1. A processing element for an artificial neuron, comprising: a first plurality of inputs; a continuous value determining portion configured to generate a continuous value signal based on the first plurality of inputs; a second plurality of inputs; a responsiveness determining portion configured to generate a responsiveness signal corresponding to either a responsive state or a non-responsive state based on the second plurality of inputs; and an output value determining portion configured to receive the continuous value signal and the responsiveness signal and generate an output signal, wherein the output signal is equal to a predetermined value when the responsiveness signal corresponds to the non-responsive state and the output signal is equal to the continuous value signal when the responsiveness signal corresponds to the responsive state.