Phase transitions towards criticality in a neural system with adaptive interactions

Phys Rev Lett. 2009 Mar 20;102(11):118110. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.118110. Epub 2009 Mar 20.

Abstract

We analytically describe a transition scenario to self-organized criticality (SOC) that is new for physics as well as neuroscience; it combines the criticality of first and second-order phase transitions with a SOC phase. We consider a network of pulse-coupled neurons interacting via dynamical synapses, which exhibit depression and facilitation as found in experiments. We analytically show the coexistence of a SOC phase and a subcritical phase connected by a cusp bifurcation. Switching between the two phases can be triggered by varying the intensity of noisy inputs.

MeSH terms

  • Action Potentials
  • Membrane Potentials
  • Models, Neurological*
  • Neural Conduction
  • Neurons / physiology*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / physiology
  • Synapses / physiology

Substances

  • Neurotransmitter Agents