Collective behavior of neurons in complex networks

• Grant number: 11/03631-6
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Visiting Researcher Grant - International
• Start date: October 03, 2011
• End date: January 02, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Computer Science
• Principal Investigator: Zhao Liang
• Grantee: Zhao Liang
• Visiting researcher: Zonghua Liu
• Visiting researcher institution: East China Normal University (ECNU), China
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Matemáticas e de Computação (ICMC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This research proposal is to study the collective behavior of coupled neurons in complex networks during the visit of Prof. Dr. Zonghua Liu to Prof. Dr. Zhao Liang at the Institute of Mathematics and Computer Science (ICMC), University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. Based on a new research that the brain appears to be a vastly interconnected network much like the Internet, we investigate how the dynamical network structures influence the interaction among the neurons. Specifically, we will focus on the underlying mechanisms of the free running periods of animals and the hearing sensitivity of mammals. Through this study, we hope our work may provide deep insight to understand the mechanism of neural signal transmission in both functional and pathological brain networks. This research topic is typically interdisciplinary, which has important impacts on both biological and artificial neural networks. It is also important to note that this research proposal is a continuation of an already established collaboration between the host professor and the visiting professor. Finally, it is worth noting that this research topic fits well into one of the proposed Grand Challenges in Computer Science in Brazil: "Computational modeling of artificial, natural, social-cultural and human-nature complex systems". (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

LIANG, XIAOMING; ZHAO, LIANG; LIU, ZONGHUA. Enhancing Weak Signal Transmission Through a Feedforward Network. IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NEURAL NETWORKS AND LEARNING SYSTEMS, v. 23, n. 9, p. 1506-1512, SEP 2012. (11/03631-6, 11/50151-0)

LIANG, XIAOMING; ZHAO, LIANG; LIU, ZONGHUA. Optimal signal amplification in weighted scale-free networks. Chaos, v. 22, n. 2, JUN 2012. (11/03631-6, 11/50151-0)

LIANG, X. M.; ZHAO, L.; LIU, Z. H.. Signal amplification of active rotators with phase-shifted coupling. European Physical Journal B, v. 85, n. 6, JUN 2012. (11/03631-6, 11/50151-0)