17,048 research outputs found
Modular structure in C. elegans neural network and its response to external localized stimuli
Synchronization plays a key role in information processing in neuronal
networks. Response of specific groups of neurons are triggered by external
stimuli, such as visual, tactile or olfactory inputs. Neurons, however, can be
divided into several categories, such as by physical location, functional role
or topological clustering properties. Here we study the response of the
electric junction C. elegans network to external stimuli using the partially
forced Kuramoto model and applying the force to specific groups of neurons.
Stimuli were applied to topological modules, obtained by the ModuLand
procedure, to a ganglion, specified by its anatomical localization, and to the
functional group composed of all sensory neurons. We found that topological
modules do not contain purely anatomical groups or functional classes,
corroborating previous results, and that stimulating different classes of
neurons lead to very different responses, measured in terms of synchronization
and phase velocity correlations. In all cases, however, the modular structure
hindered full synchronization, protecting the system from seizures. More
importantly, the responses to stimuli applied to topological and functional
modules showed pronounced patterns of correlation or anti-correlation with
other modules that were not observed when the stimulus was applied to ganglia.Comment: 23 pages, 6 figure
Counterions at charge-modulated substrates
We consider counterions in the presence of a single planar surface with a
spatially inhomogeneous charge distribution using Monte-Carlo simulations and
strong-coupling theory. For high surface charges, multivalent counterions, or
pronounced substrate charge modulation the counterions are laterally correlated
with the surface charges and their density profile deviates strongly from the
limit of a smeared-out substrate charge distribution, in particular exhibiting
a much increased laterally averaged density at the surface.Comment: 7 page
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