Simulation of young neocortical networks by spatially coupled oscillators

During early development neocortical neurons develop synchronous oscillatory network activity with the beginning of the second week in culture. This spontaneous synchronous activity is considered to be a requisite for the maturation of the synaptic networks. To simulate this activity it is common to use networks of neurons and analyze different connection strategies. On the other hand global population models (complex oscillators) are able to simulate the average activity of a large number of neurons. In the present work we combine both approaches to extend a population model to a set of distributed oscillators. In this way we get a spatial distribution of parameters and activity and are able to study effects of local external stimulation and propagation of excitation waves in large network areas. Small world connection strategy allows to investigate different behaviors by adjusting only one parameter.