Before revision:  Analysis of model systems shows that response surfaces are smooth and  can be approximated using data on a small set of perturbations. The methodology, here validated on nonlinear electrical circuits , can prove useful in many contexts including in reprogramming cellular states and in the design of therapies for genetic diseases .
After revision:  Analysis of model systems shows that response surfaces are smooth and can be approximated using data on a small set of nodes need to be altered in order to direct the network close to a pre-specified target state. These ideas, illustrated on a nonlinear electrical circuit , can prove useful in many contexts including in reprogramming cellular states and in the design of therapies for genetic diseases .