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Heterogeneous connections induce oscillations in large-scale networks
Geoffroy Hermann1, Jonathan Touboul
1NeuroMathComp Laboratory, INRIA/ENS, Paris, France.
Physical Review Letters
|October 4, 2012
Summary
Network connectivity heterogeneity drives distinct macroscopic and microscopic behaviors. Increased disorder leads to transitions from stationary to periodic phase-locked states in excitable cell networks.
Area of Science:
- Computational Neuroscience
- Network Science
- Complex Systems
Background:
- Large-scale biological networks exhibit complex connectivity patterns.
- Connectivity weights can fluctuate dynamically over time.
- Understanding network dynamics under heterogeneity is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how connectivity heterogeneity influences network dynamics.
- To identify emergent macroscopic and microscopic regimes.
- To explore transitions in network states based on disorder levels.
Main Methods:
- Analytical treatment of a simple network model.
- Simulation of a biologically relevant network of excitable cells.
- Analysis of network behavior across varying levels of disorder.
Main Results:
- Heterogeneity in connectivity coefficients leads to distinct network regimes.
- Generic transitions from stationary to periodic phase-locked states were observed.
- These transitions are dependent on the increase of the disorder parameter.
Conclusions:
- Connectivity heterogeneity is a key determinant of network dynamics.
- Disorder can drive predictable state transitions in complex networks.
- Findings are applicable to both theoretical models and biological systems like excitable cells.
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