Edgewise and subgraph‐level tests for brain networks

Abstract

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance image (rsfMRI) is a useful technique for investigating brain functional connectivity at rest. In this work, we develop flexible regression models and methods for determining differences in resting-state functional connectivity as a function of age, gender, drug intervention, or neuropsychiatric disorders. We propose two complementary methods for identifying changes of edges and subgraphs. 1) For detecting changes of edges, we select the optimal model at each edge, and then conduct contrast tests to identify the effects of the important variables while controlling the familywise error rate (FWER). 2) We adopt the network based statistics (NBS) method to improve power by incorporating the graph topological structure. Both methods have wide applications for low signal-to-noise ratio data. We propose stability criteria for the choice of threshold in the NBS procedure and utilize efficient massive parallel procedure to speed up the estimation and inference procedure. Results from our simulation studies show that the thresholds chosen by the proposed stability criteria outperform the Bonferroni threshold. To demonstrate applicability, we use both methods in the context of the Oxytocin and Aging Study to determine effects of age, gender, and drug treatment on resting-state functional connectivity, as well as in the context of the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange Study to determine effects of autism spectrum disorder on functional connectivity at rest.

Single Dose Intranasal Oxytocin Administration: Data from Healthy Younger and Older Adults

“…among other questionnaires [2][3][4]. For female participants, menstrual cycle phase data was also obtained via self-report.…”

“…NCT01823146) conducted by the Social-Cognitive and Affective Development lab (PI: Dr. Natalie C. Ebner) at the University of Florida (UF)[1]. Data from this dataset has been used in publications that investigated the modulatory effect of a singledose OT intranasal administration on cognition, behavior, and neural activation/connectivity[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. By sharing this data, we seek to promote open investigation into the impact of neuropeptides on the brain and behavior in adulthood and aging.…”

“…Only the acquisition of measures provided in this dataset is described herein. Additional methods and measures are reported elsewhere[2][3][4].During an initial phone prescreening, older participants underwent the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status to screen for cognitive decline[15]. All participants completed an MRI Eligibility Form and a study-specific Health Screening and Demographics Form to assess demographic information, present health conditions, and health history.…”