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For reasons already explained, I'm not going to waste time with close-minded argument here.  If you agree that it's unscientific for others to repeat as true an unverified claim based on concealed data, then clearly say so.  Otherwise, it's a futile exercise.  Anyone at any time could make an unverified claim based on concealed data, and people could be found to defend it.  Only fools would try to reason with them.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 14:17, 20 June 2008 (EDT)
 
For reasons already explained, I'm not going to waste time with close-minded argument here.  If you agree that it's unscientific for others to repeat as true an unverified claim based on concealed data, then clearly say so.  Otherwise, it's a futile exercise.  Anyone at any time could make an unverified claim based on concealed data, and people could be found to defend it.  Only fools would try to reason with them.--[[User:Aschlafly|Aschlafly]] 14:17, 20 June 2008 (EDT)
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: If you are referring to me, please show where I have been close-minded. Sure I agree that "it's unscientific for others to repeat as true an unverified claim based on concealed data", but I am asking whether that is the case here. I ask repeatedly about what data have been concealed, and no one, particularly you, responds. There are two claims made in the paper: that a strain of E. colii evolved the ability to utilize citrate, and that the strain first had a mutation which while it did not allow the utilization of citrate, in some fashion potentiated the later mutation. The first claim is supported by the optical density data in figure 1. I contend that that is direct data and there is no associated raw data to look at, and that the ability to utilize citrate is clearly shown by the data provided.
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: The second claim is demonstrated by repeat experiments using stored samples. In some cases, the ability to utilize citrate evolved, in some cases not. They report on the strains used, how often the ability evolved, etc. I again do not see what data are not being supplied. All I am asking from you is to explain what data you believe is available to the researches that would be relevant in evaluating their results which is not in the paper. I do not see what is unreasonable about that request.
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: Lenski said in his letter to you that all the relevant data was in the paper. From my reading, that seems to be true. I am of course open to an argument that something additional needs to be revealed but I would like to understand what that additional something is, and no one, specifically not you, has said.
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: Now perhaps you are suggesting that the data reported in the paper is not the actual data collected (whether accidentally or intentionally mistranscribed, or whatever). If that is what you are saying is possible, please say so explicitly so we can understand your point, and also say how you would like the matter resolved (xeroxes of lab books? Computer backup tapes? what?)
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: I would just like to understand what people think has not been revealed. I do not see why asking that question indicates a closed mind or any such thing. -divaricatum 11:30 June 20 2008 (PDT)
    
==Note re. article==
 
==Note re. article==
 
As an aside, I' wonder if someone couldn't place some information at the head of the article here?  At present, the article simply starts into a "first letter" to "a Prof. Lenski".  The article should have a little setup to introduce readers to what on Earth it's all about.  There is no reference in the article to the rest of the debate, basically.  Just an FYI.  [[User:StatsFan|StatsFan]] 13:17, 20 June 2008 (EDT)
 
As an aside, I' wonder if someone couldn't place some information at the head of the article here?  At present, the article simply starts into a "first letter" to "a Prof. Lenski".  The article should have a little setup to introduce readers to what on Earth it's all about.  There is no reference in the article to the rest of the debate, basically.  Just an FYI.  [[User:StatsFan|StatsFan]] 13:17, 20 June 2008 (EDT)

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