Wednesday, February 26, 2003 3:05 pm LCB 323
Title: Integrate-and-fire neural networks and forest fires
Abstract: There is a close correspondence between the dynamics and properties of large networks of spiking neurons and that of forest fires. Consider first a network of integrate-and-fire neurons. Each neuron is either hyperpolarized or refractory, depolarized or sensitive, or else activated. Now consider a forest fire comprising burned, green, or burning trees. Lattice models of such forest fires have recently been shown to exhibit a form of self-organized critical behavior. We show that integrate-and-fire neural networks exhibit similar behavior and describe a number of new features associated with the dynamics of such networks.
For more information contact J. Keener, 1-6089