Integrative approaches to the study of complex systems demand that one knows the manner in which the parts comprising the system are connected. The structure of the complex network defining the interactions provides insight into the function and evolution of the components of the system. Unfortunately, the large size and intricacy of these networks implies that such insight is usually difficult to extract. Here, we propose a method that allows one to systematically extract and display information contained in complex networks. Specifically, we demonstrate that one can (i) find modules in complex networks and (ii) classify nodes into universal roles according to their pattern of within- and between-module connections. The method thus yields a 'cartographic representation' of complex networks.

中文翻译：

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复杂网络的制图：模块和通用角色

研究复杂系统的综合方法要求人们了解构成系统的各部分的连接方式。定义交互的复杂网络的结构提供了对系统组件的功能和演化的洞察。不幸的是，这些网络的规模庞大且错综复杂，这意味着通常很难提取这种洞察力。在这里，我们提出了一种方法，允许人们系统地提取和显示复杂网络中包含的信息。具体来说，我们证明人们可以（i）在复杂网络中找到模块，以及（ii）根据模块内和模块间连接的模式将节点分类为通用角色。因此，该方法产生了复杂网络的“制图表示”。