Connectivity precedes function in the development of the visual word form area

What determines the cortical location at which a given functionally specific region will arise in development? We tested the hypothesis that functionally specific regions develop in their characteristic locations because of pre-existing differences in the extrinsic connectivity of that region to the rest of the brain. We exploited the visual word form area (VWFA) as a test case, scanning children with diffusion and functional imaging at age 5, before they learned to read, and at age 8, after they learned to read. We found the VWFA developed functionally in this interval and that its location in a particular child at age 8 could be predicted from that child's connectivity fingerprints (but not functional responses) at age 5. These results suggest that early connectivity instructs the functional development of the VWFA, possibly reflecting a general mechanism of cortical development.National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant F32HD079169)Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) (Grant F32HD079169)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Grant R01HD067312)Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.) (Grant R01HD067312

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

Texas Business Review, April 1992

Texas and the U.S. Families, 1990; Texas Family Law: Changing Times, Changing LawsBureau of Business Researc

Rethinking Texas Welfare Receipt and Recidivism

In 1995, the Texas Legislature enacted H. B. 1863, which formed the basis for Texas’ waiver from existing Federal laws governing the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program. This paper discusses policy recommendations to reduce welfare recidivism and to reinforce the efforts of poor Texas families to avoid receipt of AFDC.Texas Department of Human ServicesRay Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resource

Patterns of Participation in Texas Welfare and Training Programs: How Hispanics Differ from Other Race/Ethnic Groups

The purpose of this project was to study Hispanic participation in Texas Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs and outcomes from these programs. Although Texas has not historically had high take-up rates for AFDC due to its low benefit structure, it has run the second largest JTPA program in the U.S. for years. Hispanics, who are primarily Mexican-American in Texas, have been heavily represented in both programs.Social Science Research Council National Commission for Employment PolicyRay Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resource