Relationship between Progress of Retarded Subjects in an Experimental Program and Selected Individual Characteristics

The general purpose of the present study was to ascertain if particular characteristics of mentally retarded children are associated with progress in terms of intellectual and social competence traits after inclusion in an experimental therapeutic program such as the Foster Grandparent Project

An evaluation of a research experience for teachers in nanotechnology

This study involves the evaluation of the second implementation of a Research Experiences for Teacher Advancement In Nanotechnology (RETAIN) program offered at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI). RETAIN represents a professional development model for providing high school teachers with laboratory research experiences in nanoscience and related content areas. In this intensive summer program, teachers spend six weeks conducting nanotechnology-related research in an IUPUI lab. As part of the RETAIN program, teachers complete six credit hours of coursework, wherein they translate their research experiences into the design of classroom modules. Teachers are expected to then implement their modules within their own classrooms during the subsequent academic year. This evaluation focuses on teachers' experiences in IUPUI labs during the summer of 2016, along with three teachers' implementation of nanotechnology labs within their courses during the 2016-2017 school year. To evaluate RETAIN, we explored teacher satisfaction, changes in teachers' content knowledge and nanotechnology perceptions, as well as changes in teachers' epistemological beliefs. Further, we explored the impact of the three teachers' module integration on their students' STEM attitudes and nanotechnology perceptions. The findings indicated that teachers were generally satisfied with the research and course experiences. Further, as a result of RETAIN participation, teachers showed increased nanotechnology content knowledge and knowledge of nanotechnology-related careers. Lastly, three teachers' integration of nanotechnology modules indicated that their students had significantly improved perceptions of nanotechnology's potential coupled with more knowledge of nanotechnology-related careers. The paper concludes with considerations of the quantitative findings in light of teachers' written reflections and author observations of teacher module integration in their classrooms

Research Models with Dissemination Activities for Research Experience for Teachers (RET)

Faculty members and staff from the Schools of Engineering & Technology, Science, and Education at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), have developed a model to provide research experience for high school teachers. In this intensive 8 week program, teachers spend 6 weeks in the summer conducting research, and two weeks designing classroom modules based upon their research experience to implement during the academic year

Collaborative Research from the Center for Membrane Biosciences

poster abstractThe Center for Membrane Biosciences has been facilitating new research activities between the IUPUI School of Science and IU School of Medicine in the structure, biochemistry, and physiology of biological membranes. Results from two projects resulting from these collaborations are presented. Project 1: Ceramides are sphingolipids involved in the development of lung alveolar cell apoptosis (programmed death) and possibly in the clearance of apoptotic cells by alveolar macrophages. We use a combination of molecular and cellular methods to determine the effect of ceramides on the ability of alveolar macrophages to engulf apoptotic cells. Engulfment experiments of labeled apoptotic Jurkat cells were performed with rat alveolar macrophages (AM) obtained via bronchoalveolar lavage. AM were treated with various ceramide species and efferocytosis was quantified by flow cytometry. Using small-angle X-ray scattering and solid state 2H NMR we determined how ceramides (C6:0, C18:1) affect the molecular organization and the physical properties of model membranes. These studies can lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for apoptotic cell clearance. If the clearance process is impaired, apoptotic cells may progress to secondary necrosis, resulting in release of harmful cellular contents and tissue inflammation. Project 2: Highly-photostable quantum dots (QD) conjugated to lipids or antibodies can be utilized to explore changes in compartmentalization of the plasma membrane due to hyperinsulinemia using wide field single molecule fluorescence microscopy. Protocols describing the bio-inertness and monovalent binding of QDs to antibodies are outlined, as well as use of confocal fluorescence correlation spectroscopy to determine colloidal stability of CdSe/ZnS QDs in aqueous solution. Tracking experiments on QD-conjugated to transferrin receptors in healthy and insulin-resistant adipocytes detect changes in membrane compartmentalization. The impact of chromium picolinate on receptor mobility was also investigated