Describing a neural network to be simulated by PABLO and controlling its operation are accomplished through a variety of control cards. With a few exceptions, these have a standard format. Each type of card has its particular function, e.g., starting a new network. defining network components by specifying numerical parameters, connecting cells by means of synapsing fibers, defining probability distributions, initializing the network, starting and interrupting the simulation, and initiating output cycles. These cards and their use are described. Some useful techniques are presented for estimating parameters of neurons to achieve desired mean firing rates and for specifying parameters of facilitating or antifacilitating synapses to match experimental data. Finally, the operating requirements are described for use of PABLO. The bibliography lists some publications in which simulations made by PABLO or its predecessors played a part.
!NlRODUCTlON
In Parts I and II (25, 26) we have described the assumptions, organization, and some of the inner workings of PABLO, a computer program that simulates networks of interacting neurons. In this final portion we discuss some aspects of its application. First we describe the set of control cards by which the construction and operation of the network are specified by the user. Next we present some useful formulas for specifying parameters of neurons so as to achieve desired mean firing rates and facilitatory behavior of synapses. Finally, we discuss operating requirements and availability of the program. In the bibliography we list publications in which simulations performed by PABLO or one of its earlier versions were used.
CONTROL CARDS
Each step in the process of setting up a network to be simulated by PABLO: initializing the state variables, allowing it to operate, interrupting and terminating the simulation, and specifying various output operations, is effected by use of one or more control cards. The outermost loop in PABLO reads each control card in turn, executes the sequence of operations it calls for. and then returns to read and interpret the next control cards.