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Science 18 February 2005:
Vol. 307. no. 5712, pp. 1121 - 1124
DOI: 10.1126/science.1104171
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Reports

Flexible Control of Mutual Inhibition: A Neural Model of Two-Interval Discrimination

Christian K. Machens,1 Ranulfo Romo,2 Carlos D. Brody1*

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.

1 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA.
2 Instituto de Fisiología Celular, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510 México, D.F., México.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: brody{at}cshl.edu

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