Dear Carmen,
The answers to most of your questions can be found using model comparison (BMS). You can always try different out the different options and see which has the best evidence. On your specific questions:
>1. Besides of modelling a connection between to regions, is it possible to test an influence on a region itself? For instance, by testing a drug influence on the self-connection versus no influence?
Yes, you could test it modulating the self-connection. Alternatively you could have it entering the region directly as a driving input.
>2. Is it possible to modulate the direct input (pain stimuli)?
I'm not sure what this would mean? Perhaps you could have separate driving inputs for different conditions?
>3. I am not really sure where the direct input enters the model. However, if I am only interested in the modulation of connections, does it matter where the direct input enters? Theoretically, is it possible to place the direct input anywhere just to “activate” the system?
You could have the input enter every region. Alternatively, you could use BMS to try different options and pick the best one.
> 4. Is it valid to include a region in my model isolated from all other regions of my model, i.e. without any intrinsic connections to any other region?
Not really - there is a feature for having 'hidden regions', but I'm not sure if that's what you want. Why have a disconnected region?
Best,
Peter.
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