The dynamics of overlapping structures in modular networks

Abstract

Modularity is a fundamental feature of real networks, being intimately bounded to their function- ality, i.e. to their capability of performing parallel tasks in a coordinated way. Although the modular structure of real graphs has been intensively studied, very little is known on the interactions be- tween functional modules of a graph. Here we present a general method based on synchronization of networking oscillators, that is able to detect overlapping structures in multi-modular environments. We furthermore report the full analytical and theoretical description on the relationship between the overlapping dynamics and the underlying network topology. The method is illustrated by means of a series of applications.