Analysis of cluster evolution in a model of intestine electrical activity

We present a new graphical tool to investigate the time evolution of phase-synchronization clusters and apply it to a computer model of the intestine consisting of coupled oscillators. The method estimates the synchronized zones using a covariance analysis of the electrical activity to detect any linear relationship between segments of the intestine. Synchronization expresses itself by the formation, merging and destruction of clusters, which are groups of oscillators with a related dynamics. Specific patterns of cluster evolution were generated with different frequency gradients, reflecting the different properties of segments of the intestine. This tool allowed us to identify characteristic patterns for the small and the large intestine.