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SUMMARY:Semi-metric topology of functional brain networks: Sensitivity and
  specifity in autism spectrum and major depression disorder - Tiago Simas\
 , Department of Psychiatry\, University of Cambridge
DTSTART:20130409T100000Z
DTEND:20130409T110000Z
UID:TALK44448@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Mikail Rubinov
DESCRIPTION:The main motivation for this study on Autism spectrum and Majo
 r Depression disorder was the observation that Autism and Depression were 
 on opposite extremes on a factor meta-analysis on a wide spectrum of psych
 iatry disorders done by Mana et al.  In our study we support this observat
 ion through a novel type of analysis on Brain connectivity networks. This 
 type of analysis studies the multi-dimensional topology of networks\, whic
 h e.g. are embedded in non-metric spaces\, through the embedding of its no
 n-metric geometry into a metric geometry. In general those non-metric geom
 etries are classified as semi-metrics\, since they violate the triangle in
 equality for a given distance function. This type of analysis has been app
 lied in other fields such as web mining\, bioinformatics\, etc.\, which in
 volves in some way\, mathematical relations. In this work\, the semi-metri
 c analysis done in functional connectivity brain networks\, allow us to an
 alyze the specialization and co-activity of the brain. We start measuring 
 the global level of brain specialization for each group (autism\, depressi
 on and control groups)\, where we found group statistical differences. The
 n we were able to identify specific regions where the patients have statis
 tical different levels of specialization and/or co-activity. The depressio
 n group shows us a more specialized left-brain hemisphere and an increased
  co-activity in the right hemisphere\, when compared with the control grou
 p. Autism group\, in general shows a more specialized right hemisphere and
  an increase of co-activity on the left hemisphere\, when compared with th
 e control group. We then try to correlate the hemisphere specialization wi
 th the increase of co-activity on the opposite hemisphere\, and found some
  brain areas that correlate highly in both patients groups (autism\, depre
 ssion) when compared with the control group.\n
LOCATION:BCNI seminar room\, Sir William Hardy Building\, Downing Site
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