Abstract
Background: Detecting causal interactions in multivariate systems, in terms of Granger-causality, is of major interest in the Neurosciences. Typically, it is almost impossible to observe all components of the system. Missing certain components can lead to the appearance of spurious interactions. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effect of this and to demonstrate that distinction between latent confounders and volume conduction is possible in some cases.
New method: Our new method uses a combination of renormalised partial directed coherence and analysis of the (partial) covariance matrix of residual noise process to detect instantaneous, spurious interactions. Sub-network analyses are performed to infer the true network structure of the underlying system.
Results: We provide evidence that it is possible to distinguish between instantaneous interactions that occur as a result of a latent confounder and those that occur as a result of volume conduction.
Comparison with existing methods: Our novel approach demonstrates to what extent inference of unobserved important processes as well as the distinction between latent confounders and volume conduction is possible. We suggest a combination of measures of Granger-causality and covariance selection models to achieve this numerically.
Conclusions: Sub-network analyses enable a much more precise and correct inference of the true underlying network structure in some cases. From this it is possible to distinguish between unobserved processes and volume conduction. Our approach is straightforwardly adaptable to various measures of Granger-causality emphasising its ubiquitous successful applicability. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 91-106 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Journal of Neuroscience Methods |
Volume | 245 |
Early online date | 20 Feb 2015 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 Apr 2015 |
Bibliographical note
AcknowledgementsThe authors would like to thank Michael Eichler for the fruitful discussions.
Keywords
- Granger causality
- instantaneous interactions
- rPDC
- VAR modelling
- latent confounders
- partial directed coherence
- graphical models
- connectivity
- EEG
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Marco Thiel
- School of Natural & Computing Sciences, Physics - Personal Chair
- Institute for Complex Systems and Mathematical Biology (ICSMB)
Person: Academic