Title
The Geometry of Spontaneous Spiking in Neuronal Networks.
Abstract
The mathematical theory of pattern formation in electrically coupled networks of excitable neurons forced by small noise is presented in this work. Using the Freidlin–Wentzell large-deviation theory for randomly perturbed dynamical systems and the elements of the algebraic graph theory, we identify and analyze the main regimes in the network dynamics in terms of the key control parameters: excitability, coupling strength, and network topology. The analysis reveals the geometry of spontaneous dynamics in electrically coupled network. Specifically, we show that the location of the minima of a certain continuous function on the surface of the unit -cube encodes the most likely activity patterns generated by the network. By studying how the minima of this function evolve under the variation of the coupling strength, we describe the principal transformations in the network dynamics. The minimization problem is also used for the quantitative description of the main dynamical regimes and transitions between them. In particular, for the weak and strong coupling regimes, we present asymptotic formulas for the network activity rate as a function of the coupling strength and the degree of the network. The variational analysis is complemented by the stability analysis of the synchronous state in the strong coupling regime. The stability estimates reveal the contribution of the network connectivity and the properties of the cycle subspace associated with the graph of the network to its synchronization properties. This work is motivated by the experimental and modeling studies of the ensemble of neurons in the Locus Coeruleus, a nucleus in the brainstem involved in the regulation of cognitive performance and behavior.
Year
DOI
Venue
2012
10.1007/s00332-012-9125-6
J. Nonlinear Science
Keywords
Field
DocType
Pattern formation,Neuronal network,Excitable system,Noise,Network topology,Synchronization,34F05,34F10,92C20
Continuous function,Network dynamics,Coupling,Mathematical theory,Maxima and minima,Network topology,Dynamical systems theory,Algebraic graph theory,Geometry,Mathematics
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
22
5
Journal of Nonlinear Science, 2012
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
5
0.60
10
Authors
2
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Georgi S. Medvedev19014.52
Svitlana Zhuravytska2111.27