Purification and characterization of Taq polymerase: A 9-week biochemistry laboratory project for undergraduate students

We have developed a 9-week undergraduate laboratory series focused on the purification and characterization of Thermus aquaticus DNA polymerase (Taq). Our aim was to provide undergraduate biochemistry students with a full-semester continuing project simulating a research-like experience, while having each week\u27s procedure focus on a single learning goal. The laboratory series has been taught for the past 7 years, and survey-based assessment of the effectiveness of the laboratory series was completed during the 2006 and 2007 fall semesters. Statistical analysis of the survey results demonstrate that the laboratory series is very effective in teaching students the theory and practice of protein purification and analysis while also demonstrating positive results in more broad areas of scientific skill and knowledge. Amongst the findings, the largest reported increases in knowledge were related to students\u27 understanding of how patent law relates to laboratory science, a topic of great importance to modern researchers that is readily discussed in relation to Taq polymerase. Overall, this laboratory series proves to be a very effective component in the curricula of undergraduate biology and chemistry majors and may be an appropriate laboratory experience for undergraduates. © 2010 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Principal Leadership in a Virtual Environment

Commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, which supports efforts to promote effective school leadership, this report sets out to define what high-quality, equitable learning looks like in a virtual environment. It poses questions for school district leaders to ask if they want to develop principals who can lead their schools to this type of learning. It also describes strategies for districts to consider in efforts to develop a whole pipeline of principals adept at high-quality, equitable virtual learning—using a definition of an "aligned, comprehensive principal pipeline" that emerged through research and field work funded by The Wallace Foundation. The report is based on an examination of research literature supplemented by interviews with 11 principals and administrators knowledgeable about virtual learning. It also draws on Digital Promise's experience in working with schools and school districts. The final chapter looks at topics that merit further exploration in the areas of virtual learning, equity, and school leadership

Correlates of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Young Adults with Spina Bifida *

Objective Based on social ecological theory, this study was designed to examine the unique relationships between multi-level ecological factors and psychological symptoms in young adults with spina bifida (SB). Method A sample of 61 individuals with SB, 18–25 years of age, completed standardized self-report measures of attitude toward SB, satisfaction with family functioning, Chronic Care Model (CCM) services, and depressive and anxiety symptoms. A chart review yielded SB clinical data. Results High rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms were found. Hierarchical regression analysis identified the proximal individual (attitude toward SB) and family (satisfaction with family functioning) factors as more strongly related to depressive symptoms than the distal healthcare system factor (CCM services). Self-reported pain was the only ecological factor associated with anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Study findings provide a potential foundation for multi-factor screening of young adults with SB at risk for psychological symptoms

Examination of an Ecological Model of Adjustment for Adolescent Siblings of Youth with Spina Bifida

While much research has focused on the psychosocial health of youth with spina bifida and their parents, less is known about the sibling experience. This cross-sectional mixed method study tested an ecological model of adjustment for adolescent siblings using self-report surveys. Convenience sampling methods were used to recruit 224 families from the Spina Bifida Association of America and three spina bifida clinic sites. The central hypotheses evaluated whether a set of ecological variables (stress appraisal, satisfaction with family functioning, warmth and conflict in the sibling relationship, and peer support) predicted sibling self-concept, prosocial behavior, and behavior difficulties, after controlling for spina bifida severity, length of time having a brother/sister with spina bifida, and sibling age. A potential moderating influence of sibling gender and birth order was also examined. A qualitative component was included to ascertain whether the variables included in the ecological model captured those concepts reported as salient by the siblings. Hierarchical regression equations tested the central hypotheses. Content analysis was performed on the qualitative data, with journaling and an external auditor used to enhance rigor.The ecological model explained a significant amount of variance in sibling self-concept, prosocial behavior, and behavior difficulties. Significant individual risk and protective factors were observed at several layers of sibling life, and there were divergent predictors of self-concept and behavior. Birth order emerged as an important moderating variable in several regression equations. The qualitative analysis revealed five major domains and twenty-one themes capturing the lived experience of siblings. Their stories reflected overall acceptance for the omnipresence of spina bifida, though ongoing difficulties such as jealousy, embarrassment, and guilt were evident, particularly for those participants in early adolescence. The journey toward acceptance of spina bifida was one marked by intense, and at times conflicted, emotions. Findings from this research suggest family-centered care may be enhanced by clarifying and supporting sibling perception of the impact of spina bifida, promoting a healthy family milieu characterized by communication sharing, growth opportunities, and positive sibling interactions, and encouraging opportunities for peer socialization

Child Attributions Mediate Relationships Between Violence Exposure and Trauma Symptomology

Violence and trauma exposure have been increasingly investigated as contributing to a range of negative outcomes in child physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and psychological functioning, particularly among youth who are racial/ethnic minorities. This study presents findings related to children's attributions of their violence and trauma exposure. Attributions are inferences made about the cause of an event, situation, or action, with internal, stable, and global attributions most likely to lead to negative psychological outcomes. Data were drawn from an on-going clinical intervention study with families at risk for child maltreatment and/or neglect residing in a large metropolitan city on the East Coast. Mediation models provide evidence for a mediated relationship between violence exposure and PTSD through child attribution. Children develop their definitions of violence, formulate reasons why the violence occurs, and react to violence based on interpreting and developing cognitive attributions and schema about their experiences with violence in order to adaptively cope