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Nonlinear Dynamics of Networks
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Nonlinear Dynamics of Networks
CSIC Building (#406),
Seminar Room 4122.
Directions: home.cscamm.umd.edu/directions
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Neuronal avalanches and coherence potentials
Dietmar Plenz
National Institute of Mental Health
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Abstract:
The myriads of interactions between brain cells are exquisitely balanced. They take on the form of neuronal avalanches, spatiotemporal cascades of synchrony outbursts that are similar at different temporal and spatial scales as expected for systems in a critical state. Such scale-invariance, however, is difficult to reconcile with information processing, which ultimately requires a threshold dynamics to allow for decision making. Deep inside the avalanche dynamics, a tipping point emerges where local bursts, once they have reached a minimal size, spawn perfect clones of activity at other sites in the brain. The co-existence of these 'coherence potentials' with scale-invariant brain avalanches might provide the basic building blocks for information processing in the brain. |
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