesions spent significantly less time in the light portion of the LD box than the sham lesion group (p=.041). The data can exclude the possibility of anxiety-like behaviour, given that non-significant results were found in the OFT (p\u3e.05). Moreover, we found a non-significant difference in social interactions between the SC lesion group and and shams (p\u3e.05). Our results suggest that the SC is thus involved in modulating risk-taking ability of animals throughout the day, as well as leading to a disruption in regulating behavior to light. Therefore, the SC may be one of the main regulators of visual activity (through the modulation of sensitivity to light), suggesting that the SC may thus be a fundamental circadian rhythm-regulator
Rhodium-Catalyzed Carbon-Carbon Bond Activation Utilizing Removable Amide Directing Groups
Get PDFCarbon-carbon bonds are known for their relative stability. Past research has shown that certain metal catalysts are capable of breaking carbon-carbon bonds when a chelating directing group is present in the molecule. Methods involved in carbon-carbon bond activation could be greatly expanded through the use of removable directing groups.
This work employs amides as removable directing groups. These rhodium-catalyzed reactions involve successful C–C bond activation of the amides followed by coupling with a variety of substrates including Michael acceptors, alkenes, and boronic acids. Ongoing studies are required to optimize the reaction, to explore the substrate scope, and to determine the mechanism
Inorganic Chemistry Faculty Value Student-Centered Learning, but Time Constraints and Student Evaluations Discourage Change
Get PDFImproving student success in chemistry requires faculty change, but change is hard. The Interactive Online Network of Inorganic Chemists (IONiC) is a community of practice (CoP) that offers teaching resources for inorganic chemistry faculty. We are studying the ways in which CoPs can promote faculty change. IONiC is supporting twenty inorganic chemistry faculty in implementing effective teaching methods into their foundation-level inorganic chemistry courses. In order to better understand how faculty make decisions about teaching, these faculty were interviewed about their teaching beliefs, approaches, and dissatisfactions. The interview data were coded via thematic content analysis and have shown that inorganic chemistry faculty are aware of the benefits of student-centered learning, but time constraints and student evaluations discourage teaching reform
The Influence of HSV-1 Infection on Circadian Rhythms and Behavior in Mice
Get PDFHerpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) infection is a lifelong viral infection that affects approximately half of the human population (McQuillan et al., 2018), yet little is known about its neurological effects. There is correlational evidence that infection with HSV-1 can induce cognitive decline and increased anxiety behaviors (Harris & Harris, 2015; Steel & Eslick, 2015; Tarter, Simanek, Dowd, & Aiello, 2014). In addition, HSV-1 may be associated with disruptions to circadian rhythms because HSV-1 is associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (Bond & Dinan, 2006), the time of HSV-1 infection impacts the viral replication (Edgar, 2016), and HSV impacts CLOCK machinery (Zhuang et al., 2017). Despite all of these associations of HSV-1 mediated neurological changes, a direct cause-effect relationship has yet to be established. This gap is vital to address in order to understand how viral infections impact behavior.
In the current study, we examined causal relationships between HSV-1 infection and anxiety-like behaviors, and between HSV-1 infection and circadian rhythms. To achieve these aims, 20 BALB/c mice were infected with HSV-1 or vehicle via corneal scarification. Then, in various lighting conditions, infrared sensors tracked activity in order to non-invasively measure circadian rhythms. Next, potential differences in anxiety-levels were examined through behavioral testing (i.e., open field test, elevated zero maze, light-dark box). After behavioral testing, the animals were sacrificed and brain tissue was harvested.
We hypothesized that adult mice infected with HSV-1 would exhibit increased anxiety-like behaviors and disrupted circadian rhythms as compared to control mice. Preliminary data suggest that the groups did not significantly differ in total activity during the pre-inoculation phase. There were short-term (one week post inoculation) significant decreases in activity in the HSV-1 group; however, these differences disappeared by four weeks post inoculation.
These results will have important implications for understanding viral infections, specifically HSV-1, and how these infections impact anxiety-like behaviors and circadian rhythmicity
TreeSap for iOS
Get PDFTreeSap was built to allow nature enthusiasts to identify and understand the value of trees throughout the Holland, Michigan area. Using data collected by Hope College and the City of Holland, users can identify trees via their current location, manual coordinate entry, map, and QR code. Additionally, users can add their own trees to the database and have their trees reviewed and approved by trusted curators
Doping Strategies for Small Molecule Organic Hole-transport Materials: Impacts on Perovskite Solar Cell Performance and Stability
Get PDFHybrid organic/inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have dramatically changed the landscape of the solar research community over the past decade, but \u3e25 year stability is likely required if they are to make the same impact in commercial photovoltaics and power generation more broadly. While every layer of a PSC has been shown to impact its durability in power output, the hole-transport layer (HTL) is critical for several reasons: (1) it is in direct contact with the perovskite layer, (2) it often contains mobile ions, like Li+ – which in this case are hygroscopic, and (3) it usually has the lowest thermal stability of all layers in the stack. Therefore, HTL engineering is one method with a high return on investment for PSC stability and lifetime. Research has progressed in understanding design rules for small organic molecule hole-transport materials, yet, when implemented into devices, the same dopants, bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide lithium salt (LiTFSI) and tris(2-(1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-tert-butylpyridine)cobalt(III) tri[bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonimide] (FK209), are nearly always required for improved charge-transport properties (e.g., increased hole mobility and conductivity). The dopants are notable because they too have been shown to negatively impact PSC stability and lifetime. In response, new research has targeted alternative dopants to bypass these negative effects and provide greater functionality. In this review, we focus on dopant fundamentals, alternative doping strategies for organic small molecule HTL in PSC, and imminent research needs with regard to dopant development for the realization of reliable, long-lasting electricity generation via PSCs
Reactions at Noble Metal Contacts with Methylammonium Lead Triiodide Perovskites: Role of Underpotential Deposition and Electrochemistry
Get PDFChemical reactivity of halide perovskites coupled with a low energy of formation makes it a challenge to characterize material properties and achieve long-term device stability. In this study, we elucidate electrochemical reactions occurring at the methylammonium lead triiodide (MAPbI3)/Au interface. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy is used to identify a type of reduction/oxidation reaction termed underpotential deposition (UPD) involving lead, iodine, and hydrogen occurring at interfaces with noble metals. Changes in surface compositions and oxidation states suggest that UPD derived adsorbates at MAPbI3/Au interfaces lower the energy barrier for release of volatile HI and/or I2catalyzing degradation at exposed contacts. Additionally, comparison to PbI2/Au interfaces demonstrates that the presence of methylammonium/methylamine accelerates the formation of a Pb0 adlayer on the Au. Reactions involving UPD Pb0 can transform the typically anodic (hole collecting) Au to a cathode in a photovoltaic measurement. Cyclic voltammetry reveals electrochemical reaction peaks in indium tin oxide (ITO)/MAPbI3/Au devices occurring within voltage ranges commonly used for perovskite characterization. The electrochemical stability window of this device architecture is measured to be between−0.5 V and 0.9 V. Voltage induced interfacial reactions contribute to reversible electrochemical peaks, hysteresis, switchable perovskite diode polarity, and permanent degradation at larger voltages. These types of surface reactions alter the interface/interphase composition beyond ion accumulation, provide a source for the diffusion of defects, and contribute to electrode material dependent current-voltage hysteresis. Moreover, the results imply fundamental limitations to achieving high device stability with noble metals and/or methylammonium containing perovskites
Deities and Devotion in Mongolian Buddhist Art / Capturing Light: The Art of Shin Sawano, A Tradition for the Future of Japan
Get PDFA poster for the museum\u27s Fall 2019 reception featuring two exhibitions: Deities and Devotion in Mongolian Buddhist Art held August 30-December 14, 2019, and Capturing Light: The Art of Shin Sawano, A Tradition for the Future of Japan held August 30-October 26, 2019.https://digitalcommons.hope.edu/kam_poster/1008/thumbnail.jp