title: Flexible control of mutual inhibition: a neural model of two-interval discrimination.
abstract: Networks adapt to environmental demands by switching between distinct dynamical behaviors. The activity of frontal-lobe neurons during two-interval discrimination tasks is an example of these adaptable dynamics. Subjects first perceive a stimulus, then hold it in working memory, and finally make a decision by comparing it with a second stimulus. We present a simple mutual-inhibition network model that captures all three task phases within a single framework. The model integrates both working memory and decision making because its dynamical properties are easily controlled without changing its connectivity. Mutual inhibition between nonlinear units is a useful design motif for networks that must display multiple behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
authors.forename: Christian K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Machens
authors.forename: Ranulfo
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Romo
authors.forename: Carlos D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Brody
mesh_terms: D000465:Algorithms; D000818:Animals; D003071:Cognition; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003657:Decision Making; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D008251:Macaca; D008433:Mathematics; D008568:Memory; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology; D009433:Neural Inhibition; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology*; D009475:Neurons, Afferent / Q000502:physiology; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D017397:Prefrontal Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D013003:Somatosensory Cortex / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology