bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relation between salivary cortisol, callous‐unemotional traits, and conduct problems in an adolescent non‐referred sample
Authors: Loney Bryan R. , Butler Melanie A. , Lima Elizabeth N. , Counts Carla A. , Eckel Lisa A. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  Previous research has suggested that adult psychopathic behavior and child callous‐unemotional (CU) traits are uniquely related to low emotional reactivity. Salivary cortisol is a promising biological measure of emotional reactivity that has been relatively overlooked in research on CU traits and antisocial behavior. The current study examined for gender differences in the relation between resting salivary cortisol levels and CU traits in a non‐referred adolescent sample. Salivary testosterone levels were assessed to provide discriminant validity for cortisol analyses and were not expected to bear a relation to CU traits.Method:  An extreme groups strategy was used to recruit 108 adolescents (53 male, 55 female) from a larger screening sample who exhibited various combinations of low and high scores on parent‐report measures of CU traits and conduct problems. Resting saliva samples were assayed for cortisol and testosterone levels using a radioimmunoassay procedure.Results:  Consistent with prediction, male participants exhibiting elevated CU traits were uniquely characterized by low cortisol levels relative to male comparison groups (p < .05). Testosterone levels did not differentiate groups and no hormone effects were found for female participants.Conclusions:  The current findings build upon recent research in suggesting that low cortisol may be a biological marker for male CU traits.
Social behavior and peer relationships of victims, bully‐victims, and bullies in kindergarten
Authors: Perren Sonja , Alsaker Françoise D. 
Published: December 2005

Background:  Although the prevalence of bully/victim problems in school‐age children and adolescents has been investigated in many countries, only a few studies have been carried out among younger children. This study examines social behaviors and peer relationships of children involved in bully/victim problems in kindergarten.Methods:  Three hundred and forty‐four five‐ to seven‐year‐old children participated. Children were categorized as victims, bully‐victims, bullies, and non‐involved by means of teacher ratings and peer nominations. Teachers completed questionnaires on children's social behavior patterns. Peer relationships were assessed by means of peer nominations and social cluster mapping.Results:  Compared to non‐involved children, victims were more submissive, had fewer leadership skills, were more withdrawn, more isolated, less cooperative, less sociable, and frequently had no playmates. As expected, bullies and bully‐victims were generally more aggressive than their peers. In addition, bully‐victims were less cooperative, less sociable, and more frequently had no playmates than non‐involved children. Bullies were less prosocial, and had more leadership skills than non‐involved children. Bullies belonged to larger social clusters and were frequently affiliated with other bullies or bully‐victims.Conclusions:  We were able to establish distinct behavior patterns for bullies, bully‐victims, and victims. Some of these social behaviors may be considered as risk factors for being victimized or becoming a bully. Our findings also emphasize the significance of peer relationships in bully/victim problems. On the one hand, victimized children's lack of friends might render them psychologically and socially vulnerable, and thus more prone to becoming easy targets. On the other hand, bullies seemed to be preferred playmates, particularly for other aggressive boys. This affiliation of aggressive children might lead to an increase in bullying behavior. Our understanding of the social and interactional nature of bullying and victimization has practical implications for prevention and intervention against bully/victim problems.
Practitioner Review: Short‐term and working memory impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders: diagnosis and remedial support
Authors: Gathercole Susan E. , Alloway Tracy Packiam 
Published: December 2005

Background:  This article provides an introduction to current models of working and short‐term memory, their links with learning, and diagnosis of impairments. The memory impairments associated with a range of neurodevelopmental disorders (Down's syndrome, Williams syndrome, Specific Language Impairment, and attentional deficits) are discussed.Methods:  Methods of alleviating the adverse consequences of working and short‐term memory impairments for learning are identified.Conclusion:  Impairments of short‐term and working memory are associated with learning difficulties that can be substantial, and that can be minimised by appropriate methods of remedial support.
Book Reviews
Authors: FREUND BILL , DOWLER ELIZABETH , FRIEDMANN HARRIET , BRENNAN JAMES 
Published: December 2005

Books reviewed:James C. McCann, Maize and Grace: Africa's Encounter with a New World Crop 1500–2000.T. Lang and M. Heasman, Food Wars: The Global Battle for Mouths, Minds and Markets.Richard A. Walker, The Conquest of Bread: 150 Years of Agribusiness in California.Paul Nugent, Africa Since Independence: A Comparative History.
Comparison of optical coherence tomography and fundus photography for measuring the optic disc size
Authors: Neubauer Aljoscha S. , Krieglstein Tina R. , Chryssafis Christos , Thiel Martin , Kampik Anselm 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To assess the agreement and repeatability of optic nerve head (ONH) size measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) as compared to conventional planimetry of fundus photographs in normal eyes.Methods:  For comparison with planimetry the absolute size of the ONH of 25 eyes from 25 normal subjects were measured by both OCT and digital fundus photography (Zeiss FF camera 450). Repeatability of automated Stratus OCT measurements were investigated by repeatedly measuring the optic disc in five normal subjects.Results:  Mean disc size was 1763 ± 186 vertically and 1632 ± 160 μm horizontally on planimetry. On OCT, values of 1772 ± 317 μm vertically (p = 0.82) and a significantly smaller horizontal diameter of 1492 ± 302 μm (p = 0.04) were obtained. The 95% limits of agreement were (−546 μm; +527 μm) for vertical and (−502 μm; +782 μm) for horizontal planimetric compared to OCT measurements. In some cases large discrepancies existed. Repeatability of automatic measurements of the optic disc by OCT was moderately good with intra‐class correlation coefficients (ICC) of 0.78 horizontally and 0.83 vertically. The coefficient of repeatability indicating instrument precision was 80 μm for horizontal and 168 μm for vertical measurements.Conclusions:  OCT can be used to determine optic disc margins in moderate agreement with planimetry in normal subjects. However, in some cases significant disagreement with photographic assessment may occur making manual inspection advisable. Automatic disc detection by OCT is moderately repeatable.
Validity and limitations of the Nidek NT‐4000 non‐contact tonometer: a clinical study
Authors: Regine Federico , Scuderi Gian Luca , Cesareo Massimo , Ricci Federico , Cedrone Claudio , Nucci Carlo 
Published: December 2005

AbstractUsing Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) as a gold standard, we evaluated the accuracy of Nidek NT‐4000 pneumotonometry (NPT) in adults without corneal disease. Bland and Altman analysis of serial intra‐ocular pressures (IOPs) measured with NPT and GAT in 10 healthy subjects revealed that the repeatability coefficients for the two methods were similar. NPT, GAT and ultrasonic pachymetry were then performed in 100 patients. Bland and Altman analysis showed that NPT yielded significantly higher readings than GAT [mean biases for right and left eye measurements were 1.37 mmHg (95% limits of agreement: −3.02–5.76) and 1.17 mmHg (95% limits of agreement: −2.76–5.11) respectively] and was more affected by corneal thickness variations. For detection of IOPs ≥21 mmHg, NPT displayed very high sensitivity (0.90) and good specificity (0.95). NPT may be useful in screening and clinical settings but borderline‐high IOP readings should be confirmed with GAT.
Refractive index and equilibrium water content of conventional and silicone hydrogel contact lenses
Authors: González‐Méijome José M. , Lira Madalena , López‐Alemany Antonio , Almeida José B. , Parafita Manuel A. , Refojo Miguel F. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  The purpose of the present study was to measure equilibrium water content (EWC) and refractive index of conventional and silicone hydrogel soft contact lenses (SCL) using a hand refractometer and an automated refractometer.Methods:  Sixteen SCL were used in this study including 12 conventional SCL not containing siloxane moieties (equilibrium water content (EWC) range: 38.6–74%) and the four silicone hydrogel based contact lenses currently available (WC range: 24–47%). Two experienced observers performed the measurements in a randomised order being masked by a third party during the three sessions at which the measurements were collected. The Atago N‐2E hand refractometer and the CLR 12‐70 digital refractometer were used. Data were analysed separately for conventional and silicone hydrogel materials.Results:  Measured EWC and refractive index correlate better when measured with the instruments used in this study (r2 = 0.979, p < 0.001) than the nominal parameters (r2 = 0.666, p < 0.001). The linear relationship that correlates nominal and measured EWC shows higher spread of data when all lenses are analysed together (r2 = 0.840) than when conventional hydrogel (r2 = 0.953) and silicone hydrogel contact lenses (r2 = 0.967) are analysed separately. Regarding refractive index, the relationship between nominal and measured values when all the lenses are considered together (r2 = 0.794) becomes weaker when conventional hydrogel are considered separately (r2 = 0.688), while a stronger relationship is observed for silicone hydrogel lenses (r2 = 0.939). Hence, hand refractometry overestimates the EWC of silicone hydrogels, while automated refractive index measurements are more accurate in silicone hydrogels than in conventional hydrogels.Conclusions:  New relationships are presented that correlate nominal and measured values of EWC and refractive index for the silicone containing hydrogels. The linear relationships derived fit well to the data. Hand refractometry overestimates the EWC of silicone hydrogel materials and this bias is related to the proportion of siloxane moieties in the material. Conversely, refractive index can be obtained more accurately with automated refractometry for silicone hydrogels than for conventional hydrogels. Present results are of interest in planning future clinical studies involving the measurement of EWC of current hydrogels.
Intermediate spatial frequency letter contrast sensitivity: its relation to visual resolution before and during amblyopia treatment
Authors: Moseley Merrick J. , Stewart Catherine E. , Fielder Alistair R. , Stephens David A. ,   the MOTAS cooperative
Published: December 2005

AbstractWe examined the loss of letter contrast sensitivity (LCS) measured using the Pelli‐Robson chart, and the extent to which any such loss was modulated by spectacle wear and occlusion therapy in children participating in an amblyopia treatment trial. Their initial mean interocular difference in logMAR acuity was approximately three times that of their LCS (0.45 vs 0.14 log units). Log LCS was weakly though significantly correlated with logMAR visual acuity (VA) for all VAs better than 0.90 (r = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.28 to −0.10) whereas for all VAs of 0.90 or poorer, log LCS was markedly and significantly correlated with VA (r = −0.72, 95% CI: −0.83 to −0.53). LCS in those children with a ≥0.1 log unit interocular difference on this test improved commensurately with VA during treatment. We conjecture that the spatial visual loss in all but the most severe amblyopes occurs in an area of resolution and contrast space that lies beyond that sampled by the Pelli‐Robson chart.
Ocular prevalence and stereoacuity1
Authors: Kromeier Miriam , Heinrich Sven P. , Bach Michael , Kommerell Guntram 
Published: December 2005

AbstractBackground:  Most people attribute a higher weight to the input from one eye than to that from the other eye when they have to align stereodisparate objects in the same visual direction. This preference for visual directions has been termed ‘ocular prevalence’, according to the Latin praevalentia = superior power. Questions: (1) Is ocular prevalence of one eye (or its correlate, partial suppression of the other eye in the prevalence task) restricted to large stereodisparities, close to Panum's limit, or does it occur also at small stereodisparities, near the stereoscopic threshold? (2) Is ocular prevalence a handicap for stereoacuity?Methods:  Six non‐strabismic observers with equal visual acuity of their two eyes were examined. To determine their ocular prevalence, they were presented with vertical vernier lines at stereodisparities ranging between 30 and 430 arcsec. They had to judge whether the lower, anterior line was located on the right‐ or left‐hand side of the upper, posterior line. Their stereoscopic threshold was measured with an adaptive staircase procedure, using the Freiburg Stereoacuity Test.Results:  All six observers exhibited some ocular prevalence. It changed considerably on repeated measurements. In three observers, it even switched from one eye to the other. Ocular prevalence occurred not only at large stereodisparities, close to Panum's limit, but also at small stereodisparities. The stereoscopic threshold of the six observers ranged between 1.7 and 12.3 arcsec.Conclusion:  Ocular prevalence is common, intra‐individually variable and occurs even at small stereodisparities close to the stereoscopic threshold. It is compatible with ‘optimal’ stereoacuity. Hence, ocular prevalence appears to be a harmless feature of normal binocular vision.
Is the spectacle lens jack‐in‐the‐box phenomenon really due to the lenses?
Authors: Walsh Glyn , Pearce E. Ian 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe calculation of the extent of the ring scotoma around positive lenses, as conventionally taught to students of clinical optics, indicates that the scotoma is of a significant size. Using knife‐edge lenses this study shows that the calculations are invalid due to the finite size of the eye's entrance pupil and in many instances the scotoma is shown not to exist. The effect noticed in clinical practice is probably largely due to the frame and the edging techniques used which add to the refractive scotoma which is present with high powered lenses, large apertures and/or small pupil sizes.
Prescribing spectacles: reasons for failure of spectacle lens acceptance
Authors: Hrynchak Patricia 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe objective of this descriptive study was to determine the frequency with which patients return for re‐examination due to a failure of spectacle lens acceptance and to quantify the reasons for the failure. A random sample of patient records was reviewed to determine the rate of spectacle lens prescription. Spectacles reassessment records, completed after dispensing problems were dealt with were reviewed to determine the primary reason for the failure. Spectacles were prescribed for 58% of the 44 341 patients seen over 6 years. Of the 25 718 prescriptions written, 400 patients (1.6%) returned for reassessment. The most common problem was incorrect refractive error measurement (59%), followed by inability of the patient to adapt to an accurate refractive correction (10.3%), inadequate patient education regarding lens design (9.5%), pathology (9.3%), appliance problem (5.8%), transcription errors (1.6%) and other (4.5%). The frequency of failure to adapt to spectacle prescriptions is quite low and the most common reason for this failure is inaccuracy in the measurement of the refractive error.
Wavefront analysis of eyes with cataracts in patients with monocular triplopia1
Authors: Kim Aya , Bessho Kenichiro , Okawa Yoshitaka , Maeda Naoyuki , Tano Yasuo , Hirohara Yoko , Mihashi Toshifumi , Fujikado Takashi 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To determine whether wavefront analysis using a Hartmann–Shack (H‐S) aberrometer can reveal the cause of monocular triplopia in eyes with mild cataracts.Methods:  Six patients (nine eyes; age range 38–58 years; average 49.8 ± 6.9 years) who complained of monocular triplopia at the Osaka University Hospital between January and December 2003 were examined. Wavefront analyses of ocular and corneal aberrations of the central 4 mm diameter were performed using a H‐S aberrometer equipped with a Placido ring videokeratoscope. The ocular and corneal higher‐order wavefronts were fitted with a fourth‐order Zernike expansion.Results:  All nine eyes showed mild nuclear cataract and had a mean spherical refractive error of −10.3 ± 3.5 D. The visual acuity was ≥ 20/40 except in one eye with glaucoma. For the Zernike polynomials, the trefoil aberration (C3‐3) and the spherical aberration (C40) were significantly higher than those of age‐matched normal controls (p < 0.001). The simulated retinal image of a Landolt C showed that the combination of trefoil aberration and the spherical aberration can cause an image with a triple configuration.Conclusions:  Monocular triplopia was reported by middle‐aged patients with mild nuclear cataract and high myopia. Wavefront analyses suggested that the triple configuration was caused by the combined increase of the trefoil and spherical aberration in lenses with mild nuclear cataracts.
Analysis of refractive state ratios and the onset of myopia
Authors: Lin J. T. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  To develop formulae for the refractive state ratios, axial length growth and the age of onset (A*) of myopia. Calculated results are compared with measurements.Methods:  Using an image equation, the axial length in the ametropic state (L) is related to the length in the emmetropic state (L*) and refractive error (D) by a rate of change M (D mm−1). Three refractive state ratios are defined: C1 = L/r1, C2 = L/L* and C3 = L/H, where r1 and H are the anterior surface radius of the cornea and the transverse dimension of the eye, respectively. The age of onset A* is calculated by the rate of change of refractive error (M) and the axial growth rates N and N* in the ametropic and emmetropic states, respectively.Results:  The three ratios C1, C2 and C3 are increasing function of the myopia power, for example, C1 = 3.4, 3.1, 2.9 for D = −8, 0, +4 dioptres, respectively. The calculated C1* (for the emmetropic state) varies between 3.08 and 3.14, depending on corneal shape, and C3 = 0.985, 1.0, 1.04 for D = +3, 0, −3 dioptres: these values are consistent with measured data. For a typical system with effective focal length F = 22.25 mm, L* = 24.2 mm and L = 23.4, 24.9, 25.9 mm for D = +2, −2, −5 dioptres, respectively. The calculated rates of change of refractive error M = 2.3–2.9 D mm−1 for F = 22–23 mm are also consistent with measured values 2.4–2.7 D mm−1. The age of onset A* is calculated to be proportional to 1/(M dN), where dN = N−N* is the axial growth rate difference between the ametropic and emmetropic states and may be used as a better predictor for myopia onset than the conventional ratio L/r1. The A* is given by the crossing of L and L* curves, in which myopia onset occurs earlier for larger M dN.Conclusion:  The theory provides formulae to calculate various refractive state ratios, which are consistent with measurements. By defining two rate functions, M and N, the onset of myopia can be predicted.
Development of a technique for recording the focal rod ERG
Authors: Binns Alison , Margrain Tom H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractThe scotopic ERG recorded in response to a focal stimulus has a double b‐wave. The first wave results from direct focal stimulation of the retina, and the second originates in the peripheral retina in response to scattered light. The aim of this study was to assess two possible protocols for the isolation of the focal rod response, namely ‘Subtraction’ and ‘Background Adaptation’ techniques. The Subtraction technique involved the recording of a full‐field response, which matched the b‐wave elicited by intraocular light scatter, and the subtraction of this full‐field response from the initial trace to isolate the focal component. In the Background Adaptation technique an adapting surround was used to suppress the response from the peripheral retina. Focal rod responses were isolated with both techniques. However, the Background Adaptation technique was found to more reliably elicit a focal response with a measurable a‐wave, and was also considerably less time consuming than the Subtraction technique.
Iris melanoma: a case report and review
Authors: Millodot Michel , Hendler Karen , Pe'er Jacob 
Published: December 2005

AbstractIris melanoma is a rare ocular tumour, which can be detected early in its development. This tumour is almost always unilateral and arises usually from a pre‐existing naevus. Failure to detect it may be associated with morbid ocular and systemic complications, yet there are successful therapies to treat this condition, if detected early. The patient presented to the eye clinic with symptoms of occasional, brief loss of vision in his left eye for a few weeks prior to his visit. Slit‐lamp examination revealed a mass on the inferior part of the iris of the left eye. Intra‐ocular pressure measurements were RE 15 mmHg and LE 38 mmHg. It was found that a tumour had spread throughout the iris stroma and invaded the anterior chamber angle. Although enucleation would have been the treatment of choice in the past, the trend today in the treatment of a growing, large circumscribed iris tumour is to excise it. It was successfully excised by irido‐cyclo‐trabeculectomy.
Managing ‘suspicious glaucomatous discs’ identified during digital‐photography‐based diabetic retinopathy screening
Authors: Steele C. , Steel D. , Bone H. , McParland L. , Green L. , Fraser S. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractPurpose:  An audit to demonstrate the outcome of patients identified with suspicious glaucomatous discs within a digital‐photography‐based diabetic retinopathy screening programme.Methods:  Primary care based digital photographic screening was performed utilising mydriasis and two‐field digital photography for all patients with diabetes. Patients identified with discs suspicious of glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON) were initially referred to an accredited community‐based optometrist for further assessment. Some patients were then referred to secondary care where appropriate.Results:  From 1st April 2002 to 31st March 2003 a total of 3868 patients were screened for diabetic retinopathy. This audit revealed that 55 subjects were identified by retinal screeners as having discs suspicious of glaucoma. A total of 29 were already under glaucoma clinic review. A total of 23/26 remaining were referred for an assessment by an accredited optometrist. Of these 13 were normal, 6 were referred to secondary care and 4 failed to attend. The three remaining were referred directly to secondary care.Conclusions:  All nine referrals to secondary care were deemed appropriate by a glaucoma specialist. This suggests that the system described does not lead to over‐referral of suspicious discs – although the issue of how many glaucomatous discs are missed during screening (false negatives) will only be answered in the longer term.