Network community structure and resilience to localized damage: Application to brain microcirculation

In cerebrovascular networks, some vertices are more connected to each other than with the rest of vasculature, defining a community structure. Here, we introduce class model networks built by rewiring Random Regular Graphs, which enables reproduction this structure and topological properties networks. We use these study global flow reduction induced removal single edge. analytically show that can be expressed as function initial rate in removed edge quantity, both display probability distributions following Cauchy laws, i.e. large tails. As result, distribution blood reductions is strongly influenced particular, increases substantially when stronger, weakening network resilience capillary occlusions. discuss implications findings context Alzheimers Disease, importance vascular mechanisms, including occlusions, beginning uncovered. “Occlusions vessels, smallest vessels brain, involved major diseases, Disease ischemic stroke. To better understand their impact on cerebral flow, theoretically vessel response occlusion. at scale occluded have broad distributions, is, significant probabilities extreme values. Using from presence communities (subparts vasculature) yield broader quantity. This weakens brain may contribute pathogenicity occlusions brain”.