A comparison of methods to determine maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in running

The aim of this study was to compare maximal accumulated oxygen deficit (hereafter O2 deficit) estimated from the methods of Whipp et al. (1986), Medbo et al. (1988), and Hill et al. (1998) to determine whether they agree sufficiently to be used interchangeably. Nineteen moderately to highly trained endurance runners first performed an incremental test to exhaustion for the determination of maximal oxygen uptake ([Vdot]O(2max)) and peak treadmill speed, followed by six randomly ordered constant-speed tests at 95, 100, 105, 110, 110, and 120% of peak treadmill speed. All tests were separated by at least 72 h and were performed within 4 weeks. The method of Whipp produced an O(2) deficit estimate that was lower than that derived from the method of Hill or Medbo (bias +/- 95% limits of agreement: -29.6 +/- 36.6 and -26.1 +/- 32.8 ml . kg(-1), respectively; P < 0.001). The O2 deficit did not differ between the methods of Hill and Medbo (bias +/- 95% limits of agreement: 3.5 +/- 41.6 ml . kg(-1); n.s.). However, poor correlations (0.21 < r < 0.33; n.s.) together with wide limits of agreement between O2 deficit estimates (70 - 80% of the mean response) clearly question using these methods interchangeably.     

Patient-based benefit-risk assessment of medicines: development,refinement, and validation of a content search strategy to retrieve relevant studies

Introduction:Poor indexing and inconsistent use of terms and keywords may prevent efficient retrieval of studies on the patient-based benefit-risk assessment (BRA) of medicines. We aimed to develop and validate an objectively derived content search strategy containing generic search terms that can be adapted for any search for evidence on patient-based BRA of medicines for any therapeutic area.Methods:We used a robust multistep process to develop and validate the content search strategy: (1) we developed a bank of search terms derived from screening studies on patient-based BRA of medicines in various therapeutic areas, (2) we refined the proposed content search strategy through an iterative process of testing sensitivity and precision of search terms, and (3) we validated the final search strategy in PubMed by firstly using multiple sclerosis as a case condition and secondly computing its relative performance versus a published systematic review on patient-based BRA of medicines in rheumatoid arthritis.Results:We conceptualized a final search strategy to retrieve studies on patient-based BRA containing generic search terms grouped into two domains, namely the patient and the BRA of medicines (sensitivity 84%, specificity 99.4%, precision 20.7%). The relative performance of the content search strategy was 85.7% compared with a search from a published systematic review of patient preferences in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. We also developed a more extended filter, with a relative performance of 93.3% when compared with a search from a published systematic review of patient preferences in lung cancer.     

Our city of colours: queer/Asian publics in transpacific Vancouver

This article examines the contested relation between discourses of ethnic subjectivity and queer critique of homophobia and transphobia in Vancouver, a transpacific city in Canada that is being touted as “the most Asian city outside of Asia.” I analyse the perceived association of Chinese communities with moral conservatism and the concomitant existence of a vibrant queer Asian cultural scene in the city as a discursive clash between two cultural publics. I examine the underlying dynamics of their antagonism as well as their potential for mutual engagement.     

‘An attractive and improving place of resort’

Abstract

This article focuses on the relationship between zoological collections, urban improvement and civic identity in early nineteenth-century Britain. While national zoological collections like London Zoo have been studied by scholars as important sites for research and education, gardens in the provinces have received less attention. The article examines several of these institutions, outlining the circumstances surrounding their foundation and considering how they integrated themselves into their respective local communities through educational initiatives and carefully planned fund-raising strategies. It argues that zoological gardens served to situate cities within a wider imperial context, highlighting their regional importance and global connections.     

Teacher locus of control and classroom climate: A cross-lagged correlational study

The Locus of Control Scale for Teachers was given to 13 middle school teachers, and the Origin-Climate Questionnaire was given to 78 of their students. Results indicated a moderate relationship between teachers' locus of control and students' perception of classroom climate. The difference between the cross-lagged correlations suggested that teachers' locus of control has a causal impact on classroom climate.     

Prekindergarten screening: How well does it predict readiness for first grade?

Construction of different predictive models for readiness for first grade, using data from prekindergarten screening, was examined. Instruments included Hainsworth Preschool Screening System, parent and teacher questionnaires, and Quincy Observation Scale. Readiness for first grade was rated by teachers at end of kindergarten for 601 students. Predictor variables included information processing, verbal reasoning, mother's education, ratings of motor activity, and parental ratings of attention, aggression, and speech development. From 45.6% to 75.9% of the children were correctly classified. Results indicate that less emphasis should be given to collecting historical screening data. Additionally, many social/emotional problems may go undetected or be mislabeled.