bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Personality and Intelligence in Children with Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Kramer H. H. , Awiszus D. , Sterzel U. , van Halteren A. , Claßen R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract One hundred and twenty‐eight children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 89 healthy controls were compared according to their development of personality and intelligence. Presence of physical disability in daily life was the independent variable for dividing children with CHD into two groups: children with physical handicap due to CHD (n=77) have lower IQ scores than healthy children. Unexpectedly, in the parents' opinion they show MO difference in behaviour patterns. On introspective examination, these cardiac patients showed an increased Fueling of inferiority and of basic anxiety and a more impetuous behaviour as their way of self‐protection, but reduced need for independence due to parental overprotection was not confirmed.

None of these observations could be detected with children with CHD who are physically fit. (n= 51).
Hyperactive Girls and Boys: Stimulant Drug Effects on Mother–Child Interactions
Authors: Barkley Russell A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two doses of Ritalin (0.15 mg/kg and 0.35 mg/kg BID.) were evaluated for their differentia] effects on the another‐child interactions of hyperactive girls and boys. The effects of Ritalin on these interactions were similar for both sexes. During task performance, the children increased their duration of compliance to the tasks. Mothers responded with decreased commands and control over compliance, while increasing their level of more general, non‐directive interactions and passive observation of their children. The findings are consistent with previous studies of stimulant drug effects on the social interactions of hyperactive children.
Comparisons of Conduct and Affective Disordered Youth: A Psychometric Investigation of Responses to the Children's Depression Inventory
Authors: Politano P. Michael , Edinger Dennis L. , Nelson W. M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Scores on the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) for 103 affective and 125 Conduct disordered psychiatric inpatients aged 6–17 were subjected to cluster analysis of variables using average linkage (with arccosine transformation) as a means of investigating differences in CDI response patterns between the two groups. Both vertical (hierarchical) and horizontal (nested) clusters were examined. The investigation indicated hierarchical dusters for the affective disordered group dealing with sadness and isolation, a negative self‐image, and sell‐loathing. For the conduct disordered group, clusters centered hierarchically around a defeated attitude, being upset not having fn anymore and not wanting to fee wit other people, and difficulty with academic performance.
Epidemiology of Behavioral and Emotional Problems among Thai and American Children: Teacher Reports for Ages 6–11
Authors: Weisz John R. , Suwanlert Somsong , Chaiyasit Wanchai , Weiss Bahr , Achenbach Thomas M. , Trevathan Donald
Published: December 2006

Abstract As a sequel to comparisons between reports by parents, we compared behavioral/emotional problems of 6–11‐yr‐old That and American children reported by teachers. These revealed higher ratings for Thai than for American children on nearly all problems showing significant cross‐national differences. That children were rated higher on both overcontrolled and undercontrolled behavior and had more overcontrolled than undercontrolled problems (p<0.0001). Boys were higher than girls on all 48 problems that showed significant sex differences. The findings underscore (1) the impact of culture on children's problems in the school sitting and (2) the importance of surveying teacher as well as parent perspectives.
The Psychological, Educational and Auditory Sequelae of Early, Persistent Secretory Otitis Media
Authors: Webster Alec , Bamford John M. , Thyer Nicholas J. , Ayles Rosemary
Published: December 2006

Abstract Previous studies have suggested an association between chronic‐ middle ear disorders due to secretory otitis media and adverse effects on auditory, educational and psychological development in children. Experimental design of such studies has often been poor. In this study, attempts were made to control extraneous variables more rigorously, using matched pairs. A group of children (n=10) without current hearing problems but with a history of recurrent early secretory otitis media, aged 7–11 yrs, were compared on auditor), educational and psychological measures with a matched, group of children with no history of otitis media The results indicated weak but distinct differences between the two groups on the educational and psychological measures in favour of the control group. The implications for medical and educational services are outlined.
The Response of Young, Non‐Sexually Abused Children to Anatomically Correct Dolls
Authors: Glaser Danya , Collins Carole
Published: December 2006

Abstract Ninety‐one children aged 3–6 yrs were observed and video‐recorded playing with the anatomically correct dolls in unstructured play settings. Parental permission had been obtained. The children's emotional, behavioural and overall play responses were rated Whilst the dolls’ difference from other dolls was dearly noticed, they did not traumatize the children, most of whom incorporated the dolls in imaginative play. Only five children's play with the dolls showed any sexualized quality, in three the source of sexual knowledge becoming apparent. Whereas the absence of sexualized play does not reliably exclude abuse, we suggest that explicit sexual play with the dolls may well arise from previous exposure: to explicit sexual information or activity.
Stability of Assessment Results of Autistic and Non‐Autistic Language‐Impaired Children from Preschool Years to Early School Age
Authors: Lord Catherine , Schopler Eric
Published: December 2006

Abstract The predictability, consistency in group means, and intra‐individual stability of developmental quotients and performance IQs were assessed from preschool to school age for 71 autistic children and 71 non‐autistic: communcation‐handicapped children, matched on chronological age, sex and initial performance IQ/DQ, DQs/performance IQs at age 4 yrs were found to be highly correlated with performance IQ at age 10 yrs for both groups. Absolute difference scores and group means were also equivalent for both samples, with no difference in patterns of change or the relationship between performance IQ and language status, as measured on the PPVT. Differences between diagnostic groups occurred only for scores on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale and the relationship between these scores and IQ.
Autistic Children's Ability to Interpret Faces: A Research Note
Authors: Tantam Digby , Monaghan Liza , Nicholson Helen , Stirling John
Published: December 2006

Abstract Ten autistic children were compared with 10 non‐autistic children matched for chronological age and performance IQ on two tests of finding the odd face out of a set of photographs of faces, two tests of labelling photographs of fates, and a test of labelling photographs of common objects. The autistic children were significantly worse than the non‐autistic children at finding the odd person out and the odd facial expression of emotion out, and at labelling facial expressions of emotion. They did no worse than the non‐autistic children at labelling upside down faces or at labelling objects.

The results, which replicate the findings of Hobson (J. Child Psychol. Psychiat.27, 321–342, 671–680, 1986; Communication, 20, 12–17, 1986) are consistent with other evidence for a specific perceptual abnormality in at least some children with autism, the nature of which is discussed.
Reliability of Psychiatric Diagnosis in Referred Adolescents
Authors: Rey Joseph M. , Plapp Jon M. , Stewart Gavin W.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The authors report a reliability study of the DSM‐III diagnostic system in a series of 393 adolescent referrals diagnosed by two clinicians over a period of 3 years. Overall reliability (kappa) was 0.59. However, most of the frequently used diagnoses had reliabilities of 0.7 or higher. Dysthymic, Adjustment, Overanxious and Avoidant Disorders showed poor diagnostic agreement (kappa below 0.4). The patterns of agreement across this and other studies suggest that diagnostir criteria for Affective, Anxiety and Adjustment Disorders arc in need of further improvement.
Pathways from Childhood to Adult Life*
Authors: Rutter Michael
Published: December 2006

Principles and concepts of development are reviewed in relation to life‐span issues noting the need to consider: development in its social context; timing of experiences; intrinsic and experiential factors; continuities and discontinuities; parallels and differences s between normal and abnormal development; heterotypic and homotypic continuities; key life transitions; risk and protective factors; indirect chain affects; mediating mechanisms; age as an index of maturational and experiential factors. Developmental findings from childhood to adult longitudinal studies arc reviewed for possible mediating factors. These include: genetic mechanisms; the(non‐genetic) biological substrate; shaping of the environment; cognitive and social skills: self‐esteem and self‐efficacy; habits, cognitive sins and coping styles: links between experiences
IQ and Behavioural Adjustment of Ex‐Institutional Adolescents
Authors: Hodges Jill , Tizard Barbara
Published: December 2006

A group of children raised in institutions until at least 2 years of age, then adopted or restored to a biological parent, have been followed longitudinally into mid‐adolescence. No effect of early institutionalisation was found on 1Q, which depended largely on the type of family placement. Behavioural and emotional difficulties were more common in the ex‐institutional group than in a matched comparison group, according to teacher questionnaires and interviews with the adolescents and their parents The findings are discussed in relation to placement policy and the question of the long‐term effect of early experience.
Memory Impairments and Communication in Relatively Able Autistic Children
Authors: Boucher Jill , Lewis Vicky
Published: December 2006

Autistic people have specific memory difficulties. The effects of these difficulties on communication in relatively able autistic children and learning impaired controls were assessed in three experiments I he experiments tested the ability to: (1) carry out instructions; (2) ask questions without repetition; and (3) answer questions about past activities. When specific memory skills were required autistic children's communication was impaired relative to controls. When the need to use these skills was eliminated from the tasks the autistic children performed as well as controls, Some practical and theoretical Implications of the findings are discussed.
A Twin Study of Hyperactivity—II. The Aetiological Role of Genes, Family Relationships and Perinatal Adversity
Authors: Goodman Robert , Stevenson Jim
Published: December 2006

Abstract In a large representative sample of 13‐year‐old twins, monozygotic pairs were more alike than same‐sex dizygotic pairs on objective measures of attentiveness and on parent and teacher ratings of hyperactivity. Comparison of recognized and unrecognized monozygotic pairs indicated that parents and teachers rated twins more similarly when the twins were perceived as “identical” rather than “non‐identical”. After allowing for this sterotyping, genetic effects accounted for approximately half of the explainable variance of hyperactivity and inattentiveness. Data from mixed‐sex pairs did not support a 2‐threshold genetic explanation for the male excess of hyperactivity. The link between adverse family factors and hyperactivity was weak. Perinatal adversity was not related to later hyperactivity.
Pretend Play with Mothers and Siblings: Relations between Early Performance and Partners
Authors: Dale Naomi
Published: December 2006

Abstract Although the rule of the mother in assisting early pretend play has been established in other studies, little is known about the sibling's contribution. Using naturalistic observational methodology, this study investigates whether 2‐year‐old infants’ co‐operative pretend play varies when playing with their mother and 4–5‐year‐old sibling. The results suggest marked differences in frequency of production of various transformational types in each social setting, and one type of play only appears in games with the sibling. Possible “facilitation” by the play partner is discussed. The classificatory limitation of existing normative developmental schedules of early pretending is noted.
Conners' Teacher's Rating Scale—A Validity Study in Hong Kong
Authors: Luk S. L. , Leungt P. W. L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The validity of the dinners' teacher's racing scale (CTRS) in Hong Kong Chinese school children was examined. It was Found that CTRS could significantly differentiate a behaviorally deviant group and the normal population; that CTRS has a strong positive correlation with the teacher's decision to refer a child to a mental health professional, that the CTRS by itself is not useful as a diagnostic instrument; and finally, it cannot stand alone as a screening instrument in the epidemiological study of childhood hyperactivity.
Reading and a Balanced Polymorphism for Laterality and Ability
Authors: Annett Marian , Manning Margaret
Published: December 2006

Abstract The idea that reading ability might vary with right‐left hand skill, such that children with mild biases to the right hand have advantages for learning, while children at both left and right extremes have disadvantages, was supported by findings for a large sample of primary schoolchildren. Poor readers tended to have weak left hand skills, giving strong right hand preferences in many cases. Those with additionally poor right hand skills tended to be of low intelligence. Good left hand skills and raised incidences of mixed and left hand preference were found only in a small subgroup, “bright dyslexics”.
Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Activity, Personality Characteristics and Disruptive Behaviour in Girls
Authors: Maliphant Rodney , Hume Francesca , Furnham Adrian
Published: December 2006

Abstract Disruptive behaviour in school, as defined by teachers, was examined in 44 unselected girls, aged 12–13 years, attending two private schools. Except for the psychoticism (P) scale of the Junior Eysenck Personality Inventory (JEPI), such conduct did not appear to be related to the personality characteristics as measured by the JEPI. Autonomic nervous system activity, indexed here by heart rate measures, successfully discriminated between the three behaviourally defined groups. The findings, with data derived from girls, largely confirm earlier exploratory studies with adolescent boys, and have implications for further research and current approaches to management.
The Social Environmental Correlates of Reading Ability
Authors: Stevenson Jim , Fredman Glenda
Published: December 2006

Abstract The influences of social and family characteristics on individual differences in reading and spelling ability and IQ were investigated for 550 twin children aged 13 yrs. Measures of family social circumstances, parental background, the emotional atmosphere at home and the family's reading behaviour were used as predictor variables in multiple regression analyses with reading, spelling and IQ as dependent variables. There were consistent relationships between many of these measures and the dependent variables. The findings are compared to a previous biometrical genetic analysis of the same data set. It is concluded that the results are within the limits predicted by the genetic analysis. Most of the effect of these environmental influences on children are general, i.e. related to IQ, and not specifically related to reading. After controlling for the effects of IQ on reading, only family size and some aspects of parent‐child relationships were significant predictors of reading ability
Inpatient Social–Cognitive Skills Training Groups with Conduct Disordered and Attention Deficit Disordered Children
Authors: Kolko David J. , Loar Linda L. , Sturnick Diane
Published: December 2006

Abstract The impact of group treatment programs on the social skills and peer relations of psychiatrically hospitalized children with disruptive behavior disorders was evaluated. Children assigned to a social‐cognitive skills training group (SCST; n= 36) were matched to children who participated in a social activity group (SA; n= 20). The results indicated significantly greater pre‐post improvements for the SCST than the SA group in child‐reported loneliness, staff sociometric ratings, role‐play performances, and in vivo behavioral observations of individual social skills. Child diagnoses did not differentially effect treatment outcomes. The findings are discussed in the context of training, clinical, and methodological issues
The Children's Behaviour Questionnaire for Completion by Parents and Teachers in a Chinese Sample
Authors: Ekblad Solvig
Published: December 2006

Abstract Children's behaviour questionnaires were completed by parents and teachers for 248 and 266 12‐year old children in Beijing, China, respectively.

Compared with studies in other countries, the present study showed that (1) mothers rated children as showing higher frequencies of all behavioural items than did teachers; (2) the ratio of antisocial to neurotic behaviour was higher than the other relevant studies; (3) some items showed sex differences, and these were more marked for teachers than mothers; (4) Chinese boys scored lowest on aggression, but high on psychosomatic symptoms; and (5) difficulties in reading, writing and concentration were positively correlated with teachers' hyperactive–aggressive factor dimension and antisocial subscore.
Parent Reports of Disability among 13‐Year Olds with DSM‐III Disorders
Authors: McGee Rob , Stanton Warren
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study examined “physical” and “psychological” dimensions of disability associated with different DSM‐III disorders in a large sample of 13‐year old adolescents. The measure of disability was based upon the World Health Organization (1980) classification. We found that adolescents with multiple DSM‐III disorders and those with attention deficit and anxiety disorders showed the highest levels of parent perceived disablement; depression and conduct disorder showed the least. In addition, adolescents with any kind of DSM‐III disorder showed a rate of parent‐reported hospitalization twice that of the remainder of the sample. They also had poorer perceived health, as suggested by lower parent and self health ratings than those without disorder
The Effects of Reinforcement and Response–Cost on a Delayed Response Task in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Research Note
Authors: Solanto Mary V.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder are more inattentive, active, and impulsive than normal children. Some researchers have postulated that these symptoms can all be explained as a result of reduced sensitivity to reinforcement. In order to evaluate this hypothesis, we tested 20 ADD‐H children and 18 matched normal controls, 41/2 — 11 years of age, on a delayed response task, a measure of impulsiveness, under conditions of positive reinforcement, and punishment in the form of response‐cost. The contingencies each improved performance compared to baseline but did not differ significantly from each other. Neither contingency affected the groups differentially, thus failing to provide support for the reinforcement hypothesis
Type of Childcare at 18 Months—I. Differences in Interactional Experience
Authors: Melhuish E. C. , Mooney A. , Martin S. , Lloyd E.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A longitudinal study has followed two‐parent families and their first‐born child. The families were chosen so that there were three groups of dual‐earner families using relatives, childminders and nurseries for day care and one group of single‐earner families. At 18 mths of age children in the study were observed in the four types of childcare setting. The data from the detailed observations were used to compare the children's interactional experience. The results indicate marked variation in the quality of children's experiences between different childcare settings. Possible reasons for such variation are discussed.
Preschool Behavior Problems: Stability and Factors Accounting for Change
Authors: Egeland Byron , Kalkoske Mark , Gottesman Natan , Erickson Martha Farrell
Published: December 2006

Abstract From a sample of high risk children, groups of acting out, withdrawn, and normal preschool children were identified and followed through first, second, and third grade. A high degree of stability of developmental adaptation was found for each group. Examination of the exceptions to predicted outcomes indicated that discontinuity of development was accounted for by level and change in maternal depressive symptomatology, life circumstances, stressful life events experienced by the family, and quality of the home environment. Level of maternal depression appeared to directly affect the quality of care she provided her child, and indirectly affected the quality and organization of the home environment.
Variations in Children's Conceptualizations of Mental Retardation as a Function of Inquiry Methods
Authors: Goodman Joan F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study addresses changes in the responses of third graders to questions about the nature, cause and course of mental retardation under different methods of inquiry. Specifically, do responses vary when the task demands explicit definitions, indirect identification (from a vignette of a functionally retarded but unlabelled youngster), photographic identification, renditions through drawing, or enactment through manipulating a figure on a game board? It was found that the mode of questioning markedly influenced children's portrayal of retardation. Discussion focuses on children's suggestibility (guessing in the service of conformity), greater willingness to be negative when asked to ‘show’ rather than ‘talk’, and genuine confusion.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Functioning in Children with Recent Onset of Rheumatic Disease
Authors: Vandvik Inger Helene
Published: December 2006

Abstract Mental health was evaluated early in the course of juvenile rheumatic disease; 106 parents of children (aged 1–17 yrs) were interviewed and 98 of the children were assessed when the child was hospitalized. Instruments included the Child Assessment Schedule (CAS), the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Half the patients received a psychiatric diagnosis; psychosocial dysfunction of at least mild severity was found in 64% of the patients. In the polyarthritic group there was a negative correlation between CGAS and severity of disease. CBCL behaviour scores did not differentiate between patients and siblings when corrected for somatic components.
Assessing the Relationship Between Young Siblings: a Research Note
Authors: Dunn Judy , Stocker Clare , Plomin Robert
Published: December 2006

Abstract Methods for assessing the sibling relationship differ markedly, yet these have rarely been compared, or assessed in terms of retest reliability. We report an examination of sibling relationships as assessed by maternal interview, by videotaped observation in structured and semi‐structured situations, and by naturalistic observation in unstructured settings. The different approaches to assessment were compared with data on 84 sibling pairs aged between 3 and 10 years. Test‐retest reliabilities, assessed on 30 pairs studied on a second occasion, were good for maternal interview information, moderate for videotaped observations, and mixed for naturalistic observations. Independent positive and negative dimensions of the relationship were revealed by each method, and moderate agreement found between methods. Naturalistic observations of 30 minutes' duration were unsuitable for studying the negative aspects of the relationship.
Comparison of Parent‐Referred and Doctor‐Referred Patients to Child Psychiatrists in Hong Kong: a Research Note
Authors: Chung S. Y. , Luk S. L. , Soo J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The characteristics of 75 children referred to psychiatrists by medical practitioners in Hong Kong were compared with 56 children who were referred by their families to a community clinic. Their demographic characteristics, and the nature and severity of their illness, were quite similar. Medical practitioners tended to refer children with childhood psychosis and psychophysiological disorder. The reasons leading to different types of referral are discussed. A community child mental health clinic may be a useful model for providing psychiatric care to children in Hong Kong.
Recent Achievements and Adversities in Anxious and Depressed School Age Children
Authors: Goodyer Ian , Wright Caroline , Altham Patricia
Published: December 2006

Abstract Recent social achievements, friendship difficulties and life events were investigated for their relative effects on the probability of being a case of anxious or depressive emotional disorder. There are no significant differences between cases and controls for the presence of one or more recent social achievements. The probability of being a case is best predicted by a consideration of the independent effects of life events and the interactive (multiplicative) effects of the absence of recent social achievements with moderate to poor friendships. The absence of social achievements appears to exert significant risk for emotional disorder only in the presence of moderate to poor friendships. We have termed this an enhancing factor. There appears to be no greater probability of being anxious rather than depressed as a consequence of these factors or mechanisms occurring in the lives of school age children.
Vulnerability to Childhood Problems and Family Social Background
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , Horwood L. J. , Lawton J. M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The relationship between family social background and risks of problems in the areas of health, education, behaviour and offending was examined in a birth cohort of New Zealand children studied to the age of 11 years. The analysis showed the presence of small consistent correlations between family social background and individual outcomes on a range of childhood measures. These correlations ranged from 0.12 to 0.31 with a median value of 0.18. The association between family social background and childhood outcomes was modelled using LISREL modelling methods which assumed that this association was mediated by common non‐observed vulnerability processes. This analysis suggested that while variations in family social background act as relatively weak determinants of specific problem outcomes, these factors had a relatively strong influence on the child's generalized vulnerability to a wide range of childhood problems. The implications of these results for research into social background and childhood are discussed.
Classification of Abnormal Psychosocial Situations: Preliminary Report of a Revision of a WHO Scheme
Authors: van Goor‐Lambo Gera , Orley John , Poustka Fritz , Rutted Michael
Published: December 2006

Abstract A WHO working group undertook a radical revision of the psychosocial axis for the classification of abnormal psychosocial situations. The rationale for the revision and the approach taken is described, together with the overall structure of the coding scheme and the subcodings within each category.
Problems and Competencies Reported by Parents of Australian and American Children
Authors: Achenbach T. M. , Hensley V. R. , Phares V. , Grayson D.
Published: December 2006

Abstract We compared problems and competencies reported for 2600 randomly selected nonreferred children in Sydney and the U.S.A. Sydney children scored significantly higher on 82 problem items, with a mean total problem score of 31.6 versus 20.1 for the U.S.A. Nevertheless, item scores correlated 0.92 between countries, most differences between competence scores were small, and patterns were similar for sex, age, socioeconomic status, and internalizing versus externalizing problems. Although higher clinical cutoffs may be needed in Sydney, the similarity of patterns in scores permits calibration of the Child Behavior Checklist between Sydney and the U.S.A. Sex differences found in seven cultures were summarized.
The Clinical Significance of Neurocognitive Impairments among Children with Psychiatric Disorders: Diagnosis and Situational Specificity
Authors: Szatmari P. , Offord D. R. , Siegel L. S. , Finlayson M. A. J. , Tuff L.
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe overall objective of this paper is to assess the clinical significance of neurocognitive impairments (NCI) among children with psychiatric disorders. One hundred and fifty‐three children referred to a mental health clinic underwent neuropsychological testing. Their parents were interviewed to obtain background information and data on their children's behavior. Parents and teachers also filled out behavior checklists. The results suggest that neurocognitive impairments are: (1) more strongly associated with externalizing rather than internalizing psychiatric diagnoses; and (2) are correlated with psychiatric symptoms at school, but not at home. The implications for understanding the impact of neurocognitive impairments on the situational specificity of psychiatric symptoms are discussed.
A Special Link between Rhyming Skill and the Use of Orthographic Analogies by Beginning Readers
Authors: Goswami Usha
Published: December 2006

Abstract The existence of a strong correlation between phonological awareness and the development of reading has long been known. More recently, it has been shown that pre‐reading rhyming skills are the best predictor of later reading ability that we have. One reason for this relationship may be that children who have put words into rhyming categories before they begin school may be quick to realize that these words also tend to share the same spelling patterns, and may then use such similarities in spelling to make predictions (analogies) about how new written words will sound. The present study tests one aspect of this hypothesis, which is that children who make more analogies in reading are also better at rhyming than children who do not. Evidence consistent with this prediction is presented.
Are there Emotion Perception Deficits in Young Autistic Children?
Authors: Ozonoff Sally , Pennington Bruce F. , Rogers Sally J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two studies were conducted to test the hypothesis that young autistic children are selectively impaired on emotion perception tasks. Results supporting the hypothesis were found on two of the four measures when the controls used were matched on nonverbal mental age; performance on the other tasks was consistent with global deficits across affective and non‐affective domains, rather than specific deficits in emotion perception. When the autistic group was compared with controls matched on verbal mental age, no group differences were found. These results suggest that emotion perception impairment is not likely to be the primary underlying deficit in autism. Additional areas for further investigation were suggested.
Parent‐Child Agreement on Symptoms Assessed via a Clinical Research Interview for Children: The Child Assessment Schedule (CAS)
Authors: Hodges Kay , Gordon Yoshie , Lennon Mary Pat
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study examined the relationship between symptom type and parent‐child agreement, as reflected in symptom scores on a structured diagnostic interview, the Child Assessment Schedule (CAS). Forty‐eight psychiatric inpatients (mean age of 10 years) were administered the CAS. Their mothers were interviewed independently with the parent form. The average time between interviews was 12 days. High parent‐child agreement was found for conduct/behavioral problems and moderate agreement for affective symptoms. Parents reported more conduct‐related problems; children reported more anxiety and somatic symptoms and more family problems. The pattern of parent‐child differences was the same as observed for other interviews.
Self‐esteem as Determined by Gender Differences among Yoruba Adolescents to Ibadan, Nigeria: A Research Note
Authors: Oyefeso Adenekan O. , Zacheaus Ade
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study investigates the influence of gender differences on the expression of self‐esteem among Yoruba adolescents. Using a sample of 120 adolescents, 60 males and 60 females, with a mean age of 16.02 years (S.D.=1.63), the results reveal that male adolescents express higher self‐esteem than female adolescents. This finding is attributed to the differing socialization processes for males and females in Yoruba societies.
Maternal Anxiety: a 5‐Year Review of an Intervention Study
Authors: Barnett B. , Schaafsma M. F. , Guzman A.‐M. , Parker G. B.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Primiparous women were divided into groups according to their post‐partum trait anxiety scores. Professional or non‐professional support for the first 12 months was offered to two subgroups of high trait anxiety subjects. At the 5‐year follow‐up the high‐anxiety mothers (n= 57) manifested more psychological and social pathology than moderate‐ and low‐anxiety mothers (n= 43), and their children also showed signs of poorer adaptation. There was evidence of improved outcome for mothers in the professional intervention group, but not for their children. Child psychopathology was predicted best by maternal psychosocial variables, and to a lesser extent by child temperament variables. The relation of infant attachment and temperament measures to subsequent psychopathology is discussed.
A Dose‐Response Analysis of the Effects of Methylphenidate on the Peer Interactions and Simulated Classroom Performance of ADD Children with and without Conduct Problems
Authors: Cunningham Charles E. , Siegel Linda S. , Offord David R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract To examine the social effects of methylphenidate, groups of 15 attention‐deficit disordered boys with (ADD) and 15 ADD boys without conduct problems (ADD/CP) were paired with normal peers. ADD and ADD/CP children showed a different pattern of responses to methylphenidate. While on task behavior in ADD/CP dyads increased at 0.15 mg/kg doses, increases in ADD dyads were not observed until doses reached 0.50 mg/kg. Although controlling interaction in ADD children decreased at 0.15 mg/kg, the controlling behavior of ADD/CP children did not decline at either dose. Peers of both ADD and ADD/CP children showed reciprocal declines in controlling behavior. In both free play and cooperative task situations, 0.15 mg/kg increased social interaction in ADD boys and decreased social interaction in ADD/CP boys.
Response Perseveration and Delayed Responding in Childhood Behavior Disorders
Authors: Daugherty Timothy K. , Quay Herbert C.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Students (N=814) in grades 3 through 6 at a public school were screened for behavior problems using the Revised Behavior Problem Checklist. Fifty‐three selected students, representing Conduct Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Conduct Disorder plus Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Anxiety‐Withdrawal Disorder, and normal controls were administered a response perseveration task and delayed responding task (DRL). It was predicted that performance on the two tasks would vary as a function of group membership. While DRL performance did not vary between groups, findings on the response perseveration task provided support for the hypothesis of the perseverative responding for reward in Conduct Disorder.
The Relationship Between Encoding, Discriminative Capacities and Perinatal Risk Status in 4–12‐Month Old Infants
Authors: Millar W. S. , Weir C. G. , Supramaniam G.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Response decrement and recovery to a novel visual stimulus was examined in 4–12‐mth old infants. High (HR) and low (LR) perinatal risk groups were compared to well babies. For abstract stimuli, well babies showed response decrement and recovery to novelty; LR infants revealed some decrement, but no recovery; and the HR group failed to show either. Using face stimuli (Experiment 2) all groups showed decrement and recovery. Cluster analyses revealed that HR infants were more likely to be found in low information‐gain clusters. Infants of lower GA who required perinatal respiratory intervention showed less efficient encoding and poorer discrimination of abstract stimuli.
Premenarcheal Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Gowers S. G. , Crisp A. H. , Joughin N. , Bhat A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The notions of ‘early‐onset’ and ‘prepubertal’ anorexia nervosa are reviewed, with particular reference to the role of the pubertal process within the condition.

A database of 650 female cases is utilized to identify a small sub‐group (n= 30) who developed the condition before the menarche. Many clinical, familial, social and precipitating factors distinguish this group from post‐pubertal cases as a whole, and a sub‐group of post‐menarcheal cases (n= 42) matched for age.

An explanation for previous inconsistent findings in‘early‐onset’ and ‘prepubertal’ anorexia nervosa is advanced.
Motives of Childhood Firesetters: Firesetting Characteristics and Psychological Correlates
Authors: Kolko David J. , Kazdin Alan E.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The present study evaluated curiosity and anger as motives among childhood firesetters. Parents of 133 firesetters (ages 6–13) completed the Fire Incident Analysis (FIA) to permit classification of the children as high and low on each of these two primary motives and to document details of the child's most serious incident within the past 12 months. The children were compared on measures of child dysfunction and firesetting history. An effect of Curiosity was found on measures of psychopathology, firesetting risk, and fire involvement, whereas an effect of Anger was found on measures of firesetting risk and the behavioral correlates of individual incidents. The results clarify the role of child motive in understanding firesetting involvement.
Factors Related to Stress and Satisfaction with Life in Families of Children with Down's Syndrome
Authors: Sloper Patricia , Knussen Christina , Turner Stephen , Cunningham Cliff
Published: December 2006

In a study of families of children with Down's syndrome, measures of parent, family and child characteristics were obtained from mothers and fathers. Multivariable analyses investigated their relationships to outcome measures of psychosomatic symptoms of stress and parents' perceived satisfaction with life. Personality factors were related to outcome for both parents. For mothers, the children's levels of behaviour problems, excitability and self‐sufficiency were strongly related to outcome. Coping strategies, family relationships and socio‐economic factors also showed significant effects. For fathers, child characteristics were not related to outcome. The marital relationship was an important factor and there was evidence that factors external to the family acted as stressors.
The Use of Questionnaires in Child Psychiatry Research: Measuring their Performance and Choosing an Optimal Cut‐Off
Authors: Fombonne Eric
Published: December 2006

This paper introduces the basic principles of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis, a technique to evaluate and compare the discriminant power of questionnaires employed in psychiatric research. ROC curves may assist in the selection of an optimal cut‐off point, which has been shown to depend upon the prevalence rate, the consequences of correct and incorrect classifications, and the distributions of scale scores among normal individuals and cases. Then, ROC analysis is applied to the Child Behavior Checklist on a sample of 564 6–11‐year old French children. The performances of the social competence scales of this instrument are poorer than those of the behavior problem scales. The findings suggest also that the cut‐offs should be varied within this same age group and be higher for screening in community surveys. Further applications of ROC analysis are discussed.
Thalidomide, BSE and the single market: An historical‐institutionalist approach to regulatory regimes in the European Union
Authors: KRAPOHL SEBASTIAN
Published: December 2006

Abstract.  The success of the European Union in regulating the safety of products in the single market differs widely. In the last decade, the regulatory regime for pharmaceuticals has functioned without raising public concerns. The establishment of a European agency for pharmaceuticals in the early 1990s has been evaluated positively by both producers and consumers, and there have been no large scandals so far. At the same time, the food sector was subject to a whole range of crises, of which the BSE scandal was certainly the most significant one. In reaction to this, the regulatory regime for foodstuffs was reformed by setting up the European Food Safety Agency in 2002. This article adopts an historical‐institutionalist approach, and thus tries to give an explanation for the striking differences between the two regulatory regimes. Accordingly, the development of supranational regulatory regimes is distinguished by two critical junctures: a crisis of consumer confidence and the establishment of a single market. It is crucial which of these occurred first. If a crisis of consumer confidence leads to the establishment of national regulatory authorities, these authorities act as stakeholders, which could be an obstacle for harmonization, but also ensures a necessary commitment to health and consumer protection once a single market is set up. If national regulatory authorities are missing, it might be easier to set up a single market, but a regulatory deficit is more likely to occur and, in case of a crisis, the whole regulatory regime has to be established at the supranational level.
Engineering of Vascular Grafts With Genetically Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Poly (Propylene Carbonate) Graft
Authors: Zhang Jun , Qi Hongxu , Wang Hongjun , Hu Ping , Ou Lailiang , Guo Shuhua , Li Jing , Che Yongzhe , Yu Yaoting , Kong Deling
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated their pluripotency to differentiate into different cell lineages and may be an alternative cell source for vascular tissue engineering. The objective of this study is to create small diameter vessels by seeding and culture of genetically modified MSCs onto a synthetic polymer scaffold produced by an electrospinning technique. A tubular scaffold (2 mm in diameter) with a microstructure of nonwoven fibers was produced by electrospinning of poly (propylene carbonate) (PPC). Rat MSCs obtained from bone marrow were expanded in culture and modified with vasculoprotective gene endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) or marker gene green fluorescent protein (GFP). These MSCs were seeded onto the electrospun fibrous grafts (internal diameter = 2 mm), and cultured in 5% CO2 at 37°C. The growth of MSCs in the scaffold was analyzed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The gene transfer and transgenic gene expression were examined with fluorescence‐activated cell sorting (FACS), immunochemical staining, reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and western blot. The production of nitric oxide (NO) by the engineered vessels was measured with an NO detection kit. Our data showed that the seeded cells integrated with the microfibers of the scaffold to form a three‐dimensional cellular network, indicating a favorable interaction between this synthetic PPC scaffold with MSCs. High transduction efficiency was obtained with the use of concentrated retrovirus in the gene transfection of MSCs. The eNOS gene transcripts and protein were detected in the grafts seeded with eNOS‐modified MSCs by RT‐PCR and immunochemical staining. The amount of NO produced by grafts seeded with eNOS‐modified MSCs was comparable to that produced by native blood vessels, and it was significantly higher than that in the grafts seeded with nonmodified MSCs. In summary, the vascular graft produced by culture of eNOS gene‐modified MSCs onto the electrospun tubular scaffolds shows promising results in terms of function. The use of MSCs and therapeutic genes in tissue engineering of blood vessels could be helpful in improving vessel regeneration and patency.
In Vivo Biocompatibility of Sulfonated PEO‐grafted Polyurethanes for Polymer Heart Valve and Vascular Graft
Authors: Han Dong Keun , Park Kwideok , Park Ki Dong , Ahn Kwang‐Duk , Kim Young Ha
Published: December 2006

Abstract:  Sulfonated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐grafted polyurethane (PU) (PU‐PEO‐SO3) prepared by bulk modification was used to coat both PU heart valves and vascular grafts, and their in vivo biocompatibility was evaluated using a canine shunt method. The two devices were implanted for up to 39 days and retrieved at specific time points for the analysis of blood compatibility, biostability, and calcium deposition. When the surface of the retrieved specimens was examined using scanning electron microscopy, platelet adhesion and thrombus formation appeared to be significantly lesser formed on the PU‐PEO‐SO3‐coated implants, compared with the untreated PUs. While molecular weights of untreated PUs were found by gel permeation chromatography to be decreased after 39 days from implantation, the same remained barely changed with the PU‐PEO‐SO3‐coated ones. The inductively coupled plasma study indicated that the amount of deposited calcium was significantly reduced in the surface‐modified PU implants. The efficacy of PU‐PEO‐SO3‐coated implants in terms of blood compatibility, biostability, and calcification resistance may render them as a promising biomedical material in the application for blood/tissue‐contacting tissues and organs.
Steroids and Aseptic Osteonecrosis (AON) in Migraine Patients
Authors: Hussain Aamir , Young William B.
Published: December 2006

Osteonecrosis is a bony infarction caused by disruption of blood supply to the bone. Aseptic osteonecrosis should be rare with intermittent use of steroids in disabling and refractory migraine cases. We present 3 cases of patients who had severe migraine and developed aseptic osteonecrosis with short‐term, intermittent pulse doses of corticosteroids. Migraine has been mentioned as a possible risk factor for aseptic osteonecrosis, and we speculate that severe migraine may be a risk factor for developing aseptic osteonecrosis. Furthermore, migraineurs who develop aseptic osteonecrosis may or may not have associated white matter changes in the brain. We noted a triad of severe migraine, osteonecrosis, and migraine‐related white matter lesions in only 1 case. In severe cases of migraine, steroids should be used cautiously.