Reports/Presentations  Abstract  Introduction (not literature review) –Introduction: An organized foundation. –Literature Review: A chronological summary.  Methods (Theoretical and Experimental)  Results  Discussion  Conclusion (not summary) –Summary: repetition of main points –Conclusions: derived from the points

Abstract One to two sentences on each of the 5 key elements.  Introduction – why is it important?  Methods – how did you address it?  Results – what did you find out?  Discussion – what do the results mean?  Conclusions – what has been discovered that is fundamental and new?

Example Abstract A recently developed method for surface modification, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, has been applied to silicone, and its ability to encourage endo- thelial cell growth and control cell growth patterns has been examined. The surfaces studied consisted of a precursor, with alternating cationic poly- (ethyleneimine) (PEI) and anionic sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) layers followed by alternating gelatin and poly-D-lysine (PDL) layers. Film growth increased linearly with the number of layers. Each PSS/PEI bilayer was 3 nm thick, and each gelatin/PDL bilayer was 5 nm thick. All layers were more hydrophilic than the unmodified silicone rubber surface, as determined from contact angle measurements. Contact angle was primarily dictated by the outermost layer. Of the coatings studied, gelatin was the most hydro- philic. A film of (PSS/PEI)4/(Gelatin/PDL)4/ Gelatin was highly favorable for cell adhesion and growth, in contrast to films of (PSS/PEI)8 or (PSS/PEI)8/ PSS. Cell growth patterns were successfully controlled by selective dep- osition of micro-spheres on silicone rubber, using microcontact printing with a silicone stamp. Cell adhesion was confined to the region of microsphere deposition. These results demonstrate that the LbL selfassembly technique provides a general approach to coat and selectively deposit films with nano- meter thickness on silicone rubber. Furthermore, they show that this method is a viable technique for controlling cell-ular adhesion and growth. (Ai et al., "Coating and selective deposition of nanofilm on silicone rubber for cell adhesion and growth," Cell Biochem & Biophys, 38: , 2003).

Example Abstract (Continued) Introduction: A recently developed method for surface modification, layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly, has been applied to silicone, and its ability to encourage endothelial cell growth and control cell growth patterns has been examined. Methods: The surfaces studied consisted of a precursor, with alternating cationic poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) and anionic sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) layers followed by alternating gelatin and poly-D-lysine (PDL) layers.

Example Abstract (Continued) Results: Film growth increased linearly with the number of layers. Each PSS/PEI bilayer was 3 nm thick, and each gelatin/ PDL bilayer was 5 nm thick. All layers were more hydrophilic than the unmodified silicone rubber surface, as determined from contact angle measurements. Contact angle was primarily dictated by the outermost layer. Of the coatings studied, gelatin was the most hydrophilic. A film of (PSS/PEI) 4 / (Gelatin/PDL) 4 /Gelatin was highly favorable for cell adhesion and growth, in contrast to films of (PSS/PEI) 8 or (PSS/PEI) 8 / PSS. Cell growth patterns were successfully controlled by selective deposition of microspheres on silicone rubber, using microcontact printing with a silicone stamp. Cell adhesion was confined to the region of microsphere deposition.

Example Abstract (Continued) Discussion: These results demonstrate that the LbL self- assembly technique provides a general approach to coat and selectively deposit films with nanometer thickness on silicone rubber. Conclusion: … this method is a viable technique for controlling cellular adhesion and growth.

Introduction Introduction (not literature review)  An Introduction is  An organized foundation.  Why it was necessary to do the work.  What was done and (briefly) how.  A Literature Review is  A chronological summary.  A happened, then B happened, then C happened (yawn).  The reason grammar school students hate History.  Depends on results.  Anticipate what will be discovered.  Teaser: will be revisited in the discussion.

Methods  May be experimental or theoretical.  Reference methods that are taken from other sources.  Tried and true methods require less detail.  Must carefully document variations from canonical methods.

Results Will contain most of the graphs. Must include description of graphs. Must include major points deduced from the graphs. Includes results of statistical tests. Favor graphs over tables.

Discussion Error Analysis Meaning of statistical tests Potential flaws with the methods Points not addressed Relationship to other literature

Summary and Conclusion(s)  Summary  Repetition of main points  Can be effective in setting up conclusions  Conclusions  Derived from the points  Drives all sections of the presentation

Rules of Thumb bulleted topics per slide  Large, sans serif fonts (F vs F )  Simple layout and graphics  Minimum number of words  Favor pictures and graphs over words