Fogler Library: Writing a Research Abstract Workshop

The abstract of your research paper is very important. Its purpose is not only to concisely summarize your work, but also to grab the reader’s attention and convince them that your research is valuable and relevant. An unclear abstract can set the stage for confusion, whereas a polished abstract prepares the reader by telling them what to expect from your paper. This workshop will show you how to perfect your abstract (with an emphasis on the UMaine Student Symposium’s guidelines). We will begin with an overview of abstract-writing tips, followed by group activities for practice. About the Speaker: Ally Hammond is a graduate student in the Master of Social Work program, where she is currently conducting research on the opioid epidemic. She also works at the Graduate School and has previously worked at the Office of Research Development.https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/umaine_video/1016/thumbnail.jp

Common Graphics Library (CGL). Volume 1: LEZ user's guide

Users are introduced to and instructed in the use of the Langley Easy (LEZ) routines of the Common Graphics Library (CGL). The LEZ routines form an application independent graphics package which enables the user community to view data quickly and easily, while providing a means of generating scientific charts conforming to the publication and/or viewgraph process. A distinct advantage for using the LEZ routines is that the underlying graphics package may be replaced or modified without requiring the users to change their application programs. The library is written in ANSI FORTRAN 77, and currently uses a CORE-based underlying graphics package, and is therefore machine independent, providing support for centralized and/or distributed computer systems

Immunotherapy Responsive Autoimmune Subacute Encephalitis: A Report of Two Cases

Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics and radiological findings in two patients with subacute encephalitis associated with elevated serum voltage-gated potassium channel antibody (VGKCAb) and antithyroperoxidase (TPO) antibody. Case Reports. Case 1: 63-year-old woman was admitted for altered mental status and possible seizure activity. MRI brain showed hyperintensity in the bilateral hippocampal areas. She was positive for VGKCAb and anti-TPO antibodies. She was treated with steroids, IVIG, plasma exchange and azathioprine. After 8 months, she had marked improvement in her memory and seizures. Case 2: 61-year-old woman was admitted for video EEG monitoring of unclassified seizure and cognitive function decline. MRI of the brain showed mild hyperintensity in bilateral hippocampal areas and significant atrophy in the frontotemporal lesion. Anti-TPO antibody and VGKCAb were positive. She was treated with steroids, plasma exchange and azathioprine. After 9 months, she had marked improvement in her memory and seizures. Conclusion. Autoimmune subacute encephalitis appears to be an underdiagnosed entity. It is important to screen patients with subacute encephalitis for anti-TPO antibody and VGKCAb, particularly in the presence of seizures. Immunosuppressive therapy appears to be effective in treating this entity

Consistent use of a combination product versus a single product in a safety trial of the diaphragm and microbicide in Harare, Zimbabwe.

BACKGROUND: We examined the use and acceptability of a combination product (diaphragm and gel) compared to a single product (gel) during a 6-month safety trial in Zimbabwe. STUDY DESIGN: Women were randomized to the use of a diaphragm with gel or the use of gel alone, in addition to male condoms. Ever use and use of study product on the last act of sexual intercourse were assessed monthly by Audio Computer-Assisted Self-Interviewing. Acceptability, correct use and consistent use (use at every sexual act during the previous 3 months) were measured on the last visit by face-to-face interview. Predictors of consistent use were examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: In this sample of 117 sexually active, monogamous, contracepting women, rates of consistent use were similar in both groups (59.7% for combination method vs. 56.4% for gel alone). Product acceptability was high, but was not independently associated with consistent use. Independent predictors of consistent use included age [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.08; 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.01-1.16], consistent condom use (AOR=3.85; 95% CI=1.54-9.63) and having a partner who approves of product use (AOR=2.66; 95% CI=1.10-6.39). CONCLUSIONS: Despite high reported acceptability and few problems with the products, the participants reported only moderate product adherence levels. Consistent use of condoms and consistent use of products were strongly associated. If observed in other studies, this may bias the estimation of product effectiveness in future trials of female-controlled methods

Reviews

The 1997 Tolkien Calendar. HarperPrism. Reviewed by Paula DiSante. The Starlit Jewel. Avalon Rising. Reviewed by Paula DiSante. Letters of C.S. Lewis. C.S. Lewis. Ed. by W.H. Lewis and Walter Hooper. Reviewed by Wayne G. Hammond. Tolkien - A Critical Assessment. Brian Rosebury. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. C.S. Lewis, Man and Writer: Essays and Reviews. George Musacchio. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. The Quotable Lewis. Wayne Martindale and Jerry Root. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. The Figure of Beatrice: A Study in Dante. Charles Williams. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson

Reviews

Tree and Leaf, including the poem Mythopoeia. J.R.R. Tolkien. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. Lenten Hands: My Childhood with Joy Davidman and C.S. Lewis. Douglas H. Gresham. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. C.S. Lewis: His Literary Achievement. C.N. Manlove. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. The C.S. Lewis Hoax. Kathryn Lindskoog. Reviewed by David Bratman. J.R.R. Tolkien: Man of Fantasy. Russell Shorto. Reviewed by Wayne G. Hammond. Howard Pyle. Lucien L. Agosta. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson

Reviews

The Return of the Shadow: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part One. J.R.R. Tolkien. Reviewed by Wayne G. Hammond. The Taste of the Pineapple: Essays on C.S. Lewis as Reader, Critic, and Imaginative Writer. Bruce L. Edwards, ed. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. The C.S. Lewis Hoax. Kathryn Lindskoog. Reviewed by Nancy-Lou Patterson. The C.S. Lewis Hoax. Kathryn Lindskoog. Reviewed by John D. Rateliff. The Hobbit. J.R.R. Tolkien. Reviewed by Wayne G. Hammond

Common Graphics Library (CGL). Volume 2: Low-level user's guide

The intent is to instruct the users of the Low-Level routines of the Common Graphics Library (CGL). The Low-Level routines form an application-independent graphics package enabling the user community to construct and design scientific charts conforming to the publication and/or viewgraph process. The Low-Level routines allow the user to design unique or unusual report-quality charts from a set of graphics utilities. The features of these routines can be used stand-alone or in conjunction with other packages to enhance or augment their capabilities. This library is written in ANSI FORTRAN 77, and currently uses a CORE-based underlying graphics package, and is therefore machine-independent, providing support for centralized and/or distributed computer systems

Clinical Perspectives on Medical Marijuana (Cannabis) for Neurologic Disorders

Summary The American Academy of Neurology published an evidence-based systematic review of randomized controlled trials using marijuana (Cannabis sativa) or cannabinoids in neurologic disorders. Several cannabinoids showed effectiveness or probable effectiveness for spasticity, central pain, and painful spasms in multiple sclerosis. The review justifies insurance coverage for dronabinol and nabilone for these indications. Many insurance companies already cover these medications for other indications. It is unlikely that the review will alter coverage for herbal marijuana. Currently, no payers cover the costs of herbal medical marijuana because it is illegal under federal law and in most states. Cannabinoid preparations currently available by prescription may have a role in other neurologic conditions, but quality scientific evidence is lacking at this time

Graphics mini manual

The computer graphics capabilities available at the Center are introduced and their use is explained. More specifically, the manual identifies and describes the various graphics software and hardware components, details the interfaces between these components, and provides information concerning the use of these components at LaRC