Nonlinear growth: an origin of hub organization in complex networks.

ABSTRACT: Many real-world networks contain highly connected nodes called hubs. Hubs are often crucial for network function and spreading dynamics. However, classical models of how hubs originate during network development unrealistically assume that new nodes attain information about the connectivity (for example the degree) of existing nodes. Here, we introduce hub formation through nonlinear growth where the number of nodes generated at each stage increases over time and new nodes form connections independent of target node features. Our model reproduces variation in number of connections, hub occurrence time, and rich-club organization of networks ranging from protein-protein, neuronal and fibre tract brain networks to airline networks. Moreover, nonlinear growth gives a more generic representati

SUBMITTER: Bauer R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5383813 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature