Patterns of synchrony in neuronal ensembles: a broad perspective

  • 2,731

    Total downloads

  • 27k

    Total views and downloads

Submit your idea

Select the journal/section where you want your idea to be submitted:

Submit your manuscript summarySubmit your manuscript

About this Research Topic

Submission closed

Background

Neuronal ensembles, alike many other complex systems, self-organize into fascinating emergent synchronous patterns which are fundamental for appropriate functioning of the brain. Synchronous spatio-temporal patterns, for instance, play crucial roles in neuronal communication and cognitive processes. Alongside in recent times, there has been a strong urge in exploring the appearance of an exceptional collective state that correspond to the spatial coexistence of synchronous and asynchronous dynamics in symmetrically coupled network of identical dynamical units, popularly known as chimera states. This hybrid dynamical phenomenon, in particular, possesses strong resemblance to a number of neuronal developments, such as the bump states, unihemispheric slow-wave sleep in some birds and aquatic mammals, and also to neuronal diseases including Parkinson’s disease, epileptic seizures, and schizophrenia. Consequently, it has become indispensable to understand the processes through which diverse aspects of synchrony emerge in neuronal systems.

The issue of non-synaptic (ephaptic) communication that corresponds to the coupling of nerve fibers because of the extracellular local electric fields, carries much importance as far as the neuronal communication is concerned. Nevertheless, so far the exploration of the patterns of neuronal synchrony has been mostly confined to the presence of synaptic interactions. Neuroplasticity, that helps in adaptive change in the nervous system, could also have implications on functional behaviors which are associated with synchronization. Besides, the interdependent network formalism (multilayer or multiplex or modular structures) is specifically relevant in neuronal systems. The possibility in the emergence of non-stationary chimera patterns that evolves over time, is yet to receive its due attention for neuronal ensembles. The incarnation of novel types of chimera-like state as a result of unconventional interactional frameworks of the concerned network also deserves more attentive study. Being immensely relevant, it thus necessitates to bring further development in this subject of research with a dedicated special issue. Although there were past significant attempts, enough scopes are still there that are expected to result in fascinating observations around the subject of neuronal synchrony. The goal of this Research Topic is thus to excerpt original theoretical, computational, and experimental studies that explore the incarnation of different patterns of synchrony in neuronal networks.

This Research Topic invites all contributions ranging from Original Research to Review and Opinion articles that address the aspects of synchronization in neuronal ensembles. Topics include but are not limited to the following:
• Aspects of synchrony in neuronal networks of networks;
• Synchronization patterns including chimeras, solitary and cluster states in neuronal multilayer/multiplex/modular networks;
• Distinctive analysis of spike, burst and complete synchrony in neuronal ensembles including the processes from phase-locking to anti-phase bursting (spiking);
• Exploration of spike chimeras in neuronal systems;
• Chimera states emerging through non-synaptic (ephaptic) communications ;
• Influence of neuroplasticity on diverse patterns of synchronization;
• Synchrony/Chimera-like patterns in time-varying neuronal networks;
• Non-stationary (alternating, traveling etc.) chimeras in neuronal ensembles;
• Synchrony/Chimeras in static or temporal networks with hybrid synapses;
• Time-delay effects on patterns of neuronal synchrony;
• Variants of synchronization in neuronal systems under the synergy of excitation and inhibition;
• Different chimera-like states due to unconventional network topology in neuronal networks, including hyper-networks.

Keywords: Neuronal networks, Synchronization, Synaptic communication, Chimeras, Multilayer networks, Ephaptic coupling, Neuroplasticity, Hybrid synapses

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

Topic editors

Frequently asked questions

  • Frontiers' Research Topics are collaborative hubs built around an emerging theme.Defined, managed, and led by renowned researchers, they bring communities together around a shared area of interest to stimulate collaboration and innovation.

    Unlike section journals, which serve established specialty communities, Research Topics are pioneer hubs, responding to the evolving scientific landscape and catering to new communities.

  • The goal of Frontiers' publishing program is to empower research communities to actively steer the course of scientific publishing. Our program was implemented as a three-part unit with fixed field journals, flexible specialty sections, and dynamically emerging Research Topics, connecting communities of different sizes and maturity.

    Research Topics originate from the scientific community. Many of our Research Topics are suggested by existing editorial board members who have identified critical challenges or areas of interest in their field.

  • As an editor, Research Topics will help you build your journal, as well as your community, around emerging, cutting-edge research. As research trailblazers, Research Topics attract high-quality submissions from leading experts all over the world.

    A thriving Research Topic can potentially evolve into a new specialty section if there is sustained interest and a growing community around it.

  • Each Research Topic must be approved by the specialty chief editor, and it falls under the editorial oversight of our editorial boards, supported by our in-house research integrity team. The same standards and rigorous peer review processes apply to articles published as part of a Research Topic as for any other article we publish.

    In 2023, 80% of the Research Topics we published were edited or co-edited by our editorial board members, who are already familiar with their journal's scope, ethos, and publishing model. All other topics are guest edited by leaders in their field, each vetted and formally approved by the specialty chief editor.

  • Publishing your article within a Research Topic with other related articles increases its discoverability and visibility, which can lead to more views, downloads, and citations. Research Topics grow dynamically as more published articles are added, causing frequent revisiting, and further visibility.

    As Research Topics are multidisciplinary, they are cross-listed in several fields and section journals – increasing your reach even more and giving you the chance to expand your network and collaborate with researchers in different fields, all focusing on expanding knowledge around the same important topic.

    Our larger Research Topics are also converted into ebooks and receive social media promotion from our digital marketing team.

     

  • Frontiers offers multiple article types, but it will depend on the field and section journals in which the Research Topic will be featured. The available article types for a Research Topic will appear in the drop-down menu during the submission process.

    Check available article types here 

  • Yes, we would love to hear your ideas for a topic. Most of our Research Topics are community-led and suggested by researchers in the field. Our in-house editorial team will contact you to talk about your idea and whether you’d like to edit the topic. If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. 

    Suggest your topic here 

  • A team of guest editors (called topic editors) lead their Research Topic. This editorial team oversees the entire process, from the initial topic proposal to calls for participation, the peer review, and final publications.

    The team may also include topic coordinators, who help the topic editors send calls for participation, liaise with topic editors on abstracts, and support contributing authors. In some cases, they can also be assigned as reviewers.

  • As a topic editor (TE), you will take the lead on all editorial decisions for the Research Topic, starting with defining its scope. This allows you to curate research around a topic that interests you, bring together different perspectives from leading researchers across different fields and shape the future of your field. 

     

    You will choose your team of co-editors, curate a list of potential authors, send calls for participation and oversee the peer review process, accepting or recommending rejection for each manuscript submitted.

  • As a topic editor, you're supported at every stage by our in-house team. You will be assigned a single point of contact to help you on both editorial and technical matters. Your topic is managed through our user-friendly online platform, and the peer review process is supported by our industry-first AI review assistant (AIRA).

  • If you’re an early-stage researcher, we will offer you the opportunity to coordinate your topic, with the support of a senior researcher as the topic editor. This provides you with valuable editorial experience, improving your ability to critically evaluate research articles and enhancing your understanding of the quality standards and requirements for scientific publishing, as well as the opportunity to discover new research in your field, and expand your professional network.

  • Yes, certificates can be issued on request. We are happy to provide a certificate for your contribution to editing a successful Research Topic.

  • Research Topics thrive on collaboration and their multi-disciplinary approach around emerging, cutting-edge themes, attract leading researchers from all over the world.

  • As a topic editor, you can set the timeline for your Research Topic, and we will work with you at your pace. Typically, Research Topics are online and open for submissions within a few weeks and remain open for participation for 6 – 12 months. Individual articles within a Research Topic are published as soon as they are ready.

    Find out more about our Research Topics

  • Our fee support program ensures that all articles that pass peer review, including those published in Research Topics, can benefit from open access – regardless of the author's field or funding situation.

    Authors and institutions with insufficient funding can apply for a discount on their publishing fees. A fee support application form is available on our website.

  • In line with our mission to promote healthy lives on a healthy planet, we do not provide printed materials. All our articles and ebooks are available under a CC-BY license, so you can share and print copies.

     

Participating Journals

Impact

  • 27kTopic views
  • 23kArticle views
  • 2,731Article downloads
View impact