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Research Studies

In the 2005-2006 academic year the CNBD was home to 26 collaborative studies investigating many facets of Neurobehavioral Development.  Studies must be approved by the CNBD’s Scientific Advisory Committee as well the University of Minnesota’s IRB.  A list of CNBD research studies conducted in previous years is available here.

Studies marked with an asterisk (*) are part of the General Clinical Research Center’s Infant and Child Development Core.  These studies are cross-disciplinary and coordinated through the CNBD and General Clinical Research Center (GCRC).  More information about the GCRC can be found at: http://www.gcrc.umn.edu

Researchers interested in conducting research at the CNBD should contact Neely Miller, Infant and Child Development Core Coordinator, at mill1425@umn.edu or visit our conducting research webpage.

(Studies are listed in alphabetical order by title)

A Multi-method Study of Prefrontally-Mediated Tasks in Children and Adolescents with Schizophrenia and Their Siblings
Researchers:  Canan Karatekin, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development), Tonya White, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: The goals of this proposal are to use behavioral and psychophysiological methods to elucidate impairments in control of attention and action in children and adolescents with schizophrenia and to identify behavioral and neurological markers of genetic vulnerability to schizophrenia by testing the siblings or offspring of patients with schizophrenia.  A long-term goal of the proposal is to identify which tasks demonstrate the greatest impairment in patients and genetic high-risk groups and to adapt these tasks to fMRI and ERP studies to test if impairments of attention and action are related to disruptions in cortical connectivity.  The results of this project will have implications for our understanding of schizophrenia as well as measuring and understanding of brain-behavior relationships during adolescence. 

A Pilot Study of Brain Function and Structure in MPS I and II
Researcher: Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Kathleen M. Thomas, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators: Kate Delaney (Department of Pediatrics), Kendra Bjoraker, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Lawrence Charnas, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Chester Whitley, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: Genzyme Corporation
Abstract: This is a pilot study to explore the central nervous system effects in MPS I and II (mucopolysaccharidosis) with special attention to the role of the hippocampus.  MRI and neuropsychological tests will be used to explore brain structures and CNS functions, especially memory and learning in relationship to the hippocampus.

Adolescent Brain Development and Effects of Drug Abuse
Researchers:  Kelvin Lim, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry), Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The general goals of this proposal are (i) to use structural neuroimaging and neurocognitive assessments to expand upon a program of research on the neurodevelopment of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in a sample of typically-developing adolescents and (ii) to apply this knowledge to age-matched inhalant abusers in an exploratory study.  Through cross-sectional and longitudinal investigations, behavioral and imaging tools will be used to quantify the development of PFC-mediated behaviors and white matter maturation in adolescents who are non-drug using controls versus a clinic-referred sample who abuse inhalant drugs.

*Autonomic Dysregulation in Children with Autism and Brain Injured Children
Researcher:  Frank Symons, Ph.D. (Department of Educational Psychology)         
Collaborators:  Elizabeth Gilles, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology), Jodi Dooling-Litfin (Department of Pediatrics), Desiree Czapanski-Beilman (Department of Pediatrics), Leah Brzezinski (Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The overall goal of this research is to define whether autonomic dysfunction exists in autistic children.  The main hypothesis is that abnormalities of afferent signal processing are the result of an altered autonomic nervous system in autistic children and contribute to maladaptive emotional behavior.  The specific aims of this study are to 1) Determine patterns of autonomic function of children with autism, children with moderate-severe traumatic brain injury and typically developing children; 2) Determine the relationship between cognitive function and autonomic function measures in autistic children, children with moderate-severe TBI and normally developing children.

*Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Oxidative DNA Damage in Newborns
Researcher: Logan Spector, Ph. D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigators: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Julie Ross, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The goal of this study is to determine whether infants who receive 100% oxygen (02) at birth exhibit higher levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress and oxidative DNA damage at four and eight weeks of life than do unexposed infants.

*Control of Attention and Action in Child-and-Adolescent-Onset Schizophrenia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Researcher: Canan Karatekin, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Tonya White, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry), Kelvin Lim, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry), Nicholas Davenport (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The goal of this proposal is to compare adolescents with schizophrenia or ADHD to healthy controls on fine-grained measures of cognitive and motor function and neuroanatomy. Although qualitatively similar to adult-onset schizophrenia, the early-onset form of the disorder is more severe and genetically loaded. Thus, this relatively homogeneous group of patients can make it easier to draw inferences about core impairments in schizophrenia. The result of this direct and detailed comparison between schizophrenia and ADHD can constrain model-building and point to more effective treatment approaches in both disorders.

*Development of Auditory Memory in Newborn Infants
Researcher: Jill Therien, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigators: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School), Raye-Ann deRegnier, M.D. (Northwestern University)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: Memory is an essential cognitive function that is fundamental for learning in infancy and childhood. Further understanding of memory development will allow an enhanced understanding of early cognitive development in healthy infants that will ultimately benefit infants who are at increased risk for difficulties with learning and memory. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of postnatal experience in very early memory development in newborn infants.

Development of Emotion-Modulated Startle Response: A Subcomponent of
Developmental Psychobiology of Stress in Children
Researcher: Karina Quevedo (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development), Bonny Donzella, M.A. (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: NIMH
Abstract: The purpose of the project is to further the understanding of a measure called emotion-modulated startle response.  In adults, this measure is used to indicate emotional state and to explore individual differences in emotional reactivity.  In response to an acoustic probe, the muscles around the eye contract.  The amplitude of this contraction varies with the emotional content of the stimulus presented.  That is, negative stimuli potentiate the contraction of the eye muscles while positive stimuli diminish the contraction. Given the theoretical links between emotion-modulated startle response and individual differences in stress reactivity, there is an interest in utilizing this measure with young children.  However, it is not clear that the stimuli used to induce emotions in adults (i.e., still pictures) would be effective with young children.  Thus, a paradigm that relies on children’s videos was developed for use with young children.  The specific intent of the proposed project is to examine the effect of stimulus modality (i.e., still pictures compared to videos with soundtrack) on the startle response in adults.

Effects of Music and Ambient Noise on Physiological and Behavioral State Responses of Preterm Infants in the NICU
Researcher: Diana Neal, M.S., R.N. (School of Nursing)
Collaborators: Linda Lindeke, Ph.D., R.N. (School of Nursing), Susan O'Conner-Von, Ph.D., R.N. (School of Nursing), and Jill Therien, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: This study combines the work of music therapy, and neuroscience with nursing to provide evidence that preterm infant perception of music is different than ambient noise, by evaluating the effects of recorded music and ambient noise on physiological and behavioral state responses of preterm infants between 32 and 35 weeks gestation in the NICU.

Electrophysiological Correlates of Social Communication in Post-institutionalized and Typically Developing 18-Month Olds
Researcher:  Amanda Tarullo (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Megan Gunner, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development) and Bonny Donzella, M.A. (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: This project assesses early social communication and patterns of brain activity in 18- to 20- month-old infants who have been internationally adopted from orphanages at 10 months of age or later.  The researchers are interested in whether the early social and/or physical deprivation of orphanage rearing, particularly the absence of a stable, responsive caregiver, will affect the development of early social communication skills as well as patterns of brain activity.  The study explores whether a history of early deprivation impacts the development of early social communication, patterns of brain activity.  It will also examine what areas of the brain may be related to early social communication and whether these associations may vary depending on early care history. Results will help to begin exploring the pathways though which early deprivation may lead to socio-emotional developmental problems.

*Genotypic Influences on Prefrontally-guided Behaviors in Adolescents
Researchers:  Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology) Tonya White, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: This project will examine the genotypic influences on prefrontally guided behaviors in healthy adolescents and young adults, ages 9 to 25 years. In this study, the functional polymorphisms of three genes in relation to prefrontal function in adolescents will be examined.  The impact of genotype on behavioral performance across tasks and within each age and maturational group to determine whether genotype-cognition interactions are equally potent pre-versus post-puberty will be considered.

*Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR) and Fetal Adaptive Programming: A Multidisciplinary Pilot Study
Researchers: Mary Pylipow, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Kyriakie Sarafoglou, M.D. (Department of Pediatric Endocrinology)
Co-Investigators: Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development), Bradley Miller, M.D. (Department of Pediatric Endocrinology)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: This pilot study is obtaining preliminary data to estimate the means and variability of outcome measures to determine whether 1) IUGR infants have significant alterations in the regulatory hormones of the Limbic-Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (LPHA) axis and their anatomically and physiologically connected memory circuits after IUGR and 2) children with accelerated catch up growth have more neurodevelopmental, endocrine, and cytokine abnormalities than slower growing infants.

*Laboratory Assessment of Temperament and Physiology in Preschool Age Children: A Sub-component of ‘Psychobiological Studies of Stress in Young Children’
Researcher: Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigator:  Bonny Donzella, M.A. (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: NIMH
Abstract: The overarching goals of this research program are to understand the psychological and social regulation of stress physiology in early childhood, and the relations of stress system activity to children’s social and emotional development.  In the course of three studies, several factors that might explain the different physiological and behavioral responses children have to the normal challenges of early life (ie:  separation, interaction with peers) will be examined.  These factors include child temperament (personality), sensitivity of adult care, child regulatory competence (effortful control), and peer relationships.  The researcher hopes to construct an understanding of the regulation of stress physiology in early childhood that incorporates all of these factors.

Monitoring Movement Skills in Very Low Birthweight Infants
Researchers: Carol Leitschuh, Ph.D. (School of Kinesiology)
Collaborators: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to collect pilot data on monitoring the movement skills of infants born premature at 1500 gms or less to determine if the use of the monitoring tool, referred to as an Infant-Toddler Movement IGDI, is sensitive with a clinical population (infants born premature) to the movement skills of typical infants.

*Neurobehavioral Correlates of Early Deprivation
Researcher:  Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Charles A. Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School), Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Seth Pollack (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Funding Source: NIMH
Abstract: This work explores the neurobiological bases of problems in attention/executive functions, sensory integration and emotion/stress regulation that are often exhibited by children who have experienced neglect/privation early in life. Studies of institutionally-reared children yield consistent evidence that early deprivation can have long-term consequences for cognitive and social functioning. Our goal is to more directly examine brain-behavior processes in children from institutionally deprived environments. We argue that this research will (a) inform our understanding of the brain-behavior impact of early deprivation/neglect, (b) enhance our ability to assess the bases of deprived children's cognitive and social-emotional difficulties, and (c) inform research on prevention/intervention for children who experienced early neglect/deprivation.

Neurobehavioral Development of Socially-Mediated Decision-Making
Researcher: Elizabeth Olson (Department of Psychology)
Collaborators: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), and Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: This project examines behavior on a socially-mediated decision-making task (the Prisoner’s Dilemma) during adolescence.  The game involves repeated decisions regarding social cooperation s. defection, and is thought to be a model for cooperative social behavior.  Performing the task recruits prefrontal regions in adults.  Because prefrontal regions develop over the course of adolescence, we expect task behavior to vary based on the level of prefrontal development.  Participants (age 9, 13, 17, and 21) will play the task versus a computerized ‘partner,’ while event-related potentials, heart rate, and skin conductance are monitored.

*Neurocognitive Outcomes of Infants of Diabetic Mothers
Researchers:  Kathleen M. Thomas, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: In this study we are focusing our efforts specifically on three areas.  First, we intend to document more specifically the nature of the functional and structural deficits observed to date: thus, what types of memory are impaired, and how extensive is the damage to the hippocampus?  Second, we seek to determine whether deficits in other cognitive functions emerge as our study populations makes the transition to school age; specifically, do we observe deficits in striatal or prefrontal functions?  And, is there an association between such deficits and school performance?  Finally, we wish to characterize further what neural circuits have been compromised by the adverse fetal environment that is common among IDMs; specifically, confirm our prediction of hippocampal damage (as inferred from reduced hippocampal volume and/or metabolism) and/or whether we observe damage to striatum, and/or whether we observe reductions in white matter due to prenatal iron deficiency.  We will address these questions by conducting detailed electrophysiological (ERPs), metabolic (fMRI), anatomic (MRI), and behavioral (neuropsychologic) studies on our current samples of IDMs and comparison children.

*Neuroendocrine Functions in Post-institutionalized Children
Researcher: Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Co-Investigators:  Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development), Maria Kroupina, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Anna Petryk, M.D., (Department of Pediatrics), Sandra Lee Iverson, R.N., C.P.N.P., M.S. (Department of Pediatrics), Bradley Miller, M.D., Ph.D. (Pediatric Endocrinology)
Collaborator:  Patricia Bauer, Ph.D. (Duke University)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The main goal of this research program is to determine whether early neglect and deprivation can influence the development and interactions between the stress-sensitive system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and the growth hormone (GH) system in children that affect physical growth in post-institutionalized children.

*Neurophysiologic Assessment of the At-Risk Newborn
Researchers:  Kathleen M. Thomas, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators:  Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School)
Collaborator:  Patricia Bauer, Ph.D. (Alumni, Duke University)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: In this study, we hypothesize that the adverse fetal events common in the diabetic pregnancy (i.e. iron deficiency, hypoxemia, and hypoglycemia) will have a deleterious and specific effect on the hippocampus. This should result in selective impairments in explicit memory due to the established vulnerability of this structure to these metabolic disturbances. Our results thus far have established a consistent pattern of deficits in recognition memory, from birth through three years of age, as inferred from electrophysiological data (event-related potentials) and behavioral data (Elicited Imitation).

*Newborn Iron Deficiency
Researcher:  Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Co-Investigator:  Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: This study will provide important information regarding the neurophysiologic, metabolic and behavioral sequelae of fetal/neonatal iron deficiency in newborn intra uterine growth restricted (IUGR) infants. The goal of this study is to demonstrate abnormal recognition memory processing in IUGR infants via electrophysiological (event-related potentials) and behavioral (Elicited Imitation) methods.

*Newborn Iron Deficiency: Treatment
Researcher: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Co-Investigator:  Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School), Susan Berry, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Collaborators:  Raghu Rao (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Ivan Tkac (Department of Radiology), Rolf Gruetter (Department of Radiology)
Funding Source: NIH
Abstract: The aim of the study is to isolate the specific effect of iron deficiency on the developing hippocampus by studying auditory recognition memory with high-density event related potentials (ERPs) and behavioral studies dependent on intact hippocampus.  We will enroll brain-iron deficient infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and compare them to brain-iron sufficient IDMs, as well as brain-iron deficient and brain-iron sufficient infants born to mothers without diabetes.  We hypothesize that medicinal iron supplementation started at two weeks of age and continued for 4 weeks will accelerate the process of normalization of iron stores, and in turn normalization of ERP wave pattern.

Prefrontal Mediated Tasks in Youth with Anxiety Disorders Pre- Versus Post-Medication
Researcher: Kathryn Cullen, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Collaborators: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), Tonya White, M.D.(Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: This study aims to measure pre-versus post-medication changes in prefrontal mediated cognitive domains among children, adolescents, and younger adults with anxiety disorders who have been prescribed SSRI medications, as well as compare medication-related changes in prefrontal mediated cognitive domains between younger and older age groups.

Quantifying the Time Course of Tantrum Anger
Researcher: Michael Potegal, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Neurology)
Collaborator: Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: NICHHD
Abstract: This project is developing a quantitative, behaviorally-based model of children’s anger. In this model we use the temporal variations in each angry behavior previously observed during naturally occurring tantrums to reconstruct both the time course of anger and the “linkage functions” through which anger controls the probabilities of the observed behaviors. The model is being tested by collecting audio/video recordings of a set of tantrums of 2 year olds and conducting video coding and data analysis.

Research Screening in Autism: Minnesota Biobehavioral Autism Program
Researchers:  Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Michael Reiff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Robin Rumsey, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Abstract: The purpose of this research screening program is to create a database of medical and behavioral information about children with autistic spectrum disorders.  This database will be used for research study of characteristics of children with ASDs and for selection of children to participate in a number of research studies that will be started in the Autistic Spectrum Disorders program.

Structural and Functional Development of the Anterior Cingulate in Adolescence
Researcher: Kristin Sullwold (Department of Psychology)
Collaborators: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), Kelvin Lim, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: The aims of this study are to 1) examine the development of white matter microstructure in the ACC during adolescence and early adulthood, 2) determine how white matter development in this region relates to behavioral evidence for ACC development, and 3) to investigate associations to between white matter organization and electrophysiological evidence for ACC development using ERP testing techniques.

*The Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids in Cortisol Regulation During Early Infancy
Researcher: Nicole Talge (Institute of Child Development)
Collaborators: Megan Gunner, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development), Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Funding Source: NIMH
Abstract: This study follows premature infants with and without antenatal corticosteroid exposure when they are term age (38-41 weeks post conception) and 6 weeks corrected age.  These infants will be compared to healthy, full-term infants during the first week of life and at 6 weeks to address the length of time alteration in cortisol reactivity persists, found in previous studies.