Convergent Cross Mapping: Basic concept, influence of estimation parameters and practical application

In neuroscience, data are typically generated from neural network activity. Complex interactions between measured time series are involved, and nothing or only little is known about the underlying dynamic system. Convergent Cross Mapping (CCM) provides the possibility to investigate nonlinear causal interactions between time series by using nonlinear state space reconstruction. Aim of this study is to investigate the general applicability, and to show potentials and limitation of CCM. Influence of estimation parameters could be demonstrated by means of simulated data, whereas interval-based application of CCM on real data could be adapted for the investigation of interactions between heart rate and specific EEG components of children with temporal lobe epilepsy.