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Coupling of a slow and a fast oscillator can generate bursting

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Abstract

A general mechanism underlying bursting is proposed and described. It consists of two coupled nonlinear oscillators with different frequencies, where the slower oscillator alternatively switches the faster one on and off. This mechanism is shown to work in an extended Bonhoefer-van der Pol oscillator as well as in a modified version of the Hodgkin-Huxley equations.

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Honerkamp, J., Mutschler, G. & Seitz, R. Coupling of a slow and a fast oscillator can generate bursting. Bltn Mathcal Biology 47, 1–21 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02459643

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