Phase response theory extended to nonoscillatory network components

• Authors: Fred H. Sieling, Emory University; Santiago Archila, Emory University; Ryan Hooper, Emory University; Carmen C. Canavier, Louisiana State University; Astrid Prinz, Emory University
• Journal Title: Physical Review E
• Volume: Volume 85, Number 5
• Publisher: American Physical Society | 2012-05
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.85.056208
• Subjects: Engineering, Biomedical; Biology, Cell; Biology, Anatomy
• Keywords: oscillatory networks; phase response theory; pulsatile coupling; nonoscillatory elements; functional phase resetting curve

Abstract

New tools for analysis of oscillatory networks using phase response theory (PRT) under the assumption of pulsatile coupling have been developed steadily since the 1980s, but none have yet allowed for analysis of mixed systems containing nonoscillatory elements. This caveat has excluded the application of PRT to most real systems, which are often mixed. We show that a recently developed tool, the functional phase resetting curve (fPRC), provides a serendipitous benefit: it allows incorporation of nonoscillatory elements into systems of oscillators where PRT can be applied. We validate this method in a model system of neural oscillators and a biological system, the pyloric network of crustacean decapods.