METHODS ARTICLE published: 01 October 2012 doi: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00382 Recurrence quantification of fractal structures Charles L. Webber Jr.* Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago Health Sciences Division, Maywood, IL, USA Edited by: By definition, fractal structures possess recurrent patterns. At different levels repeating Michael A. Riley, University of patterns can be visualized at higher magnifications. The purpose of this chapter is three- Cincinnati, USA fold. First, general characteristics of dynamical systems are addressed from a theoretical Reviewed by: Rick Dale, University of California mathematical perspective. Second, qualitative and quantitative recurrence analyses are Merced, USA reviewed in brief, but the reader is directed to other sources for explicit details. Third, Adam Kiefer, Brown University, USA example mathematical systems that generate strange attractors are explicitly defined, giv- *Correspondence: ing the reader the ability to reproduce the rich dynamics of continuous chaotic flows or Charles L. Webber Jr., Department of discrete chaotic iterations. The challenge is then posited for the reader to study for them- Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University selves the recurrent structuring of these different dynamics. With a firm appreciation of the Chicago Health Sciences Division, power of recurrence analysis, the reader will be prepared to turn their sights on real-world 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, systems (physiological, psychological, mechanical, etc.). IL 60153-3328, USA. e-mail:
[email protected] Keywords: dynamical systems, recurrence analysis, mathematical fractals, homeodynamics, dimensionality DYNAMICAL SYSTEMS IN N-DIMENSIONAL SPACE are attracted to so-called constant or static values compatible with HOMEOSTASIS VERSUS HOMEODYNAMICS life.