The effects of time delay on the synchronization transitions in a modular neuronal network with hybrid synapses

Delay-induced synchronization transitions are studied in a modular neuronal network of small-world subnetworks with hybrid synapses in this paper. Numerical results show that the spatiotemporal synchronization transitions in a modular neuronal network not only depend on the information transmission delay, but also can be induced by the variations of the probability of inhibitory synapses and the number of subnetworks in the modular networks. In the hybrid modular network, the information transmission delay is shown to be significant, which can either promote or destroy synchronization of neuronal activity. In particular, the increasing delays can induce the intermittent appearance of regions of synchronization and non-synchronization. Interestingly, it is found that intermittent synchronization transition is relatively profound for smaller and larger probability of inhibitory synapses, while synchronization transition seems less profound for the moderate probability of inhibitory synapses. In addition, if only the delay is appropriate, there exists a suitable modular network topology structure enhancing the synchronized neuronal activity.

► We study synchronization transitions in a modular neuronal network of small-world subnetworks with hybrid synapses.
► Time delay can induce intermittent synchronization transitions.
► Intermittent synchronization transition is profound for smaller and higher probabilities of inhibitory synapses.
► The appropriate modular network structure can enhance the synchronized neuronal activity.