Begin with the article citation in the format given on page 3 of the literature review handout. Type the abstract double spaced and do NOT exceed one page.
The purpose of this exercise is to get you to understand a primary literature article and to develop scientific writing abilities. Do NOT borrow wording. Do NOT paraphrase from the article. Do NOT use quotations. Do NOT give introductory or conclusion comments. Just tell what was done and what was found and do so as succinctly as possible.
BEING SUCCINCT:
Poor = The main objective of this study was for the authors to examine the possible existence of a relationship of CD59 occurrence in HIV-1 envelopes and a possible resistance to complement lysis. This was accomplished using an ELISA test.
Succinct = The relationship between CD59 occurrence in HIV-1 envelopes and susceptibility to complement lysis was determined using ELISA.
See the "More on writing" section of the literature review handout.
Write in the PAST TENSE. You are reporting on previous literature, not on current findings contained in that literature.
Link the method with the result. This was done to determine that. This was found. Simply fill in what "this" and "that" were.
EXAMPLE = PCR was used to prepare c-DNA coding for two cystine to lysine substitutions in the C-terminal domain of the CD4 protein. The pGEX-4T1 cloning vector was used to transform and obtain stable sub-clones of Jurkat cells that displayed these mutated CD4 markers. The cells were compared with non-mutated control cells using fluorescence microscopy to determine whether the cystine containing domain of CD4 was responsible for the zinc ion mediated formation of the CD4-p56lyk complex formation leading to signal transduction for T-cell activation. It was determined that the mutated CD4 did not form these complexes regardless of the zinc concentration.
Note the consistent use of past tense. Use your own wording. If you do not understand the methods (after thorough investigation on your part) see T. Budd for help.
Submit you abstract electronically as a Microsoft Word file attached to an E-mail message to tbudd@stlawu.edu by the indicated deadline.