Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Waning immunity

2007-06-04T02:58:33Z

Apologetic:

'''Waning immunity''' describes the loss of protective [[antibodies]] over time. Infections and vaccines induce an immune reaction, part of which is a memory function, mostly contained in Memory B-Cells. When reexposed to the antigen in question, the B-Cells begin to reproduce and make antibodies to the antigen. In some cases, the memory function is more effective than in others. For instance, the tetanus vaccine's effectiveness wanes over time. Immunity to chickenpox acquired via natural infection probably lasts a lifetime, however this is less clear, as the virus persists in nerve roots indefinitely which may help maintain an immune response.
[[Category:Medicine]]

Talk:Gateway drug

2007-06-04T02:11:20Z

Apologetic: New page: Small edit, gateway drugs aren't always weaker, just either legal or somehow else socially acceptable. Tobacco is a strongly addictive drug, but legal, and makes a useful gateway drug. Sa...

Small edit, gateway drugs aren't always weaker, just either legal or somehow else socially acceptable. Tobacco is a strongly addictive drug, but legal, and makes a useful gateway drug. Same with alcohol.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 22:11, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

Gateway drug

2007-06-04T02:10:08Z

Apologetic:

A '''Gateway Drug''' is a more socially acceptable drug which "opens the gates" to stronger, more dangerous drugs. According to Drug Watch, The earlier children use the gateway drugs [[tobacco]] or [[alcohol]] or [[marijuana]], the more likely they are to move on to other drugs. Youth who drank alcohol were 50 times more likely to use [[cocaine]], and those who smoked tobacco cigarettes were 19 times as likely to use cocaine. Nearly 90% of cocaine users had smoked tobacco or drank alcohol or used marijuana first. The study, based on 30,000 [[American]] households, established a clear progression that began with use of the gateway drugs of alcohol, tobacco or marijuana and led to use of other drugs. [http://www.drugwatch.org/Alcohol%20&%20Tobacco_Gateway%20Drugs.htm]

User talk:Apologetic

2007-06-04T01:54:05Z

Apologetic:

Do not copy user pages from other Wikis, such as RW. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 20:43, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
:I'm sorry, i really meant to modify it once I saw if it would be accepted in general. Apologies : )[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 20:44, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

Your edit to [[Shark]] has a pro-evolution bias, and implies that users should look elsewhere for information. Please don't make any more edits like this. Also, I noticed you are editing from many different IPs. Is there a reason for that? ~ [[User:SharonS|Sharon]][[User talk:SharonS|Talk]] 21:08, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
:I don't know much about computers, and mine is through school. Anyway, I dont see how my edit is proevolutionary...i didn't give any evolution speculation, and I gave useful information about baraminology. Maybe you can edit it and re-add it appropriately.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 21:14, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
::I have decided to include the last two sentences of your edit. The first sentence, "Evolutionary classification is addressed elsewhere" suggests and evolutionary bias because it implies that users should go elsewhere to find more information, because Conservapedia's rejection of evolution is inadequate. ~ [[User:SharonS|Sharon]][[User talk:SharonS|Talk]] 21:44, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
:::Thank you.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 21:54, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

User talk:Apologetic

2007-06-04T01:14:14Z

Apologetic:

Shark

2007-06-04T01:03:39Z

Apologetic:

Sharks (suborder Odontoceti) are a large group of predatory cartilaginous fishes, including the largest fish species in the world, the [[Whale shark]]. As well as the familiar fierce sorts of shark, the family also includes various [[dogfish]] and the bottom-living [[wobbegong]].

A shark's most notable characteristics include a prominent dorsal fin, fully replaceable teeth (with the exception of the whale and basking sharks) and a cartilaginous skeleton.

=== Species of shark ===

*[[Whale shark]].
*[[Basking shark]].
*[[Great white shark]].
*[[Mako]].
*[[Porbeagle]].
*[[Tope]].
*[[Whitetip reef shark]].
*[[Oceanic whitetip]].
*[[Blue shark]].
*[[Tiger shark]].
*[[Greenland shark]].
*[[Megamouth shark]].
*[[Nurse shark]].
*[[Hammerhead shark]].
*[[Bull shark]].
*[[Ganges shark]].
*[[Leopard shark]].
*[[Wobbegong]].
*[[Port Jackson shark]].
*[[Cookie-cutter shark]].
*[[Goblin shark]].
*[[Dogfish]].
and many others. 

== Behavior ==

Many species of sharks give birth to a few dozen live young, others lay a similarly small number of eggs; these are often washed ashore and are known as [[mermaid]]'s purses.

Sharks are reputed to be able to detect minute amounts of blood in water, and to be able to follow blood trails for miles. In fact, although sharks can detect blood at concentrations of as little as a few parts per billion, a very considerable quantity must be spilt before it is detectable amongst billions of gallons of seawater. Sharks actually use sounds and vibrations to locate most of their prey.

==Classification==
Evolutionary classification is addressed elsewhere. Sharks likely belong to the [[holobaramin]] that includes skates and rays. There is no need to discuss post-diluvian spread, as sharks can are not terrestrial.
==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Fish]]

User talk:Apologetic

2007-06-04T00:44:28Z

Apologetic:

User talk:Apologetic

2007-06-04T00:44:14Z

Apologetic:

Do not copy user pages from other Wikis, such as RW. [[User:DanH|DanH]] 20:43, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
I'm sorry, i really meant to modify it once I saw if it would be accepted in general. Apologies : )[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 20:44, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

Talk:Smallpox

2007-06-04T00:41:42Z

Apologetic: New page: I liked this, so if this is out of line, Im sorry. Just revert it. I looked really hard and couldn't find anything offensive, but I'm no expert.~~~~

I liked this, so if this is out of line, Im sorry. Just revert it. I looked really hard and couldn't find anything offensive, but I'm no expert.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 20:41, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

Parapsychology

2007-06-04T00:14:34Z

Apologetic:

Parapsychology is an attempt to study supposed [[paranormal]] phenomenon involving the human mind. This includes such things as [[psychokinesis]], [[clairvoyance]], and [[telepathy]]. The goal is to apply the rigors of the scientific method and the advancements learned in studying the human mind learned in psychology to the world of the paranormal. In practice most of the experiments are of very poor quality design. They use poor controls (if any at all), usually have small sample sizes, ill defined terms and procedures, and rarely apply the concepts of [[double-blind]] studies.

The most famous example of bona fide parapsychology is probably the [[Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research Lab]] (PEAR). Pear attempted to prove that human thought could manipulate the functioning of machines. They used devices designed to generate random phenomenon, and then had subjects focus on disrupting that random pattern. They claimed to have shown that the experimental group of subjects focusing on disruption made the machine perform non-randomly in the direction the person was focusing. However, review of their procedures and data but that conclusion into serious doubt. All of the "effect" was due to a single observer who was a member of the lab. The PEAR group was recently shut down and is no longer in operation.

Skeptics regard parapsychology as a [[Pseudoscience]], due to its continuous lack of verifiable results.

Christians regard parapsycology in much the same way as other skeptics, but when the so-called "black arts" are employed, it is seen as evil. Conjouring and other black arts are forbidden in the Bible.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 20:14, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

Smallpox

2007-06-04T00:06:41Z

Apologetic:

Smallpox, also known as variola, is an acute highly infectious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the Poxviridae family, and characterized by high fever and aches with subsequent widespread eruption of pimples that blister, pustulate, scab over, and leave scar tissue behind.<ref>http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp</ref>

Smallpox comes in two forms. The least dangerous is called variola minor or alastrim which produces a relatively mild infection and has a death rate of approximately one percent. The more serious form of smallpox is called variola major which can present in several ways. The most common presentation of variola major is called classic ordinary smallpox where a patient endures the symptoms listed above. Other, more serious presentations of smallpox include flat smallpox and hemorrhagic smallpox where the victim bleeds excessively rather than forming pustules. Flat and hemorrhagic pox are usually fatal, though as a whole variola major has a mortality rate of approximately 30%.

==History==

Though the exact origins of smallpox are unknown, variola major likely jumped species from cows or other domesticated animals at least 3000 years ago.<ref>http://www.seercom.com/bluto/science/2/immunoweb/bad/invaders/viruses/smallpox/history.html</ref> The first major suspected outbreak of smallpox is the Plague of Athens in 430 BC, though there were likely earlier cases. Pharoah Ramses V who died in 1157 BC is believed to have died from smallpox.

==Inoculation and vaccination==

Connecting the survival of smallpox infection and immunity, the practice of inoculation began to be exercised during the 18th century, although the practice can be found dating back to 1000 AD in India, Western Asia, and China.<ref>http://dermatology.about.com/cs/smallpox/a/smallpoxhx.htm</ref> Those that could afford to be inoculated would intentionally introduce either pus from a smallpox victim or ground smallpox scabs into their systems. Because of the low dose of infectious material, this would cause a mild case of the disease, but render the individual generally immune to future cases of smallpox. However, if done improperly, inoculation would result in extreme infection. A member of the English royalty, on assignment with her husband in Turkey, observed inoculation in practice and informed the Crown. Not wishing to expose their family to unnecessary dangers, they experimented on several prisoners and orphans, and found the inoculation to be successful. This was one of the first true medical experiments, and an example of abuse of power.

In 1796, observing that individuals who contract cowpox become immune from smallpox, Edward Jenner, a British physician, inoculated a young boy with cowpox and then challenged his immune system with smallpox. Although a challenge trial with a potentially fatal disease would be considered unethical by modern standards, Jenner was correct in his observation and accomplished the first vaccination of smallpox.<ref>http://www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/nathist/jenner.html</ref> Over the course of the 19th century many western countries embarked on mandatory vaccination programs and succeeded in eradicating smallpox within their native populations.

==Vaccine==

The smallpox vaccine is manufactured from the vaccinia (cowpox) virus, and is the only known means of preventing smallpox infection, although there have recently been attempts to develop anti-viral medications. Smallpox vaccine (aka cowpox infection) is not without it's issues. Because it is a live-virus vaccine, it cannot be administered to individuals who are immune-compromised, or women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. The vaccine also causes severe reactions in people who have ever had any type of skin condition, particularly eczema. In all, the vaccine has a severe complication rate of 1 in 1000, with side effects ranging up to death in approximately 1 case per million.

==Eradication==

"''The annihilation of smallpox—the dreadful scourge of the human race—will be the final result of vaccination.''" - Edward Jenner

Jenner predicted shortly after his initial trial vaccination that smallpox would eventually be eliminated as a threat to humanity. Although many western nations had achieved mandatory vaccination programs, other countries could not afford the expense. As early as 1958, the Soviet Union called from the eradication of smallpox by a volunteer effort. Beginning in 1967, the World Health Organization began a world wide vaccination campaign with the purpose of eradicating smallpox. The last natural case of variola major occurred in 1975, and the last natural case of variola minor in 1977.

==The Post-Smallpox Era==

Following the eradication of smallpox, an accident occurred in 1978 resulting in the death of a British journalist. Based on this accident, all samples outside the control of the CDC, and the Soviet Ministry of Health were ordered destroyed. Despite subsequent calls for the destruction of the US and Russian stocks, they are still kept as the last remaining offical stocks of smallpox.

Despite the existence of these official stocks, defectors from the former Soviet Union have alleged that the Soviet military commissioned the development of smallpox as a biological weapon in the 1970s and 1980s.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Medicine]]

Smallpox

2007-06-04T00:00:26Z

Apologetic:

Smallpox, also known as variola, is an acute highly infectious disease caused by the variola virus, a member of the Poxviridae family, and characterized by high fever and aches with subsequent widespread eruption of pimples that blister, pustulate, scab over, and leave scar tissue behind.<ref>http://www.bt.cdc.gov/agent/smallpox/overview/disease-facts.asp</ref>

Smallpox comes in two forms. The least dangerous is called variola minor or alastrim which produces a relatively mild infection and has a death rate of approximately one percent. The more serious form of smallpox is called variola major which can present in several ways. The most common presentation of variola major is called classic ordinary smallpox where a patient endures the symptoms listed above. Other, more serious presentations of smallpox include flat smallpox and hemorrhagic smallpox where the victim bleeds excessively rather than forming pustules. Flat and hemorrhagic pox are usually fatal, though as a whole variola major has a mortality rate of approximately 30%.

==History==

Though the exact origins of smallpox are unknown, variola major likely jumped species from cows or other domesticated animals at least 3000 years ago.<ref>http://www.seercom.com/bluto/science/2/immunoweb/bad/invaders/viruses/smallpox/history.html</ref> The first major suspected outbreak of smallpox is the Plague of Athens in 430 BC, though there were likely earlier cases. Pharoah Ramses V who died in 1157 BC is believed to have died from smallpox.

==Inoculation and vaccination==

Connecting the survival of smallpox infection and immunity, the practice of inoculation began to be exercised during the 18th century, although the practice can be found dating back to 1000 AD in India, Western Asia, and China.<ref>http://dermatology.about.com/cs/smallpox/a/smallpoxhx.htm</ref> Those that could afford to be inoculated would intentionally introduce either pus from a smallpox victim or ground smallpox scabs into their systems. Because of the low dose of infectious material, this would cause a mild case of the disease, but render the individual generally immune to future cases of smallpox. However, if done improperly, inoculation would result in extreme infection.

In 1796, observing that individuals who contract cowpox become immune from smallpox, Edward Jenner, a British physician, inoculated a young boy with cowpox and then challenged his immune system with smallpox. Although a challenge trial with a potentially fatal disease would be considered unethical by modern standards, Jenner was correct in his observation and accomplished the first vaccination of smallpox.<ref>http://www.sc.edu/library/spcoll/nathist/jenner.html</ref> Over the course of the 19th century many western countries embarked on mandatory vaccination programs and succeeded in eradicating smallpox within their native populations.

==Vaccine==

The smallpox vaccine is manufactured from the vaccinia (cowpox) virus, and is the only known means of preventing smallpox infection, although there have recently been attempts to develop anti-viral medications. Smallpox vaccine (aka cowpox infection) is not without it's issues. Because it is a live-virus vaccine, it cannot be administered to individuals who are immune-compromised, or women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. The vaccine also causes severe reactions in people who have ever had any type of skin condition, particularly eczema. In all, the vaccine has a severe complication rate of 1 in 1000, with side effects ranging up to death in approximately 1 case per million.

==Eradication==

"''The annihilation of smallpox—the dreadful scourge of the human race—will be the final result of vaccination.''" - Edward Jenner

Jenner predicted shortly after his initial trial vaccination that smallpox would eventually be eliminated as a threat to humanity. Although many western nations had achieved mandatory vaccination programs, other countries could not afford the expense. As early as 1958, the Soviet Union called from the eradication of smallpox by a volunteer effort. Beginning in 1967, the World Health Organization began a world wide vaccination campaign with the purpose of eradicating smallpox. The last natural case of variola major occurred in 1975, and the last natural case of variola minor in 1977.

==The Post-Smallpox Era==

Following the eradication of smallpox, an accident occurred in 1978 resulting in the death of a British journalist. Based on this accident, all samples outside the control of the CDC, and the Soviet Ministry of Health were ordered destroyed. Despite subsequent calls for the destruction of the US and Russian stocks, they are still kept as the last remaining offical stocks of smallpox.

Despite the existence of these official stocks, defectors from the former Soviet Union have alleged that the Soviet military commissioned the development of smallpox as a biological weapon in the 1970s and 1980s.

==References==
<references/>

[[Category:Medicine]]

Teratogenic

2007-06-03T23:50:08Z

Apologetic:

Teratogenic means relating to or causing developmental malformations. In common parlance, these agents cause birth defects, some minor, some horrific. Many different kinds of agents can act as teratogens. Some examples include:
*Drugs: thalidomide, Accutane, ACE Inhibitors, Alcohol
*Ionizing radiation
*Infections: so-called TORCH organisms (Toxoplama, Syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex Virus.

[[Category:Medicine]]

Teratogenic

2007-06-03T23:49:33Z

Apologetic:

Teratogenic means relating to or causing developmental malformations. In common parlance, these agents cause birth defects, some minor, some horrific. Many different kinds of agents can act as teratogens. Some examples include:
*Drugs: thalidomide, Accutane, ACE Inhibitors
*Ionizing radiation
*Infections: so-called TORCH organisms (Toxoplama, Syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes Simplex Virus.
[[Embryonic stem cells]] are known to cause teratogenic compounds.
[[Category:Medicine]]

Talk:Teratogenic

2007-06-03T23:43:00Z

Apologetic:

There are many teratogenic viruses, chemicals, etc, however, could you please correct the grammar of your assertion here and provide a referrence so I can see what you're referring to? Thanks.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 19:08, 3 June 2007 (EDT)
:Ok if there is no citation to improve this, and if I cannot find one myself, I'll correct it soon.[[User:Apologetic|Apologetic]] 19:43, 3 June 2007 (EDT)

User:Apologetic

2007-06-03T23:10:49Z

Apologetic: New page: A fairly new interested party. If I offend any rules or users, please leave me a specific message so that I can alter my behaviour appropriately.

A fairly new interested party. If I offend any rules or users, please leave me a specific message so that I can alter my behaviour appropriately.

Talk:Teratogenic

2007-06-03T23:08:36Z

Apologetic: New page: There are many teratogenic viruses, chemicals, etc, however, could you please correct the grammar of your assertion here and provide a referrence so I can see what you're referring to? Tha...

Whisky

2007-05-30T02:04:12Z

Apologetic:

[[Image:whisky.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Scotch on the rocks.]]
'''Whisky''' refers to a group of [[Alcoholic drinks|alcoholic beverage]]s (liquors) distilled from fermented cereal grains such as barley, rye, wheat or maize. The word derives from the Gaelic ''uisge beatha'' - water of life. (c.f. ''eau de vie'' for French spirits, ''aqua vitae'' in Italian, ''aquavit'' or ''akvavit'' in Scandinavian and ''okovita'' ([[vodka]]) in Poland and the Ukraine). The conventional spelling is '''whisky''' for spirits distilled in Scotland ([[Scotch]]), Wales, Japan and Canada while '''whiskey''' is used for spirits from Ireland and the USA.

==Scottish Whiskies==

Known as "Scotch" there are two main types, [[Malt]] and [[Grain]].

==Malt Whisky==

Malt whisky is made from malted [[barley]] and distilled in a pot still.

Malt whiskies may be [[single]] and come from one distillery (such as ''Glenfiddich'', ''Glenmorangie'' or ''Highland Park'') or [[vatted]] - a blend of malts from several distilleries (''Johnny Walker Blue Label''). Single malt whiskies are normally the choice of whisky connoisseurs with different regions of Scotland producing notably different styles and a range of complex flavours.

==Grain Whisky==

Grain whiskies are made from unmalted cereals and fermented in a continuous distillation process.

Generally grain whiskies are blended with unnamed malts to supply the cheaper end of the market (''Bells'', ''Teachers'', ''Famous Grouse'', ''Johnny Walker Red Label''). Blended whiskies are mostly used in mixed drinks, for example a "Scotch and American" (Whisky and dry ginger ale).

==Drinking Scotch==

Connoisseurs of fine malt Scotch will drink their whisky in a heavy based glass (usually lead crystal) either neat or with a very small splash of cold still water to help release the flavours. The addition of ice ("Scotch on the rocks") is frowned upon as it destroys the flavour.

==Moonshine Whiskey==
Moonshine, or home-made whiskey, has been a fixture of (especially) southern life for centuries. However, there was a surge of illicit moonshine production during prohibition. Moonshine did, and continues to, cause many health problems, aside from alcoholism itself.

*Lead poisoning<ref>http://www2.jsonline.com/news/editorials/apr01/marchione08040701.asp</ref>
*Methanol poisoning<ref>http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0140673605734693</ref>
*Arsenic poisoning<ref>http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/abstract/140/2/211</ref>
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Alcoholic beverages]]
[[category:Scottish Cuisine]]