Functional optimization in complex excitable networks

S. Johnson*, J. Marro, J. J. Torres

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

We study the effect of varying wiring in excitable random networks in which connection weights change with activity to mold local resistance or facilitation due to fatigue. Dynamic attractors, corresponding to patterns of activity, are then easily destabilized according to three main modes, including one in which the activity shows chaotic hopping among the patterns. We describe phase transitions to this regime, and show a monotonous dependence of critical parameters on the heterogeneity of the wiring distribution. Such correlation between topology and functionality implies, in particular, that tasks which require unstable behavior - such as pattern recognition, family discrimination and categorization - can be most efficiently performed on highly heterogeneous networks. It also follows a possible explanation for the abundance in nature of scale-free network topologies.

Original languageEnglish
Article number46006
JournalEPL
Volume83
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2008

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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