Functional Multiple-Set Canonical Correlation Analysis

We propose functional multiple-set canonical correlation analysis for exploring associations among multiple sets of functions. The proposed method includes functional canonical correlation analysis as a special case when only two sets of functions are considered. As in classical multiple-set canonical correlation analysis, computationally, the method solves a matrix eigen-analysis problem through the adoption of a basis expansion approach to approximating data and weight functions. We apply the proposed method to functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data to identify networks of neural activity that are commonly activated across subjects while carrying out a working memory task.     

Dynamic GSCA (Generalized Structured Component Analysis) with Applications to the Analysis of Effective Connectivity in Functional Neuroimaging Data

We propose a new method of structural equation modeling (SEM) for longitudinal and time series data, named Dynamic GSCA (Generalized Structured Component Analysis). The proposed method extends the original GSCA by incorporating a multivariate autoregressive model to account for the dynamic nature of data taken over time. Dynamic GSCA also incorporates direct and modulating effects of input variables on specific latent variables and on connections between latent variables, respectively. An alternating least square (ALS) algorithm is developed for parameter estimation. An improved bootstrap method called a modified moving block bootstrap method is used to assess reliability of parameter estimates, which deals with time dependence between consecutive observations effectively. We analyze synthetic and real data to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method.     

Observing inefficient action can induce infant preference and learning

‘Motionese’ can be defined as an exaggerated and repetitive action. It induces preference and learning in infants. However, which action component of motionese promotes infants’ preference and learning remains largely unknown. In this study, we focused on inefficiency and toward-ness of action. Our study demonstrates that observing an inefficient holding out action can induce a visual preference in 4-month-old infants and learning in 10-month-old infants through eight experiments (N = 192). We found that when infants observe inefficient holding out action, the action attracts their attention and facilitates learning about the identity of the toy object accompanying it, especially when people direct inefficient actions towards them. Our findings indicate that both action efficiency and toward-ness may be key factors in infant learning.     

Negative support of significant others affects psychological adjustment in breast cancer patients

Significant others play an important role in providing support in patients' lives, but some types of support negatively affect the patients. This study was conducted in early-stage breast cancer patients to examine the structure of support, which was provided by their significant others and assessed negatively by the patients, and to identify negative support relating to the psychological adjustment of these patients. Thus, we first conducted interviews among 28 breast cancer patients to identify these support items assessed as negative; next, we conducted a questionnaire survey using the resulting items in 109 postoperative patients who had early-stage breast cancer. We performed exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and obtained a valid second-order factor structure, including superordinate factors (excessive engagement, avoidance of problems and underestimation) and subordinate factors (overprotection, encouragement and management). Among these factors, the avoidance of problems was the only factor to be negatively associated with psychological adjustment of the patients, suggesting that these patients receive problem-avoiding support. The results of our study suggest that such problem-avoiding support from significant others can be counter-productive and potentially worsen the psychological adjustment of breast cancer patients.     

The role of disgust propensity in blood-injection-injury phobia: comparisons between Asian Americans and Caucasian Americans

There is a growing body of evidence suggesting the potential role of disgust propensity in blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia. The current study examined associations between disgust propensity and BII phobia symptom severity in Caucasian Americans (n=310) and Asian Americans (n=223). Asian Americans typically scored higher than Caucasian Americans on the BII and disgust measures. The present study also examined the structural relations between gender, cultural background, disgust propensity, and BII phobia symptom severity. According to the structural equation model, disgust propensity was significantly related to levels of BII phobia symptom severity and fully mediated the relationships between BII phobia symptom severity and the demographic variables of gender and cultural background. The implications of the results for cultural refinements to our understanding of disgust propensity and BII phobia are discussed.     

Communicative hand‐waving gestures facilitate object learning in preverbal infants

The theory of natural pedagogy has proposed that infants can use ostensive signals, including eye contact, infant‐directed speech, and contingency to learn from others. However, the role of bodily gestures, such as hand‐waving, in social learning has been largely ignored. To address this gap in the literature, this study sought to determine whether 4‐month‐old infants exhibited a preference for horizontal or vertical (control) hand‐waving gestures. We also examined whether horizontal hand‐waving gestures followed by pointing facilitated the process of object learning in 9‐month‐old infants. Results showed that 4‐month‐old infants preferred horizontal hand‐waving gestures to vertical hand‐waving gestures, even when featural and contextual information were removed. Furthermore, horizontal hand‐waving gestures induced identity encoding for cued objects, whereas vertical gestures did not. These findings highlight the role of communicative intent embedded in bodily movements and indicate that hand‐waving can serve as a new type of ostensive signal.     

Generalized constrained multiple correspondence analysis

A comprehensive approach for imposing both row and column constraints on multivariate discrete data is proposed that may be called generalized constrained multiple correspondence analysis (GCMCA). In this method each set of discrete data is first decomposed into several submatrices according to its row and column constraints, and then multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) is applied to the decomposed submatrices to explore relationships among them. This method subsumes existing constrained and unconstrained MCA methods as special cases and also generalizes various kinds of linearly constrained correspondence analysis methods. An example is given to illustrate the proposed method.Heungsun Hwang is now at Claes Fornell International Group. The work reported in this paper was supported by Grant A6394 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada to the second author.     

Effect of slow movement execution on cognitive function

We investigated the effect of slow paced movement on cognitive function. The task movement was a dual-task performance composed of a continuous forearm rotation for the right hand and a simple reaction task for the left hand. Exp. 1 was designed to compare reaction time during performance at a slow pace to that at medium pace by 14 female undergraduate students. The mean reaction time for the left hand under the Slow Pace was significantly longer than that under the Middle Pace condition (p < .05), which showed that the subjects were required to give more attention to right-hand performance at the slow pace as it was difficult. Exp. 2 examined changes in reaction time when using the left hand that were associated with the learning of a slow paced task while using the right hand. Twenty-three female undergraduate students participated and repeated the task 6 times. The 3 sec. prior to and the 3 sec. after each auditory stimulus were used to establish rotation speed and mean coefficients of variation. The mean coefficients of variation, evaluated as within-subject variability, showed a significantly positive correlation with reaction time at Trials 1 and 6 for prestimulus and Trials 5 and 6 for poststimulus. Over successive trials participants continued performing the primary forearm task at a constant slow pace before and after receiving auditory stimuli, and this progress was related to a decrease in reaction time. Further, the sense of concentration evaluated by the subjects poststimulus was significantly higher than that prestimulus (p < .01). Performance at a constant speed, which was much slower than the ordinary or preferred speed of each subject, may have had a strong effect on their ability to remain conscious of movement execution.