J. .. Vol. XX , No.

X, 20XX, XX-XX 1

1 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model

2 Usman Pagalay1, Abdussakir2, Juhari3, Mukhammad Fahmi4, Budimawan5

3 1,2,3,4
Departement of Mathematics, Universitas Islam Negeri Maulana Malik Ibrahim
4 Malang, Indonesia
5 5
Departement of Oceanography, Universitas Hasanuddin Makassar, Indonesia
6
7 Email: usmanpagalay@yahoo.co.id1, abdussakir1975@yahoo.co.id2,
8 jo_alkanderi57@yahoo.co.id3, mukhammadfahmi25@gmail.com4,

9 budimawan@yahoo.com5

10 Abstract. The Fitzhugh-Nagumo model is an ordinary differential equation that

11 illustrates the stimulation and recovery of a potential membrane on the spreading
12 of neuron impulse. In this research, the authors use Lienard transformation to
13 convert van der Pol equation into two-dimensional system of ordinary nonlinear
14 differential equation, then it is obtained BVP-FN (Bonhoeffer van der Pol
15 Fitzhugh-Nagumo) model. The authors also do the linearization on the BVP-FN
16 model by using Taylor expansion then obtained linear model of BVP-FN. Then
17 the authors perform numerical simulation and phase planes analysis of the BVP-
18 FN model. The authors modify the amount of external current () that provided.
19 Phase planes analysis has been successfully used to visualize the BVP-FN model
20 when there is a change in stimulus or when the value of is fickle. Based on the
21 numerical simulation and the phase planes analysis of the BVP-FN model, we
22 can conclude that the dynamics behavior of the neuron becomes unstable when
23 the external current () is at the interval of 1.4 < < 0.4. While at the
24 interval 0.3 and 1.5 the BVP-FN model is stable and goes in the
25 direction of the equilibrium point.

26 Keywords: Lienard Transformation, BVP-FN Model, Dynamical Analysis, Membrane

27 Potential.

28 1 Introduction

29 1.1 Background of the Research

30 The nervous system is one of the coordinating systems that serves

31 to convey the stimulus that are detected and responded by the body. The

32 nervous system allows living things to respond quickly to change in the

Received , Revised , Accepted for publication ,

 2 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

33 both external and internal environment. The nervous system consists of

34 many nerve cells, commonly called neurons. Nerve cells function is to

35 send messages in the form of stimulus or responses from the cell body to

36 the dendrites. After receiving millions of information stimuli from both

37 inside and outside the body, the stimuli are integrated and then used to

38 determine what response the body will provide. Spreading or propagation

39 as well as the process of integrating nerve cell impulses is an interesting

40 thing to learn.

41 The mathematical model of impulse dynamics in a nerve cell was

42 first expressed by the Hodgkin-Huxley and the Fitzhugh-Nagumo [1].

43 The Hodgkin-Huxley model is a system of nonlinear differential

44 equations with four variables that describes the dynamics of nerve cells,

45 while the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model has a simpler form, in the form of a

46 system of ordinary differential equations with two autonomous variables.

47 Based on an approximation, Fitzhugh makes an equation derived from

48 the general equation of damped oscillations, i.e. using van der Pol

49 equations that change the damping constants with quadratic functions.

50 Previous research has been conducted by Subiyanto [5]. His

51 research concluded that the results of simulation of nerve coupling cells

 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 3

52 showed a minimal increase in flow in order to respond to the impulse.

53 This increase in current is about 0.06 in every addition of one nerve

54 cell. Assuming that the number of nerve cells in the body that plays a role

55 in the delivery of the impulse is about one million nerve cells, we can

56 predict that minimum current for the impulse that can be responded by

57 the body is about 0.06 , while the less than that will not get a response

58 from the body.

59 Based on the description above, the authors are interested to carry

60 on the research by conducting the Lienard transformation process to get

61 two-variable differential equation system of BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo

62 model and employing the dynamical analysis.

63 1.2 Literature Review

64 The nervous system is composed of millions of nerve cells of

65 varying shapes. This system includes the central nervous system and the

66 peripheral nervous system. In practice, the nerve has a working

67 relationship such as a chain (sequentially) between receptor and effector.

68 Receptors are one or a group of nerve cells and other cells that have

69 function to recognize a certain stimulus that comes from outside or inside

 4 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
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70 the body, whereas effectors are the cells or organs that produce responses

71 to the stimuli, for example: muscles and glands.

72 Richard Fitzhugh and Nagumo created a model by simplifying the

73 four-variable system of Hodgkin-Huxley model into two-variable system,

74 which is easier to analyze. The nature of this model is similar to the

75 Hodgkin-Huxley model qualitatively. The Fitzhugh-Nagumo model can

76 be approximated qualitatively. The form of the equation is as follows [3]:

()
77 = ()(() )(() 1) () + (1)

()
78
= (() ()) (2)

79 In physiology, impulses can be either gradual or periodic events.

80 The Fitzhugh-Nagumo model is described by two time dependent

81 variables, () and (). Where () describes the stimulus of the

82 system and it is identified as the voltage (membrane potential of the

83 axon). () is the recovery variable (returning to the initial state) which

84 describes the force combination to return to the state in which the axon

85 membrane breaks. The threshold path, is the slicing variable, is the

86 electric current as a stimulus for making excitation (input current), and

87 is a positive constant, which satisfies:

88 0 < < 1, > 0, > 0 (3)

 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 5

89 Based on an approximation, Fitzhugh creates equations derived

90 from the general equation of damped oscillations, namely:

2 () ()
91 2
+
+ () = 0 (4)

92 With is the damping constant. Fitzhugh uses van der Pol equations,

93 which is to change the damping constants with quadratic functions:

2 () 2 ()
94 2
+ ((()) 1)
+ () = 0 (5)

95 With is a positive constant. In this research, the authors use Lienard

96 transformation to convert van der Pol equation into two-dimensional

97 system of ordinary nonlinear differential equation, then obtained BVP-

98 FN (Bonhoeffer van der Pol Fitzhugh-Nagumo) model as follows:

() 1 3
99 = (() (()) + () + ) (6)
3
() 1
100
= (() + ()) (7)

101 1.3 The Purpose of the Research

102 The purpose of this research is to know the dynamics of the BVP

103 Fitzhugh-Nagumo model on the spreading of neuron impulse.

104 2 Research Method

105 2.1 Research Approach

106 The research is performed using literature research approach

107 (library research) or quantitative descriptive, i.e. conducting study of

 6 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

108 research literature to obtain information of model that used in the area of

109 research. This literature research aims to deepen, observe, analyze, and

110 identify the existing knowledge in the literature by studying some related

111 references from textbooks, scientific journals, reading sources, and other

112 relevant references which study the analysis of dynamic system model.

113 2.2 Analysis Method

114 2.2.1 Study of literature

115 The literature study focuses on the Fitzhugh-Nagumo model as

116 well as computer programs related to simulation of equation results such

117 as Maple and Matlab programs.

118 2.2.2 Analysis

119 Dynamical analysis is aimed at transforming the van der Pol

120 equation using the Lienard transformation, identifying the BVP Fitzhugh-

121 Nagumo model, linearizing the model from the Lienard transformation

122 by finding the fixed point, and obtaining the linear solutions. Then,

123 authors perform the numerical simulation using the Euler method with

124 Matlab, phase plane analysis of the BVP-FN model, and interpret the

125 behavior of the phase portrait.

 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 7

126 3 Discussions

127 3.1 Lienard Transformation Process of BVP-Fitzhugh Nagumo

128 Model
129 To get two-variable differential equation system, the equation is

130 transformed by Lienard method [2]. Given the van der Pol equation [4] as

131 follows:

2 () 2 ()
132 2
+ ((()) 1)
+ () = 0 (8)

133 We can rewrite it as:

2 () () 2 () 1 3
134 2
+
((()) 1) = (
+ (3 (()) ())) (9)

135 Suppose that,

1 3
136 () = (()) () (10)
3
()
137 () = + () (11)

138 The derivative of () with respect to we get,

1 3 2 ()
139 (()) = (3 (()) ()) = ((()) 1) (12)

140 The derivative of () with respect to we get,

() () 2 ()
141 = ( + ()) = + () (13)
2

142 Thus, we know from the van der Pol equation in (8) that,

2 () 2 ()
143 = ((()) 1) ( ) (14)
2
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144 We know that

() 2 ()
145
= 2
+ ()
() 2 () 2 ()
146 = ((()) 1) () + ((()) 1) (15)

()
147
= () (16)

148 Then we can create van der Pol equations into systems by converting

149 (11) into the following equation:

()
150 = () () (17)

151 Moreover, use equation (16),

()
152 = () (18)

153 Suppose given a new variable,

()
154 () =
(19)

155 So,

156 () = ()
() ()
157
=

() ()
158
=
= ()
() ()
159
=
(20)

160 Equation (17) can be written as,

()
161
= () ()
 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 9

()
162
= () ()
()
163
= (() ())
() 1 3
164 = (() (()) + ()) (21)
3
() ()
165
=
(22)

166 BVP (Bonhoeffer-van der Pol) model is obtained by adding the

167 input parameter in parentheses to equation (21) and adding extra

168 quantity (() ) to the equation (22), so the equation is obtained as

169 follows:

() 1 3
170
= (() 3 (()) + () + ) (23)
() 1
171 = (() + ()) (24)

172 Then replace parameter and variables as follows,

173 =
174 () = ()
175 () = ()

176 Therefore, the equation is set as follows. In equation (23),

() 1 3
177 = (() (()) + () + )
3

178 Equivalent to:

() 1 3
179
= (() 3 (()) + () + )

180 And in equation (24),

 10 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

() 1
181
= (() + ())

182 Equivalent to:

() 1
183 = (() + ())

184 Thus, the result of Lienard transformation of van der Pol equation into

185 BVP-FN (Bonhoeffer-van der Pol Fitzhugh-Nagumo) equation model as

186 follows:

() 1 3
187 = (() (()) + () + ) (25)
3
() 1
188
= (() + ()) (26)

2
189 Where 1 < < 1, 0 < < 1, dan < 2. , is a constant. is a
3

190 parameter of stimulus intensity.

191 3.2 Identification of BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model (Result of

192 Lienard Transformation)
193 The van der Pol equation has been transformed by Lienard method

194 into a model of the two-variable BVP-FN (Bonhoeffer-van der Pol

195 Fitzhugh-Nagumo) equation system, as follows:

() 1 3
196 = (() (()) + () + )
3
() 1
197
= (() + ())
 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 11

()
198 Identification of variables and parameters on the model: is the

199 membrane potential change in the neuron when given a stimulus to time

200 resulting in an action potential. Time dependent variable () describes

201 the stimulation of the neuron system acting as a voltage or membrane

()
202 potentials. is the membrane potential change in the neuron when it

203 returns to its initial state (break) to time after having an action potential.

204 The variable () describes a combination of forces to return to the state

205 in which the axon membrane breaks. , , , and are parameters of the

206 model. is the amount of electric current as a given stimulus to make the

207 input current (excitation). is the value of the Na ion (Sodium) stream,

208 is the value of the K ion (Potassium) current, where is the value of the

209 external current entering the membrane to determine how fast the change

2
210 () compared to (). The parameter restrictions are 1 <<
3

211 1, 0 < < 1, and < 2 .

212 3.3 Linearization of BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model

213 The BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo model is so complicated that its

214 linearization is limited to an approach to real numbers only. A numerical

215 method approach is used by assuming = 0.7, = 0.8, = 3, = 0

216 [7]. From equations (25) and (26) it is possible to find a fixed-point
 12 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

217 solution of and using Maple program, so that it can be obtained

218 = 1.1994 and = 0.62426. Remember that linearization can

219 only be done in small intervals. In this case, the linearization is

220 performed around the equilibrium point or fixed point, i.e. around

221 and . After a long linearization process, then the linear solutions for

222 () and () are as follows:

3.9816
2.1769 2.1769
223 () = 2 (0.6994 cos 2
4.0901 sin 2
) +
224 1.1994 (27)
3.9816
2.1769
225 () = 0.6521 2

(0.1966 cos 2

2.1769
226 0.5693 sin ) +
2
3.9816
2.1769 1 2.1769
227 2 3
2 (0.5693 cos 2

2.1769
228 0.1966 sin 2
) 0.62426 (28)

229 3.4 Numerical Simulation

230 Numerical simulation is performed using Euler method on linear

231 solution of BVP-FN model to compare non-linear and linear graphs. By

232 using Matlab program, the following graphs are obtained:

 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 13

233
234 Combination of non-linear, 1 linier, non-linear, and 1 linear

235 According to Verhulst [6], when approached using a linear

236 system with pre-determined values, if the BVP-FN model is stable, then

237 the non-linear system is stable. From figure 1, it can be concluded that

238 the linearization for the BVP-FN model is still less accurate. However, in

239 terms of the overall figure 1, the linear graphs are each stable to the same

240 point as the graphs in the non-linear model.

241 3.5 Phase Plane Analysis of BVP-FN Model

242 Phase plane analysis is performed on the BVP-Fitzhugh Nagumo

243 model using Matlab program by assigning varied of values in order to

244 know the limits of stability.

 14 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
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245
246 Phase plane of BVP-FN model (-nullcline and -nullcline)

247 3.5.1 When the neuron is in a state of rest (without stimulation), i.e.
248 =

249
250 Phase portrait of BVP-FN model when = 0

251 The figure 3 shows when the membrane potential of the neuron is

252 converted to the initial point (0.5, 1), the membrane returns to its value

253 at the equilibrium point = 1.1994, = -0.62426. Which is tantamount

 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 15

254 to give a stimulus to neuron (depolarization). After brief depolarization

255 stimulus, the neuron membrane potential will return to a resting potential

256 state of equilibrium.

257 3.5.2 When given = .

258
259 Phase portrait of BVP-FN model when = 0.3

260 In this case, it can be concluded that when the value of is

261 changed from 0 to 0.3 there is no noticeable change from the figure.

262 This means that this stimulus only makes the neurons have a large

263 increase of negative membrane potential or hyperpolarization and then a

264 short depolarization occurs. Then the neuron keeps returning to the

265 equilibrium point.

 16 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

266 3.5.3 When given = .

267
268 Phase portrait of BVP-FN model when = 0.4
269 In this case, it can be seen when the neuron is converted to the

270 starting point (, ) = (1.1994, -0.62426) the membrane will depolarize

271 and then hyperpolarize repeatedly. From figure 5, it appears the spiral

272 source at (0.90657, -0.25821) and away from the equilibrium point. This

273 case shows that the phase portrait is unstable on the initial condition.
 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 17

274 3.5.4 When given = .

275
276 Phase portrait of BVP-FN model when = 1.4

277 If is changed to 1.4, it can be seen that when the neuron is

278 converted to the starting point (, ) = (1.1994, -0.62426) the membrane

279 will be hyperpolarized and then repolarized repeatedly. From figure 6, it

280 appears that the phase portrait is unstable because the spiral source at (-

281 0.95148, 2.0644) and away from the equilibrium point. This means that

282 the stimulus makes the neuron membrane decrease and increase

283 repeatedly. This neuron phenomenon is called an excitation block, in

284 which the neurons experience an increase in the injection flow

285 repeatedly.
 18 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

286 3.5.5 When given = .

287
288 Phase portrait of BVP-FN model when = 1.5

289 Figure 7 shows when is converted to 1.5 then the phase

290 portrait becomes stable. There is a spiral sink at (-1.0325, 2.1656) which

291 is tantamount to give a depolarization stimulus to neuron. After brief

292 depolarization of stimulus, the neuron membrane potential will return to

293 a resting potential state of equilibrium point.

294 4 Closing

295 4.1 Conclusion

296 Based on the explanation in chapter 3, it can be concluded that

297 phase plane analysis has been successfully used to view the visualization

298 of the BVP-Fitzhugh-Nagumo model when there is a change of stimulus

299 or when the value of is changing. The phase plane analysis is able to
 Dynamical Analysis of the BVP Fitzhugh-Nagumo Model 19

300 describe using a phase portrait of a feedback model between stimuli and

301 neuron responses. Phase plane analysis has also succeeded in presenting

302 a visual figure of the conditions when the action potential occurs in the

303 neuron as the human body receives a stimulus. From the explanation, it

304 can be concluded that the BVP-Fitzhugh Nagumo model becomes

305 unstable at the interval of 1.4 < < 0.4. While at the interval

306 0.3 and 1.5 the BVP-Fitzhugh Nagumo model is stable and goes

307 to the equilibrium point.

308 4.2 Suggestion

309 The authors suggest that the readers give additional description of

310 the assumptions of the model. Also, the reader can try to find an

311 analytical solution from the BVP-FN model and then compare the results

312 with a numerical solution to see how much approximation error of the

313 numerical method.

314 5 References
315 [1] Fitzhugh, R., Impulse and Physiology States in Theoretical Models

316 of Nerve Membrane. Biophysical, Journal of Physiology, 2(1), pp.

317 445-453, 1961. (Journal)

 20 Usman Pagalay, Abdussakir, Juhari, Mukhammad Fahmi, &
Budimawan

318 [2] Minorsky, N., Introduction to Nonlinear Mechanics, 1nd ed., USA:

319 Edwards Brothers Inc, 105-110, 1947. (Book)

320 [3] Nagumo, J., an Active Pulse Transmission Line Simulating Nerve

321 Axon, Journal of IRE, 2(1), pp. 2061-2073, 1962. (Journal)

322 [4] Strogatz, Steven H., Nonlinear Dynamic and Chaos with

323 Applications to Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and Engineering, 1nd

324 ed., New York: Harper-Collins Publisher, 198-212, 1994. (Book)

325 [5] Subiyanto, Simulasi Propagasi Impuls pada Sel Saraf Terkopel

326 Menggunakan Model Fitzhugh-Nagumo, Physics, IPB, Bogor,

327 2011. (Thesis)

328 [6] Verhulst, F., Nonlinear Differential Equations and Dynamical

329 Systems, 1nd ed., Berlin: Springer, 73-111, 2000. (Book)

330 [7] Wallisch, P., et al., Matlab for Neuroscientists: An Introduction to

331 Scientific Computing in Matlab, 1nd ed., USA: Elsevier Inc, 166-

332 182, 2009. (Book)