Motifs in evolving cooperative networks look like protein structure networks

Pages: 239 - 249, Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2008

doi:10.3934/nhm.2008.3.239       Abstract        Full Text (1512.7K)       Related Articles

David Hales - Technical University of Delft, Dept. EWI/PDS/Tribler, PO Box 5031, 2600 GA Delft., Netherlands (email)
Stefano Arteconi - University of Bologna, Mura Anteo Zamboni 7, 40127 Bologna, Italy (email)

Abstract: The structure of networks can be characterized by the frequency of different subnetwork patterns found within them. Where these frequencies deviate from what would be expected in random networks they are termed “motifs” of the network. Interestingly it is often found that networks performing similar functions evidence similar motif frequencies. We present results from a motif analysis of networks produced by peer-to-peer protocols that support cooperation between evolving nodes. We were surprised to find that their motif profiles match closely protein structure networks. It is currently an open issue as to precisely why this is.

Keywords:  Evolutionary games, games on graphs, social networks
Mathematics Subject Classification:  Primary: 91A22, 91A43; Secondary: 91D30.

Received: August 2007;      Revised: January 2008;      Published: March 2008.