@article{OrgisBrandSchwarzetal.2009, author = {Orgis, Thomas and Brand, Sascha and Schwarz, Udo and Handorf, D{\"o}rthe and Dethloff, Klaus and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Influence of interactive stratospheric chemistry on large-scale air mass exchange in a global circulation model}, issn = {1951-6355}, doi = {10.1140/epjst/e2009-01105-8}, year = {2009}, abstract = {A new globally uniform Lagrangian transport scheme for large ensembles of passive tracer particles is presented and applied to wind data from a coupled atmosphere-ocean climate model that includes interactive dynamical feedback with stratospheric chemistry. This feedback from the chemistry is found to enhance large-scale meridional air mass exchange in the northern winter stratosphere as well as intrusion of stratospheric air into the troposphere, where both effects are due to a weakened polar vortex.}, language = {en} } @misc{KoseskaZaikinKurthsetal.2009, author = {Koseska, Aneta and Zaikin, Alexey and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Garc{\´i}a-Ojalvo, Jordi}, title = {Timing cellular decision making under noise via cell-cell communication}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus-45260}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Many cellular processes require decision making mechanisms, which must act reliably even in the unavoidable presence of substantial amounts of noise. However, the multistable genetic switches that underlie most decision-making processes are dominated by fluctuations that can induce random jumps between alternative cellular states. Here we show, via theoretical modeling of a population of noise-driven bistable genetic switches, that reliable timing of decision-making processes can be accomplished for large enough population sizes, as long as cells are globally coupled by chemical means. In the light of these results, we conjecture that cell proliferation, in the presence of cell-cell communication, could provide a mechanism for reliable decision making in the presence of noise, by triggering cellular transitions only when the whole cell population reaches a certain size. In other words , the summation performed by the cell population would average out the noise and reduce its detrimental impact.}, language = {en} } @article{KomalapriyaRomanoBlascoThieletal.2009, author = {Komalapriya, Chandrasekaran and Romano Blasco, Maria Carmen and Thiel, Marco and Schwarz, Udo and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Simonotto, Jennifer and Furman, Michael and Ditto, William L. and Carney, Paul R.}, title = {Analysis of high-resulution microelectrode EEG recordings in an animal model of spontaneous limbic seizures}, issn = {0218-1274}, doi = {10.1142/S0218127409023226}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{MarwanKurthsThomsenetal.2009, author = {Marwan, Norbert and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Thomsen, Jesper Skovhus and Felsenberg, Dieter and Saparin, Peter}, title = {Three-dimensional quantification of structures in trabecular bone using measures of complexity}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/Physreve.79.021903}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The study of pathological changes of bone is an important task in diagnostic procedures of patients with metabolic bone diseases such as osteoporosis as well as in monitoring the health state of astronauts during long-term space flights. The recent availability of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) imaging of bone challenges the development of data analysis techniques able to assess changes of the 3D microarchitecture of trabecular bone. We introduce an approach based on spatial geometrical properties and define structural measures of complexity for 3D image analysis. These measures evaluate different aspects of organization and complexity of 3D structures, such as complexity of its surface or shape variability. We apply these measures to 3D data acquired by high-resolution microcomputed tomography (mu CT) from human proximal tibiae and lumbar vertebrae at different stages of osteoporotic bone loss. The outcome is compared to the results of conventional static histomorphometry and exhibits clear relationships between the analyzed geometrical features of trabecular bone and loss of bone density, but also indicate that the measures reveal additional information about the structural composition of bone, which were not revealed by the static histomorphometry. Finally, we have studied the dependency of the developed measures of complexity on the spatial resolution of the mu CT data sets.}, language = {en} } @article{LiChenWuetal.2009, author = {Li, Ping and Chen, Maoyin and Wu, Ye and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Matrix-measure criterion for synchronization in coupled-map networks}, issn = {1539-3755}, doi = {10.1103/Physreve.79.067102}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We present conditions for the local and global synchronizations in coupled-map networks using the matrix measure approach. In contrast to many existing synchronization conditions, the proposed synchronization criteria do not depend on the solution of the synchronous state and give less limitation on the network connections. Numerical simulations of the coupled quadratic maps demonstrate the potentials of our main results.}, language = {en} } @article{MarwanKurths2009, author = {Marwan, Norbert and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Comment on "Stochastic analysis of recurrence plots with applications to the detection of deterministic signals" by Rohde et al. : [Physica D 237 (2008) 619-629]}, issn = {0167-2789}, doi = {10.1016/j.physd.2009.04.018}, year = {2009}, abstract = {In the recent article "Stochastic analysis of recurrence plots with applications to the detection of deterministic signals" (Physica D 237 (2008) 619-629), Rohde et al. stated that the performance of RQA in order to detect deterministic signals would be below traditional and well-known detectors. However, we have concerns about such a general statement. Based on our own studies we cannot confirm their conclusions. Our findings suggest that the measures of complexity provided by RQA are useful detectors outperforming well-known traditional detectors, in particular for the detection of signals of complex systems, with phase differences or signals modified due to the measurement process.}, language = {en} } @article{FlorenceDahlemAlmeidaetal.2009, author = {Florence, Gerson and Dahlem, Markus A. and Almeida, Ant{\^o}nio-Carlos G. and Bassani, Jos{\´e} W. M. and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {The role of extracellular potassium dynamics in the different stages of ictal bursting and spreading depression : a computational study}, issn = {0022-5193}, doi = {10.1016/j.jtbi.2009.01.032}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Experimental evidences point Out the participation of nonsynaptic mechanisms (e.g., fluctuations in extracellular tons) in epileptiform bursting and spreading depression (SD). During these abnormal oscillatory patterns, it is observed an increase of extracellular potassium concentration [K+](o) and a decrease of extracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+](o) which raises the neuronal excitability. However, whether the high [K+](o) triggers and propagates these abnormal neuronal activities or plays a secondary role into this process is unclear. To better understand the influence of extracellular potassium dynamics in these oscillatory patterns, the experimental conditions of high [K+](o) and zero [Ca2+](o) were replicated in an extended Golomb model where we added important regulatory mechanisms of ion concentration as Na+-K+ pump, ion diffusion and glial buffering. Within these Conditions, simulations of the cell model exhibit seizure-like discharges (ictal bursting). The SD was elicited by the interruption of the Na+- K+ pump activity, mimicking the effect of cellular hypoxia (an experimental protocol to elicit SD, the hypoxia-induced SD). We used the bifurcation theory and the fast-slow method to analyze the interference of K+ dynamics in the cellular excitability. This analysis indicates that the system loses its stability at a high [K+](o), transiting to an elevated state of neuronal excitability. Effects of high [K+](o), are observed in different stages of ictal bursting and SD. In the initial stage, the increase of [K+](o) creates favorable conditions to trigger both oscillatory patterns. During the neuronal activity, a continuous growth of [K+](o) by outward K+ flow depresses K+ Currents in a positive feedback way. At the last stage, due to the depression of K+ currents, the Na+-K+ pump is the main mechanism in the end of neuronal activity. Thus, this work suggests that [K+](o) dynamics may play a fundamental role in these abnormal oscillatory patterns.}, language = {en} } @article{DongesZouMarwanetal.2009, author = {Donges, Jonathan Friedemann and Zou, Yong and Marwan, Norbert and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Complex networks in climate dynamics : comparing linear and nonlinear network construction methods}, issn = {1951-6355}, doi = {10.1140/epjst/e2009-01098-2}, year = {2009}, abstract = {Complex network theory provides a powerful framework to statistically investigate the topology of local and non- local statistical interrelationships, i.e. teleconnections, in the climate system. Climate networks constructed from the same global climatological data set using the linear Pearson correlation coefficient or the nonlinear mutual information as a measure of dynamical similarity between regions, are compared systematically on local, mesoscopic and global topological scales. A high degree of similarity is observed on the local and mesoscopic topological scales for surface air temperature fields taken from AOGCM and reanalysis data sets. We find larger differences on the global scale, particularly in the betweenness centrality field. The global scale view on climate networks obtained using mutual information offers promising new perspectives for detecting network structures based on nonlinear physical processes in the climate system.}, language = {en} } @article{WesselRiedlKurths2009, author = {Wessel, Niels and Riedl, Maik and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Is the normal heart rate "chaotic" due to respiration?}, issn = {1054-1500}, doi = {10.1063/1.3133128}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The incidence of cardiovascular diseases increases with the growth of the human population and an aging society, leading to very high expenses in the public health system. Therefore, it is challenging to develop sophisticated methods in order to improve medical diagnostics. The question whether the normal heart rate is chaotic or not is an attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular dynamics and therefore a highly controversial topical challenge. In this contribution we demonstrate that linear and nonlinear parameters allow us to separate completely the data sets of the three groups provided for this controversial topic in nonlinear dynamics. The question whether these time series are chaotic or not cannot be answered satisfactorily without investigating the underlying mechanisms leading to them. We give an example of the dominant influence of respiration on heart beat dynamics, which shows that observed fluctuations can be mostly explained by respiratory modulations of heart rate and blood pressure (coefficient of determination: 96\%). Therefore, we recommend reformulating the following initial question: "Is the normal heart rate chaotic?" We rather ask the following: " Is the normal heart rate 'chaotic' due to respiration?"}, language = {en} } @article{WuLiChenetal.2009, author = {Wu, Ye and Li, Ping and Chen, Maoyin and Xiao, Jinghua and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Response of scale-free networks with community structure to external stimuli}, issn = {0378-4371}, doi = {10.1016/j.physa.2009.03.037}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The response of scale-free networks with community structure to external stimuli is studied. By disturbing some nodes with different strategies, it is shown that the robustness of this kind of network can be enhanced due to the existence of communities in the networks. Some of the response patterns are found to coincide with topological communities. We show that such phenomena also occur in the cat brain network which is an example of a scale-free like network with community structure. Our results provide insights into the relationship between network topology and the functional organization in complex networks from another viewpoint.}, language = {en} } @article{SunLuKurthsetal.2009, author = {Sun, Xiaojuan and Lu, Qishao and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Wang, Qingyun}, title = {Spatiotemporal coherence resonance in a map lattice}, issn = {0218-1274}, doi = {10.1142/S021812740902310X}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We study the effects of parametric noise on a lattice network, which is locally modeled by a two-dimensional Rulkov map. We conclude that at some intermediate noise intensity, parametric noise can induce ordered circular patterns, which indicates the appearance of spatiotemporal coherence resonance in the studied lattice. With the observation of coherence-like manner in linear spatial cross-correlation, the coherence phenomena can be analyzed quantitatively.}, language = {en} } @article{FujiwaraKurths2009, author = {Fujiwara, Naoya and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Spectral universality of phase synchronization in non-identical oscillator networks}, issn = {1434-6028}, doi = {10.1140/epjb/e2009-00078-6}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We employ a spectral decomposition method to analyze synchronization of a non-identical oscillator network. We study the case that a small parameter mismatch of oscillators is characterized by one parameter and phase synchronization is observed. We derive a linearized equation for each eigenmode of the coupling matrix. The parameter mismatch is reflected on inhomogeneous term in the linearized equation. We find that the oscillation of each mode is essentially characterized only by the eigenvalue of the coupling matrix with a suitable normalization. We refer to this property as spectral universality, because it is observed irrespective of network topology. Numerical results in various network topologies show good agreement with those based on linearized equation. This universality is also observed in a system driven by additive independent Gaussian noise.}, language = {en} } @article{KoseskaVolkovKurths2009, author = {Koseska, Aneta and Volkov, Evgenij and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Detuning-dependent dominance of oscillation death in globally coupled synthetic genetic oscillators}, issn = {0295-5075}, doi = {10.1209/0295-5075/85/28002}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We study dynamical regimes of globally coupled genetic relaxation oscillators in the presence of small detuning. Using bifurcation analysis, we find that under strong coupling via the slow variable, the detuning can eliminate standard oscillatory solutions in a large region of the parameter space, providing the dominance of oscillation death. This result is substantially different from previous results on oscillation quenching, where for homogeneous populations, the coexistence of oscillation death and limit cycle oscillations is always present. We propose further that this effect of detuning-dependent dominance could be a powerful regulator of genetic network's dynamics.}, language = {en} } @article{RetzlaffBauernschmittMalbergetal.2009, author = {Retzlaff, Beatrice and Bauernschmitt, Robert and Malberg, Hagen and Brockmann, Gernot and Uhl, Christian and Lange, Ruediger and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Bretthauer, Georg and Wessel, Niels}, title = {Depression of cardiovascular autonomic function is more pronounced after mitral valve surgery : evidence for direct trauma}, issn = {1364-503X}, doi = {10.1098/rsta.2008.0272}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The analysis of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) leads to additional insights into patients' prognosis after cardiovascular events. The following study was performed to assess the differences in the post-operative recovery of autonomic regulation after mitral valve (MV) and aortic valve (AV) surgery with a heart lung machine. Among the 43 consecutive male patients enrolled in a prospective study, 26 underwent isolated AV surgery and 17 isolated MV surgery. Blood pressure as well as ECG signals were recorded the day before, 24 hours after and one week after surgery. BRS was calculated according to the dual sequence method, and HRV was calculated using standard linear as well as nonlinear parameters. There were no major differences between the two groups in the pre-operative values. At 24 hours a comparable depression of HRV and BRS in both groups was observed, while at 7 days there was partial recovery in AV patients, which was absent in MV patients: p(AV versus MV) < 0.001. While the response of the autonomic system to surgery is similar in AV and MV patients, there is obviously a decreased ability to recover in MV patients, probably attributed to traumatic lesions of the autonomic nervous system by opening the atria. Ongoing research is required for further clarification of the pathophysiology of this phenomenon and to establish strategies to restore autonomic function.}, language = {en} } @article{PavlovAnisimovSemyachkinaGlushkovskayaetal.2009, author = {Pavlov, Alexey N. and Anisimov, A. A. and Semyachkina-Glushkovskaya, Oxana V. and Matasova, E. G. and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Analysis of blood pressure dynamics in male and female rats using the continuous wavelet transform}, issn = {0967-3334}, doi = {10.1088/0967-3334/30/7/013}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We study gender-related particularities in cardiovascular responses to stress and nitric oxide (NO) deficiency in rats using HR, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and a proposed wavelet-based approach. Blood pressure dynamics is analyzed: (1) under control conditions, (2) during immobilization stress and recovery and (3) during nitric oxide blockade by N-G-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME). We show that cardiovascular sensitivity to stress and NO deficiency depends upon gender. Actually, in females the chronotropic effect of stress is more pronounced, while the pressor effect is weakened compared with males. We conclude that females demonstrate more favorable patterns of cardiovascular responses to stress and more effective NO control of cardiovascular activity than males.}, language = {en} } @article{PereiraBaptistaReyesetal.2009, author = {Pereira, Tiago and Baptista, Murilo da Silva and Reyes, Marcelo B. and Caldas, Ibere Luiz and Sartorelli, Jos{\´e} Carlos and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {A scenario for torus T-2 destruction via a global bifurcation}, issn = {0960-0779}, doi = {10.1016/j.chaos.2007.06.115}, year = {2009}, abstract = {We show a scenario of a two-frequeney torus breakdown, in which a global bifurcation occurs due to the collision of a quasi-periodic torus T-2 with saddle points, creating a heteroclinic saddle connection. We analyze the geometry of this torus-saddle collision by showing the local dynamics and the invariant manifolds (global dynamics) of the saddle points. Moreover, we present detailed evidences of a heteroclinic saddle-focus orbit responsible for the type- if intermittency induced by this global bifurcation. We also characterize this transition to chaos by measuring the Lyapunov exponents and the scaling laws.}, language = {en} } @article{RomanoThielKurthsetal.2009, author = {Romano, Maria Carmen and Thiel, Marco and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Mergenthaler, Konstantin and Engbert, Ralf}, title = {Hypothesis test for synchronization : twin surrogates revisited}, issn = {1054-1500}, doi = {10.1063/1.3072784}, year = {2009}, abstract = {The method of twin surrogates has been introduced to test for phase synchronization of complex systems in the case of passive experiments. In this paper we derive new analytical expressions for the number of twins depending on the size of the neighborhood, as well as on the length of the trajectory. This allows us to determine the optimal parameters for the generation of twin surrogates. Furthermore, we determine the quality of the twin surrogates with respect to several linear and nonlinear statistics depending on the parameters of the method. In the second part of the paper we perform a hypothesis test for phase synchronization in the case of experimental data from fixational eye movements. These miniature eye movements have been shown to play a central role in neural information processing underlying the perception of static visual scenes. The high number of data sets (21 subjects and 30 trials per person) allows us to compare the generated twin surrogates with the "natural" surrogates that correspond to the different trials. We show that the generated twin surrogates reproduce very well all linear and nonlinear characteristics of the underlying experimental system. The synchronization analysis of fixational eye movements by means of twin surrogates reveals that the synchronization between the left and right eye is significant, indicating that either the centers in the brain stem generating fixational eye movements are closely linked, or, alternatively that there is only one center controlling both eyes.}, language = {en} } @article{RusconiVallerianiDunlopetal.2009, author = {Rusconi, Marco and Valleriani, Angelo and Dunlop, John William Chapman and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen and Weinkamer, Richard}, title = {Insights into the control of trabecular bone remodelling obtained by a Markov model}, issn = {8756-3282}, doi = {10.1016/j.bone.2009.03.467}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{PortaDiRienzoWesseletal.2009, author = {Porta, Alberto and Di Rienzo, Marco and Wessel, Niels and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Addressing the complexity of cardiovascular regulation}, issn = {1364-503X}, doi = {10.1098/rsta.2008.0292}, year = {2009}, language = {en} } @article{SchinkelMarwanDimigenetal.2009, author = {Schinkel, Stefan and Marwan, Norbert and Dimigen, Olaf and Kurths, J{\"u}rgen}, title = {Confidence bounds of recurrence-based complexity measures}, issn = {0375-9601}, doi = {10.1016/j.physleta.2009.04.045}, year = {2009}, abstract = {In the recent past, recurrence quantification analysis (RQA) has gained an increasing interest in various research areas. The complexity measures the RQA provides have been useful in describing and analysing a broad range of data. It is known to be rather robust to noise and nonstationarities. Yet, one key question in empirical research concerns the confidence bounds of measured data. In the present Letter we suggest a method for estimating the confidence bounds of recurrence-based complexity measures. We study the applicability of the suggested method with model and real- life data.}, language = {en} }