Multi-time-scale synchronization and information processing in bursting neuron networks

We analyze the effect of synchronization in networks of chemically coupled multi-time-scale (spiking-bursting) neurons on the process of information transmission within the network. Although, synchronization occurs first in the slow time-scale (burst) and then in the fast time-scale (spike), we show that information can be transmitted with low probability of errors in both time scales when the bursts become synchronized. Furthermore, we show that for networks of non-identical multi-time-scales neurons, complete synchronization is no longer possible, but instead burst phase synchronization. Our analysis shows that clusters of burst phase synchronized neurons are very likely to appear in a network for parameters far smaller than the ones for which the onset of burst phase synchronization in the whole network takes place.     

On the topology of synchrony optimized networks of a Kuramoto-model with non-identical oscillators

We study synchrony optimized networks. In particular, we focus on the Kuramoto model with non-identical native frequencies on a random graph. In a first step, we generate synchrony optimized networks using a dynamic breeding algorithm, whereby an initial network is successively rewired toward increased synchronization. These networks are characterized by a large anti-correlation between neighbouring frequencies. In a second step, the central part of our paper, we show that synchrony optimized networks can be generated much more cost efficiently by minimization of an energy-like quantity E and subsequent random rewires to control the average path length. We demonstrate that synchrony optimized networks are characterized by a balance between two opposing structural properties: A large number of links between positive and negative frequencies of equal magnitude and a small average path length. Remarkably, these networks show the same synchronization behaviour as those networks generated by the dynamic rewiring process. Interestingly, synchrony-optimized network also exhibit significantly enhanced synchronization behaviour for weak coupling, below the onset of global synchronization, with linear growth of the order parameter with increasing coupling strength. We identify the underlying dynamical and topological structures, which give rise to this atypical local synchronization, and provide a simple analytical argument for its explanation.     

Impact of delays and rewiring on the dynamics of small-world neuronal networks with two types of coupling

We study synchronization transitions and pattern formation on small-world networks consisting of Morris-Lecar excitable neurons in dependence on the information transmission delay and the rewiring probability. In addition, networks formed via gap junctional connections and coupling via chemical synapses are considered separately. For gap-junctionally coupled networks we show that short delays can induce zigzag fronts of excitations, whereas long delays can further detriment synchronization due to a dynamic clustering anti-phase synchronization transition. For the synaptically coupled networks, on the other hand, we find that the clustering anti-phase synchronization can appear as a direct consequence of the prolongation of information transmission delay, without being accompanied by zigzag excitatory fronts. Irrespective of the coupling type, however, we show that an appropriate small-world topology can always restore synchronized activity if only the information transmission delays are short or moderate at most. Long information transmission delays always evoke anti-phase synchronization and clustering, in which case the fine-tuning of the network topology fails to restore the synchronization of neuronal activity.     

Adaptive Synchronization of Fractional Order Complex-Variable Dynamical Networks via Pinning Control

In this paper, the synchronization of fractional order complex-variable dynamical networks is studied using an adaptive pinning control strategy based on close center degree. Some effective criteria for global synchronization of fractional order complex-variable dynamical networks are derived based on the Lyapunov stability theory. From the theoretical analysis, one concludes that under appropriate conditions, the complex-variable dynamical networks can realize the global synchronization by using the proper adaptive pinning control method. Meanwhile, we succeed in solving the problem about how much coupling strength should be applied to ensure the synchronization of the fractional order complex networks. Therefore, compared with the existing results, the synchronization method in this paper is more general and convenient. This result extends the synchronization condition of the real-variable dynamical networks to the complex-valued field, which makes our research more practical. Finally, two simulation examples show that the derived theoretical results are valid and the proposed adaptive pinning method is effective.     

Synchronization Transition of Time Delayed Complex Dynamical Networks with Discontinuous Coupling

This paper investigates the synchronization of time delayed complex dynamical networks with periodical on-off coupling. Both the theoretical and numerical results show that, in spite of time delays and on-off coupling, two networks may synchronize if the coupling strength and the on-off rate are large enough. It is shown that, for undirected and strongly connected networks, the upper bound of time delays for synchronization is a decreasing function of the absolute value of the minimum eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix. The theoretical analysis confirms the numerical results and provides a better understanding of the influence of time delays and on-off coupling on the synchronization transition. The influence of random delays on the synchronization is also discussed.     

Enhancing synchronizability by weight randomization on regular networks

In weighted networks, redistribution of link weights can effectively change the properties of networks, even though the corresponding binary topology remains unchanged. In this paper, the effects of weight randomization on synchronization of coupled chaotic maps is investigated on regular weighted networks. The results reveal that synchronizability is enhanced by redistributing of link weights, i.e. coupled maps reach complete synchronization with lower cost. Furthermore, we show numerically that the heterogeneity of link weights could improve the complete synchronization on regular weighted networks.     

Synchronization in complex delayed dynamical networks with nonsymmetric coupling

A new general complex delayed dynamical network model with nonsymmetric coupling is introduced, and then we investigate its synchronization phenomena. Several synchronization criteria for delay-independent and delay-dependent synchronization are provided which generalize some previous results. The matrix Jordan canonical formalization method is used instead of the matrix diagonalization method, so in our synchronization criteria, the coupling configuration matrix of the network does not required to be diagonalizable and may have complex eigenvalues. Especially, we show clearly that the synchronizability of a delayed dynamical network is not always characterized by the second-largest eigenvalue even though all the eigenvalues of the coupling configuration matrix are real. Furthermore, the effects of time-delay on synchronizability of networks with unidirectional coupling are studied under some typical network structures. The results are illustrated by delayed networks in which each node is a two-dimensional limit cycle oscillator system consisting of a two-cell cellular neural network, numerical simulations show that these networks can realize synchronization with smaller time-delay, and will lose synchronization when the time-delay increase larger than a threshold.     

结点含时滞的具有零和非零时滞耦合的复杂网络混沌同步

时滞耦合的复杂网络同步已经有大量的研究成果,而网络结点含时滞的无时滞耦合的复杂网络同步的研究工作较少.为使网络模型更接近现实和适用更广的范围,建立了网络结点含时滞,而耦合兼零时滞(无时滞)和非零时滞(有时滞)的复杂网络同步模型.在网络结点上分别设置线性控制器和自适应控制器,研究了其混沌同步问题.利用李雅普诺夫稳定性定理,设计相应的正定函数,分别给出了复杂网络同步的充分条件.最后,为证实同步方案的有效性,选择时滞Logistic函数为结点动力系统,在兼无时滞和有时滞的网络上,给出了线性反馈控制同步误差数值演化趋势.     

Robust adaptive synchronization of uncertain and delayed dynamical complex networks with faulty network

<正>This paper presents a new robust adaptive synchronization method for a class of uncertain dynamical complex networks with network failures and coupling time-varying delays.Adaptive schemes are proposed to adjust controller parameters for the faulty network compensations,as well as to estimate the upper and lower bounds of delayed state errors and perturbations to compensate the effects of delay and perturbation on-line without assuming symmetry or irreducibility of networks.It is shown that,through Lyapunov stability theory,distributed adaptive controllers constructed by the adaptive schemes are successful in ensuring the achievement of asymptotic synchronization of networks in the present of faulty and delayed networks,and perturbation inputs.A Chua's circuit network example is finally given to show the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization criteria.     

Synchronizing distant nodes: a universal classification of networks

Stability of synchronization in delay-coupled networks of identical units generally depends in a complicated way on the coupling topology. We show that for large coupling delays synchronizability relates in a simple way to the spectral properties of the network topology. The master stability function used to determine the stability of synchronous solutions has a universal structure in the limit of large delay: It is rotationally symmetric around the origin and increases monotonically with the radius in the complex plane. This allows a universal classification of networks with respect to their synchronization properties and solves the problem of complete synchronization in networks with strongly delayed coupling.     

Enhancing robustness and synchronizability of networks homogenizing their degree distribution

A new family of networks, called entangled, has recently been proposed in the literature. These networks have optimal properties in terms of synchronization, robustness against errors and attacks, and efficient communication. They are built with an algorithm which uses modified simulated annealing to enhance a well-known measure of networks’ ability to reach synchronization among nodes. In this work, we suggest that a class of networks similar to entangled networks can be produced by changing some of the connections in a given network, or by just adding a few connections. We call this class of networks weak-entangled. Although entangled networks can be considered as a subset of weak-entangled networks, we show that both classes share similar properties, especially with respect to synchronization and robustness, and that they have similar structural properties.     

Adaptive synchronization of neural networks with or without time-varying delay

In this paper, based on the invariant principle of functional differential equations, a simple, analytical, and rigorous adaptive feedback scheme is proposed for the synchronization of almost all kinds of coupled identical neural networks with time-varying delay, which can be chaotic, periodic, etc. We do not assume that the concrete values of the connection weight matrix and the delayed connection weight matrix are known. We show that two coupled identical neural networks with or without time-varying delay can achieve synchronization by enhancing the coupling strength dynamically. The update gain of coupling strength can be properly chosen to adjust the speed of achieving synchronization. Also, it is quite robust against the effect of noise and simple to implement in practice. In addition, numerical simulations are given to show the effectiveness of the proposed synchronization method.     

Synchronization of general complex networks via adaptive control schemes

In this paper, the synchronization problem of general complex networks is investigated by using adaptive control schemes. Time-delay coupling, derivative coupling, nonlinear coupling etc. exist universally in real-world complex networks. The adaptive synchronization scheme is designed for the complex network with multiple class of coupling terms. A criterion guaranteeing synchronization of such complex networks is established by employing the Lyapunov stability theorem and adaptive control schemes. Finally, an illustrative example with numerical simulation is given to show the feasibility and efficiency of theoretical results.     

Topological speed limits to network synchronization

We study collective synchronization of pulse-coupled oscillators interacting on asymmetric random networks. We demonstrate that random matrix theory can be used to accurately predict the speed of synchronization in such networks in dependence on the dynamical and network parameters. Furthermore, we show that the speed of synchronization is limited by the network connectivity and remains finite, even if the coupling strength becomes infinite. In addition, our results indicate that synchrony is robust under structural perturbations of the network dynamics.     

Channel block-optimized spiking activity of Hodgkin-Huxley neurons on random networks

In this paper, we numerically study the effect of channel block on the spiking temporal coherence and spatial synchronization on Hodgkin-Huxley (HH) neuron networks. It is found that under sodium CB the spike coherence is badly reduced, and the synchronization can, depending on the network randomness (the fraction of random shortcuts), be either enhanced or reduced, while, under potassium CB, the spike coherence can be enhanced but the synchronization is reduced. Interestingly, for certain networks of relatively large randomness, the neuron firings can achieve the best temporal coherence at an optimal potassium CB. These results show that under certain conditions channel blocking can increase and optimize the spike coherence and the synchronization on the complex HH neuron networks, whereby the neurons would exhibit a better and the best sub-threshold signal encoding.     

Adaptive synchronization for dynamical networks of neutral type with time-delay

This paper investigates adaptive synchronization for dynamical networks of neutral type with time-delay. In comparison with those of the existing synchronization of dynamical networks of neutral type with time-delay, we assume that the given neutral type expression can be linear function, nonlinear function, or even any elementary transformation. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, the adaptive control law is derived to make the state of two dynamical networks of neutral type synchronized. Some numerical are also given to show the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

Mutual and intermittent enhancements of synchronization transitions by autaptic and synaptic delay in scale-free neuron networks

In neural networks, there exist both synaptic delays among different neurons and autaptic self-feedback delays in a neuron itself. In this paper, we study synchronization transitions induced by synaptic and autaptic delays in scale-free neuron networks, mainly exploring how these two time delays affect synchronization transitions induced by each other. It is found that the synchronization transitions induced by synaptic (autaptic) delay are intermittently enhanced when autaptic (synaptic) delay is varied. There are optimal autaptic strength and synaptic coupling strength by which the synchronization transitions induced by autaptic and synaptic delays become strongest. The underlying mechanisms are briefly discussed in terms of the relationships of autaptic delay, synaptic delay, and inter-burst interval. These results show that synaptic and autaptic delays could contribute to each other and enhance synchronization transitions in the neuronal networks. This implies that autaptic and synaptic delays could play a vital role for the information transmission in neural systems.     

Universality in the synchronization of weighted random networks

Realistic networks display not only a complex topological structure, but also a heterogeneous distribution of weights in the connection strengths. Here we study synchronization in weighted complex networks and show that the synchronizability of random networks with a large minimum degree is determined by two leading parameters: the mean degree and the heterogeneity of the distribution of node's intensity, where the intensity of a node, defined as the total strength of input connections, is a natural combination of topology and weights. Our results provide a possibility for the control of synchronization in complex networks by the manipulation of a few parameters.     

Explosive synchronization: From synthetic to real-world networks

Synchronization is a widespread phenomenon in both synthetic and real-world networks. This collective behavior of simple and complex systems has been attracting much research during the last decades. Two different routes to synchrony are defined in networks; first-order, characterized as explosive, and second-order, characterized as continuous transition. Although pioneer researches explained that the transition type is a generic feature in the networks, recent studies proposed some frameworks in which different phase and even chaotic oscillators exhibit explosive synchronization. The relationship between the structural properties of the network and the dynamical features of the oscillators is mainly proclaimed because some of these frameworks show abrupt transitions. Despite different theoretical analyses about the appearance of the first-order transition, studies are limited to the mean-field theory, which cannot be generalized to all networks. There are different real-world and man-made networks whose properties can be characterized in terms of explosive synchronization, e.g., the transition from unconsciousness to wakefulness in the brain and spontaneous synchronization of power-grid networks. In this review article, explosive synchronization is discussed from two main aspects. First, pioneer articles are categorized from the dynamical-structural framework point of view. Then, articles that considered different oscillators in the explosive synchronization frameworks are studied. In this article, the main focus is on the explosive synchronization in networks with chaotic and neuronal oscillators. Also, efforts have been made to consider the recent articles which proposed new frameworks of explosive synchronization.     

噪声环境下时滞耦合网络的广义投影滞后同步

时滞和噪声在复杂网络中普遍存在,而含有耦合时滞和噪声摄动的耦合网络同步的研究工作却极其稀少. 本文针对噪声环境下具有不同节点动力学、不同拓扑结构及不同节点数目的耦合时滞网络,提出了两个网络之间的广义投影滞后同步. 首先,构建了更加贴近现实的驱动-响应网络同步的理论框架;其次,基于随机时滞微分方程LaSalle不变性原理,严格证明了在合理的控制器作用下,驱动网络和响应网络在几乎必然渐近稳定性意义下能够取得广义投影滞后同步;最后,借助于计算机仿真,通过具体的网络模型验证了理论推理的有效性. 数值模拟结果表明,驱动网络与响应网络不但能够达到广义投影滞后同步,而且同步效果不依赖于耦合时滞和比例因子的选取,同时也揭示了更新增益和耦合时滞对同步收敛速度的显著性影响. 关键词： 复杂网络 广义投影滞后同步 随机噪声 时滞