title: Axonal processes and neural plasticity: a reply.
abstract: We examine the claim that a class of sprouting-and-retraction models is mathematically equivalent to a fixed-anatomy model. We accept, subject to important caveats, a narrow mathematical equivalence of the energy functions in both classes of model. We argue that this narrow equivalence of energy functions does not, however, entail equivalence of the models. Indeed, the claim of complete model equivalence hides significant dynamical differences between the approaches, which we discuss. We also disagree that our work demonstrates that subtractive constraint enforcement is natural in fixed-anatomy models.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Nottingham, U.K.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Elliott
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Howarth
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Shadbolt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology*; D002415:Cats; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009417:Nerve Tissue / Q000254:growth & development*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*