Research Studies

The CNBD is home to numerous 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.

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)

Attention, Reward, and Behavior in Adolescents with Diverse Early Histories

Researcher: Michelle Loman, M.A. (Institute of Child Development)
Collaborators: Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development),
Co-Investigators: Kristen Wiik, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Children adopted from conditions of deprivation (e.g. orphanages overseas [PI]) are consistently reported to be at increased risk of ADHD symptoms. Results from neurobehavioral studies comparing PI children to non-adopted peers are suggestive of ADHD-like cognitive deficits and brain activity. This study will directly compare the symptom profile, behavioral performance, and electrophysiological correlates (ERP) of PI children to non-adopted children with ADHD. The role of interactions across genes and developmental history in the development of ADHD-like behavior will be explored.

Automatic measurement of attention in infants at-risk for autism: A study from the grant, CDI-Type II: Computational Tools for Behavioral Analysis, Diagnosis and Intervention of at Risk Children

Researcher: Amy Esler, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Inverstigators: Kelvin Lim, MD (Department of Psychiatry); Nikolaos P Papanikolopoulos, Ph.D. (Computer Science and Engineering)
Funding Source: National Science Foundation
Abstract: The objective of this study will be to develop and automate neurobehavioral tasks that can be implemented in clinical settings as a screening for ASD risk in children under age 2. Past studies of early risk signs of ASD have utilized experimental tasks designed to measure aspects of visual attention, and results indicated that children who went on to develop ASD had difficulties shifting and disengaging attention to a new stimulus. These studies relied on video recordings and detailed, time-intensive behavioral coding procedures to detect these difficulties. The proposed study automates this process using new technology. The infants’ responses will be captured using digital video and specially-designed software that automatically tracks change in movement of gaze as the stimuli are presented. Results of this study would clarify existing research on the relationship between brain development, early engagement with the environment, and later diagnostic outcome; inform future research on early detection; and create new tools with promise for clinical application.

Behavioral Analysis of Self-Injury and Pain

Researcher: Frank Symons, Ph.D. (Department of Educational Psychology)
Co-Investigator: Tim Moore, Ph.D. (Institute on Community Integration)
Collaborators: Breanne Byier (Educational Psychology), Chantel Burkitt (Educational Psychology), Adele Dimian (Educational Psychology)
Funding Source: NIH/NICHD
Abstract: The specific aims of this study are (1) To identify differences in the frequency, intensity, and location of self-injurious behaviors between socially mediated and nonsocially mediated SIB cases; (2) To compare the intensity of nonverbal behavioral indices of pain expression associated with self-injury episodes in socially mediated and nonsocially mediated SIB cases; (3) To measure differences in the epidermal morphology of self-injury and non self-injury body sites in socially mediated and nonsocially mediated SIB cases; and (4) To examine differences in substance P and cortisol concentrations between socially mediated and nonsocially mediated SIB cases.

Behavioral Approach System (BAS) Functioning in Adolescents with Bipolar Disorders

Researcher: Snezana Urosevic, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology)
Collaborators: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), Paul Collins, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology)
Funding Source: Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Institute of Mental Health
Abstract: The study will examine differences in processing of rewards, as well as overall neuropsychological functioning and personality traits, between healthy adolescents and adolescents with bipolar disorders (i.e., bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, bipolar disorder not otherwise specified (NOS)). This will be accomplished using a battery of relevant questionnaires, behavioral tasks, and electronencephalogram (EEG) indices. Furthermore, the proposed study will examine whether there are different developmental trajectories in the assessed psychological processes.

Characterization of the effects of dopamine of the morphological development of Medium Spiny Neuron dendritic spines

Researcher: Rachel Penrod
Collaborators: Lorene Lanier, Ph.D. (Department of Neuroscience), Mark Thomas, Ph.D. (Department of Neuroscience)
Funding: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Our lab is interested the molecular mechanisms of Medium Spiny Neuron (MSN) development and plasticity. MSNs are the major neuron type of the striatum, a brain region involved in learning, movement, and motivation, and the cells affected in disease states like Parkinson's, Huntington's, and drug addiction. Current work in our lab is focused on the role that dopamine plays in regulating MSN development and plasticity. Using a co-culture system (Penrod et al 2011) capable of supporting the development of MSNs with in vivo-like morphologies, we are able to expose developing MSNs to dopamine and investigate what changes in dendritic spine density, morphology, and neurotransmitter receptor composition ensues.

Childhood Language Memory

Researcher: Richard M. Lee, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology)
Collaborators: Alison Hu (Department of Psychology)
Funding: NSF
Abstract: The main objective of this study is to investigate whether early experience with a language, though limited to the first year of life, can still help an adult, many years later, to acquire that language more easily than an individual who has not had such early experience. Specifically, we will investigate whether adults who were adopted as infants from Korea to the United States, and who have not had any experience with Korean since they were adopted, show an advantage in learning Korean as adults over adults who have not had any prior experience with Korean.

Development of Affective Processing in Adolescents with MDD

Researcher: Kathryn Cullen, M.D. (Psychiatry)
Collaborators: Bruce Cuthbert, Ph.D. (Psychology), Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, Ph.D. (Psychiatry), Sanjiv Kumra, M.D. (Psychiatry), Alaa Houri (Psychiatry)
Funding Source: Minnesota Medical Foundation; CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Onset of MDD in youth may be associated with abnormal maturational processes. However, little is known of the development of affective processing in clinical populations. This project aims to document development of fronto-limbic networks between early and late adolescence in healthy versus depressed or anxious subjects. We expect to see maturational differences within fronto-limbic networks with age in healthy participants, while altered maturation is expected in the clinical groups.

Development of a Protocol for the Pediatric Option for the Bod Pod: A Reliability Study of Body Composition via Air Displacement Plethysmography in Toddlers

Researcher: Anita Fuglestad, Ph.D.(Institute of Child Development)
Collaborators: Sara Ramel, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Ellen Demerath, Ph.D. (Epidemiology)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: The specific aims of this study is to develop a protocol that ensures reliable measurements and participant cooperation while using the Pediatric Option for the Bod Pod in children between the ages of one and three years.

Differential Neural Connectivity in Emotion Regulatory Circuits in Anorexia Nervosa Compared to Depressed Youth

Researcher: Leah Jappe (Psychology)
Collaborators: Kathryn Cullen, MD (Department of Psychiatry), Bonnie Klimes-Dougan, PhD (Department of Psychology), Carol Peterson, PhD (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a severe mental illness that typically develops during the course of adolescence. Neuroimaging studies have examined brain structure and function in AN and have shown that aberrant activity in regions responsible for regulation emotions may underlie development of this disorder. However, research thus far has been conducted solely in adult populations. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) often co-occurs in the context of Anorexia Nervosa. Employing neuroimaging techniques to directly compare AN and MSS in adolescence can help identify patterns in brain activity that are disorder specific, paving they way for improved identification and treatment of AN. Using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), this study investigates how brain regions responsible for emotion regulation communicate in adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa compared to those with Major Depressive Disorder.

Disrupted Development of Neural Connections by Alcohol Initiation in Adolescence

Researcher: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology)
Co-Investigators: Kelvin Lim, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry), Paul Collins (Department of Psychology), Steve Malone (Department of Psychology), William Iacono, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology), Michael Kuskowski, Ph.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: NIAAA
Abstract: Adolescence is a critical period for the emergence of clinical problems, such as substance abuse. Adult studies have demonstrated adverse effects of chronic heavy alcohol use on brain structure and function. Little research exists regarding how initiation of alcohol use interacts with neurodevelopmental processes that are active in adolescence. MRI studies of healthy adolescents show changes in cortical gray matter volume and thickness, with linear decreases in many regions but complex nonlinear patterns in other regions; white matter volume and fiber organization increase in a more uniform linear fashion. These changes reflect the maturation of functional connectivity within and across cortical and subcortical regions and pathways. Given that a large majority of adolescents initiate alcohol use, a key question is how this initiation disrupts the developmental fine tuning of connectivity patterns. Most adolescents use alcohol without becoming chronic heavy drinkers, at least initially; thus, more subtle disruption of normative neurodevelopmental processes may be an as-yet undocumented, but widespread, adverse consequence of adolescent alcohol use, as compared to neural atrophy caused by heavy use. Such disruptions may have persistent effects on functional as well as structural brain connectivity since they occur during an active period of neural development. To increase our understanding of the nature and extent of alcohol effects on developing connections in the adolescent brain, we propose a 5-year study of an identified adolescent sample (participants in a current longitudinal study who have already been tested 3 times) to complete two additional assessments. This study will allow us to capture transitions from non-use of alcohol in early adolescence to initial experimentation, and for some, repeated use of alcohol in later adolescence and early adulthood, so that we can better characterize the consequences of alcohol use for brain and behavioral development.

Early Evaluation of Memory Function in Term Survivors of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

Researcher: Katie Pfister, M.D.
Collaborators: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: This study is looking at early evaluation of memory function in term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalophathy (HIE). HIE results from a perinatal event that deprives the brain of blood flow and/or oxygen for some period of time. The neurodevelopmental outcomes of these infants are variable, ranging from no impairments to severe cognitive impairments and cerebral palsy. One problem in some of these children is that detection of memory dysfunction (and thus learning) does not occur until school age, as development seems to be normal during infancy and early childhood. Unfortunately, this is well beyond the period of maximum brain plasticity and ideal period for intervention/therapy. This study uses event-related potentials to assess these infants' memory in the newborn period; later assessment will evaluate whether there is correlation with memory impairment as the infant nears toddlerhood. If we are able to detect memory impairment during infancy, intervention and therapy could by undertaken early, while the brain is still developing, instead of at school age.

Emotion Regulation Following Early Life Stress: Examination of physiological reactivity and emotion socialization

Functional Assessment of Self-Injury

Researcher: Frank Symons, Ph.D. (Department of Educational Psychology)
Collaborators:Tim Moore, Ph.D. (Institute on Community Integration), Adele Dimian (Department of Educational Psychology), Breanne Byiers (Educational Psychology), John Hoch (Department of Educational Psychology)
Funding: NIH
Abstract: As part of a larger ongoing NIH R01 study of self-injury among children with intellectual disabilities associated with neurodevelopmental disabilities, we conduct a form of behavioral evaluation of self-injury at the single case level referred to as ‘functional assessment’, ‘functional behavioral assessment’, or ‘functional analysis’. These are highly individualized behavioral assessments in which a variety of contextual stimulus conditions hypothesized to be related to a child’s self-injury are analyzed over the course of successive trials using single subject designs in which each child serves as his or her own control. Trials occur during 5 or 10 min sessions with conditions arranged either randomly or in relation to emergent behavioral response patterns. Trained staff or coached parents conduct the sessions which are videotaped for later coding. The purpose of the assessments are to determine if different classes of consequences are differentially associated with higher or lower probabilities of self-injury. This information is important for planning behavioral interventions.

Infants at Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Researcher: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Co-Investigators: Charles Nelson, Ph.D. (Harvard Medical School), Robin Rumsey, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: University of Minnesota Autism Initiative
Abstract: The goal of our long-term research program is to identify early neurobehavioral markers of ASD in perceptual processing systems (e.g. visual/social; auditory/speech). In order to achieve this goal we will employ a longitudinal prospective design, following a group of infant siblings of children diagnosed with ASD. This pilot study is part of a larger project being conducted under the direction of Dr. Charles A. Nelson at the Developmental Medicine Center Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience at Children’s Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School. This application is to begin pilot work on this research program to demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, as well as some of the novel measures and methods that we plan to employ. For the pilot project we plan to recruit 60 infants as close to birth as possible, but no later than at age 6 months. We are especially interested in identifying risk markers for ASD in the crucial developmental period between 6 and 12 months of age.

Inflammation, Stress Hormones, and Health in Adolescents Raised in Adverse Early Environments

Researcher: Andrew Barnes, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Collaborator: Megan R. Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigators: Camelia E. Hostinar (Institute of Child Development), Anna E. Johnson (Institute Child Development), Jennifer Puig (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source:
Abstract: We know from prior research that individuals who experience early adversity and stressful life events carry a disproportionate amount of the physical and mental health burden in society (Middlebrooks & Audage, 2008; Shonkoff, Boyce, & McEwen, 2009). What is not known is how, when, or for whom childhood stress "gets under the skin" and is transformed into chronic disease. Our new investigation aims to answer these questions, by clarifying the links between endocrine function, systemic inflammation, and health among adolescents with well-documented adversity and stress exposure in their infant/toddler years. In order to examine the mechanisms underlying the potential early environmental “programming” of health, two groups of participants will be recruited and compared: a group of Minnesota teenagers who were adopted early in life from foreign orphanages and a group of non-adopted peers who were born and raised in Minnesota. We will use a novel approach that combines objective data about these teens’ early environments with measures of their current physical and mental health, stress hormone activity, and immuno-inflammatory regulation. This work is significant because it specifies novel mind-body-environment interactions as targets for intervention and future research among high-risk young children. Our results have the potential to positively impact public health promotion and prevention efforts over the lifespan, helping to "close the gap" on health disparities that are increasingly linked to the chronic stress of adversity. Our long-term objective is to prevent and treat these disparities through early detection, effective intervention, and public policy.

Joint Attention Intervention in Internationally Adopted Children

Researcher: Maria Kroupina, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Collaborator: Megan Gunnar, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigator: Jennifer Windsor, Ph.D. (Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences)
Abstract: Internationally adopted children from institutional care have had limited exposure to language and decreased opportunities for social interaction, and are at risk for social communication problems at the time of arrival. Some post-institutionalized children show a similar behavior profile to children with autism spectrum disorders. Like autistic children, internationally adopted children often have long-term problems in the areas of executive functioning, language and social interaction. Joint attention is predictive of later outcomes in these domains. Research with autistic children has shown that early intervention targeting joint attention skills has positively influenced overall developmental trajectory in this population. This research question has not yet been addressed previously with internationally adopted population. The goal of the proposed project is to pilot an intervention program designed to promote JA skills in high-risk international adoption children. This joint attention intervention program was originally designed by Dr. Hannah Schertz (2006) for autistic children, and it has been proven to be successful in changing the developmental trajectory in this population. From a theoretical standpoint, further research in this area will show us whether early intervention can make a change in developmental trajectory in these domains in children who experience early social-emotional adversity. From a clinical standpoint, this research will be helpful in designing an early intervention program for IA children and other high-risk populations such as foster care children.

Long Term Psyco-Social Status of Early Treated Patients with Phenylketonuria

Researcher:Pi-Nian Chang, Ph.D., L.P. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigators: Jenny Bock, Helen Johnson
Funding Source: Minnesota PKU Foundation
Abstract: This study will recruit adult patients who have been treated with diet since infancy and look at social/emotional wellness factors they are experiencing later in life. The status of diet compliance will be determined, an IQ test will be administered (with comparison to previous results), a phenylalanine blood test will be taken, and a questionnaire gathering information on mental health hx, educational/work history, etc. In the hx of PKU, the recommendations of life-long diet are relatively new. This study will examine the impact on adult life for the first time and give new information/tools to the PKU community and medical professionals who treat children/adults with PKU.

Longitudinal studies of ECVT-measured attention in high risk Ugandan children with cerebral malaria and HIV

Researcher: Elsa G. Shapiro, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Co-Investigators: Steven Hughes, Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics), Regilda Romero, Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics)
Collaborators: Chandy John, M.D., M.S. (Department of Pediatrics, Global Pediatrics), Michael Boivin, Ph.D (Michigan State University), Joseph Wong (University of California at San Francisco), Paul Bangirana and Robert Opoka, M.D. (Makerere University, Kampala Uganda)
Funding Source: National Institute of Health
Abstract: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the correlative and construct validity in a developmental context of the Early Childhood Vigilance Test (ECVT) in a group of young Ugandan children from three NIH sponsored studies presently underway.

Longitudinal studies of brain structure and function in MPS Disorders: A Multicenter Study of the Lysosomal Disease Network

Researcher: Elsa G. Shapiro, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Collaborators: Kate Delaney (Department of Pediatrics), Kendra Bjoraker, Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics), Alia Ahmed, M.D.(Department of Pediatrics), Igor Nestrasil, Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics), Kathleen Thomas, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development), Lawrence Charnas, M.D., Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics), Chester Whitley, M.D., Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: National Institute of Health
Abstract: We are longitudinally studying the central nervous system changes in patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis types I, II, and VI. In our previously approved and still ongoing pilot study, we determined that localization in the brain of abnormal cognitive and behavioral attributes varies by the type of MPS disorder. In this study, we will be examining how changes in the brain over time reflects the natural course of the disease or the effects of treatment such as hematopoietic cell transplant, systemic enzyme replacement or intrathecal enzyme replacement.

Mother-Infant Feeding Interactions and Infant Physical and Cognitive Development: A Transdisciplinary Research Collaboration

Researcher: Ellen Demerath, Ph.D. (Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health)
Collaborator: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Co-Investigator: Katie Larson Ode, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology)
Funding Source: Transdisciplinary Research on Energetics and Cancer (TREC) – National Cancer Institute;
University of Minnesota Academic Health Center
Abstract: The primary aim of this study is to compare the rate of change in total body fat and fat-free mass in infants of obese and normal weight mothers. The secondary aim is to examine covariate effects of maternal weight history (including gestational weight gain and weight gained from age 18 onward), paternal body mass index (BMI), fasting serum glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), IGF binding proteins (IGFBPs), estradiol levels in the mother (collected during pregnancy) and in the fetus (collected from cord-blood), and infant feeding patterns on the rate of change in total body fat and fat-free mass in infants.

A Natural History Study of Hexosaminidase Deficiency

Researcher:Chester Whitley, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Collaborators: Elsa G. Shapiro Ph.D., L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience), Richard Ziegler, Ph.D., L.P. (Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology)
Co-Investigators: Brenda Diethelm-Okita
Funding Source: National Institute of Health
Abstract: The Hexosaminidase family of disorders (Tay-Sachs, Sandhoff, and Late-onset Tay-Sachs [LOTS] diseases) are fatal genetic conditions caused by mutations to the gene encoding hexosaminidase enzymes (hexosaminidase A and hexosaminidase B). Without these enzymes individuals cannot catalyze the biodegradation of ganglioside. Tay-Sachs, also known as GM2-gangliosidosis, results from the absence of hex A, Sandhoff disease results from an absence of both hex A and hex B, and LOTS results from abnormally low levels of hex A. All three disorders are inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern and have an overall occurrence rate of 1 in 222,000 live births; but among Ashkenazi Jews, French Canadians, and Louisiana Cajuns the incidence rate is much higher. Without enzyme to break it down, ganglioside accumulates in neuronal cells leading to mental and physical deterioration. Both Tay-Sachs and Sandhoff diseases have infantile onset and rapid neurological decline with death by about age 4. LOTS occurs in patients in the twenties and thirties and is characterized by poor motor coordination and psychotic behaviors. Currently there are no therapies to treat any of the hexosaminidase deficiencies and no studies have been done that document the natural history of these diseases. We wish to develop a quantitative way to delineate disease progression in order to better understand the natural history and heterogeneity of disease. Looking forward, a thorough method for assessing disease state will also help to evaluate any treatments that may become available.

Neurocognitive profile of early-onset marijuana users: A longitudinal study

Researcher: Mary Petrosko (Department of Psychology
Collaborators: Monica Luciana, Ph.D. (Department of Psychology) and Kelvin Lim, M.D. (Department of Psychiatry)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Marijuana use is currently the most common illicit drug use in adolescents. Despite its popularity, little is known about its persistent effects in the developing brain. Research indicates adolescent use of marijuana is associated with significant cognitive deficits, but long-term assessment to understand marijuana’s effect over time is lacking. Follow-up assessment will be gathered on a sample of adolescent daily marijuana users who have previously been assessed in our lab. Marijuana users and controls will be compared on a comprehensive brain and behavioral assessment to determine long-term cognitive changes associated with marijuana use.

Nutritional Status, Physical Growth and Neurodevelopment in a High-risk Population of Internationally Adopted Children

Researchers: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology), Anita Fuglestad, M.A. (Institute of Child Development) Collaborators: Maria Kroupina, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Dana Johnson, M.D., Ph.D.(Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant, Gerber Grant
Abstract: Children living in adverse environments are at an increased risk for nutrient deficiencies, particularly those important for neurodevelopment. Internationally adopted children (IA) present a unique opportunity to study the effects of adversity and rehabilitation on nutrition and neurodevelopment within a controlled situation given that the time of adoption into a stable environment clearly demarcates a distinct time point ending the period of adversity. This research will evince nutritional and neurodevelopment principles that can be applied to develop interventions and services for children living in adverse and rehabilitating environments in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Postnatal Choline Supplementation in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Researcher: Jeff R. Wozniak, Ph.D. (Department of Psychiatry), Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology)
Collaborators: Maria Kroupina, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Judith Eckerle Kang, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigators: Steven H. Zeisel, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill), Pi-Nian Chang, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Ann M. Brearley, Ph.D. (Clinical and Translational Science Institute)
Funding Source: National Institute of Health- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
Abstract:At present, the literature on interventions for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is very limited, with only two published randomized controlled trials, yet there are promising new treatment options that have not been applied in humans. Recent pre-clinical studies have dramatically demonstrated that dietary choline supplementation pre-natally and even post-natally, as late as days 21-30 in the rodent (equivalent to human childhood), attenuates the memory and behavioral deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. We propose a two-year project to evaluate the feasibility and tolerability of post-natal choline supplementation in young children with a history of pre-natal alcohol exposure followed by a three-year double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study examining the efficacy of choline supplementation in improving the cognitive and behavioral functioning of these children.

Quantifying Children's Emotions with the Emotion Intensity-Linkage Function Model

Researcher: Michael Potegal, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Collaborator: Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Funding Source: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
Abstract: We will assess the time course of children’s emotions in their tantrums by having their parents offer the child his/her favorite “comfort object” at different points in the tantrum. Parents will record the child’s responses using the electro-mechanical Coding Timers built by Advanced Research Corporation (ARC). Our intent is to test 10-20 subjects over the next 6 months.

Recovery from Early Life Stress in Children Adopted From Institutions

Researcher: Megan R. Gunnar, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development)
Co-Investigator: Bonny Donzella, M.A. (Institute of Child Development), Kristin Frenn (Institute of Child Development), Maria Kroupina, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Shanna Mliner (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Abstract: This research will study the effects of early life stress (ELS) in the form of orphanage/institutional rearing on children's threat- and stress-response systems and aspects of parenting post-adoption that support recovery of these systems and decreases subsequent risk of emotional and attentional problems. 150 children internationally-adopted from orphanages/institutions and their families will be studied at four 8-mo intervals beginning 2 months post-adoption for the child's first 2 yrs in the family with a 5^th outcome assessed at 4.5-5.5. yrs (2.5-3.5 yrs post-adoption). A multi-method, multi-level approach will be used with home and laboratory assessments of behavioral and physiological indices of threat- and stress-system functioning: behavioral measures of negative emotionality, salivary measures of cortisol, and electrophysiological measures of ANS functioning.

Recovery from Early Life Stress in Children Adopted From Institutions: Early Experience, Stress and Neurobehavioral Center Project 2

Researcher: Megan R. Gunnar, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development)
Collaborators: Bonny Donzella, M.A. (Institute of Child Development), Kristin Frenn (Institute of Child Development), Camelia Hostinar (Institute of Child Development), Shanna Mliner (Institute of Child Development), Bao Moua (Institute of Child Development), Sarah Stellern (Institute of Child Development), Sara Ven Den Heuvel (Institute of Child Development), Nancy Ward (Institute of Child Development).
Funding Source: National Institute of Mental Health
Abstract: Project 2 examines 150 children who experience early life stress (ELS) in the form of institutional rearing during their first 18-30 postnatal months and then are adopted into families. Project 2 will: (1) test the hypothesis that ELS sensitizes developing stress- and threat-response systems with decreasing capacity for recovery and hence more significant impacts on later attention- and emotion-regulatory competence with age at adoption; (2) examine whether post-adoption parenting interacts with pre-adoption adversity and changes in stress- and threat system functioning to predict attention- and emotion-regulatory problems. For Project 2, we will collect measures of attentional-and emotion regulatory problems at 12-mos post adoption and kindergarten.

The Role of Linear Growth and Fat-Free Mass Gain in Determining Cognitive Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants

Researcher: Sara Ramel, M.D (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigator: Michael Georgieff, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics), Ellen Demerath, Ph.D. (Epidemiology)
Collaborators: Heather Gray (Epidemiology)
Funding Source: Amplatz Scholar Award
Abstract: Infants experiencing catch-up growth are at risk for disproportionate growth which predisposes them to future obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. These infants may also be at risk for further cognitive delay. Careful monitoring of linear growth and fat-free mass gains, along with strategic nutritional manipulations, may improve long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population. Alterations in the growth hormone axis may also play a critical role in this disturbed growth pattern and potential cognitive delay and is an important future direction, as better understanding of this relationship may allow for identification of high-risk infants and lead to discovery of other non-nutritive interventions.

The Role of Parent Executive Function Skills in the Process of Resilient Family Functioning and Parent Promotion of Child Executive Function Skills

Researcher: Amy R. Monn (Institute of Child Development)
Collaborators: Ann S. Masten, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development), Philip Zelazo, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development), Stephanie Carlson, Ph.D (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: CNBD Seed Grant
Abstract: Children who experience homelessness face multiple risk factors, which may result in emotional/behavior problems and school failure. The literature identifies both positive parenting and child executive function (defined as neurocognitive processes involved in goal-directed behavior, problem-solving, and self-control) as key protective factors. This project works to identify parent factors (specifically, their own executive function skills), which influence their ability to provide positive parenting and thus protect their child's cognitive and emotional well-being.

Social/emotional, cognitive, and neurologic phenotype(s) of children with Sanfilippo Syndrome

Researcher: Michael Potegal, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Co-Investigator: Elsa Shapiro, Ph.D, L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Funding Source: Shire HGT pharmaceutical, NIH Multicener Rare Disease Clinical Research Consortium-Lysosomal Disease Network
Abstract: We will test the hypotheses that children with Sanfilippo syndrome (Mucopolysaccharidosis Type III-MPSIII) 1) suffer from a progressive deterioration of the brain centering in the amygdala and which 2) produces a behavioral Kluver-Bucy syndrome (KBS). This pilot study will 1) assess the behavioral responses of MPSIII children, and a comparison group with MPSI (Hurler's syndrome) in an experimental situation designed to elicit object exploration to assess the KBS-like symptoms of this disorder, and 3) assess the cognitive, language, and social ability of children with MPS III.

A study of intrathecal enzyme replacement for cognitive decline in Mucopolysaccharidosis I

Researcher: Elsa G. Shapiro Ph.D., L.P. (Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Clinical Neuroscience)
Collaborators: Kendra Bjoraker, Ph.D. (Department of Pediatrics) Kate Delaney (Department of Pediatrics), Igor Nestrasil, Ph.D. (Department of Neurology), Kathleen Thomas, Ph.D. (Institute of Child Development)
Funding Source: Biomarin Pharmaceuticals, NIH U54 Lysosomal Disease Network Rare Disease Consortia
Abstract: Muccopolysaccharidosis Type I, an inborn error of metabolism due to absence of the enzyme alpha iduronidase, results in damage to many organs in the body due to accumulation of glycosamineglycans. In severe MPS I (Hurler syndrome) the central nervous system is affected but treatment with hermatopoietic cell therapy arrests the associated cognitive decline. In the attenuated forms of MPS I, our research here at the University of Minnesota has demonstrated that some patients decline in cognitive functions, only at a later date and slower rate than Hurler syndrome. The study proposed at Los Angeles Biomedical Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center will examine the effects of intrathecal injections of enzyme on cognition in MPS I patients. The objectives of the study are to demonstrate the long-term safety of intrathecal enzyme replacement and to determine whether signs of cognitive impairment in MPS I can be reversed or at least stabilized.

A Study of Neurocognitive Function in Children Treated for ALL

Researcher: Joseph Neglia, M.D. (Department of Pediatrics)
Co-Investigators: Alicia Kunin-Batson, Ph.D (Department of Pediatrics), Christine Jacox (Department of Pediatrics)
Funding Source: Children’s Oncology Group
Abstract: This study is designed to define the impact of two different methotrexate (MTX) therapies on neurocognitive development in children with high risk B-lineage. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive either four courses of high dose MTX with leucovorin rescue, or five courses of gradually escalating lower dose MTX with PEG asparaginase, following enrollment on Children’s Oncology Group (COG) protocols AALL0232 for patients with high risk B-lineage ALL. The primary focus of the study is on neurocognitive development using tests of IQ, memory, attention, organization and planning, and academics.