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La Terra D, Rosier M, Bjerre AS, Masuda R, Ryan TJ, Palmer LM. The role of higher order thalamus during learning and correct performance in goal-directed behavior. eLife 2022; 11:77177. [PMID: 35259091 PMCID: PMC8937217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The thalamus is a gateway to the cortex. Cortical encoding of complex behavior can therefore only be understood by considering the thalamic processing of sensory and internally generated information. Here, we use two-photon Ca2+ imaging and optogenetics to investigate the role of axonal projections from the posteromedial nucleus of the thalamus (POm) to the forepaw area of the mouse primary somatosensory cortex (forepaw S1). By recording the activity of POm axonal projections within forepaw S1 during expert and chance performance in two tactile goal-directed tasks, we demonstrate that POm axons increase activity in the response and, to a lesser extent, reward epochs specifically during correct HIT performance. When performing at chance level during learning of a new behavior, POm axonal activity was decreased to naive rates and did not correlate with task performance. However, once evoked, the Ca2+ transients were larger than during expert performance, suggesting POm input to S1 differentially encodes chance and expert performance. Furthermore, the POm influences goal-directed behavior, as photoinactivation of archaerhodopsin-expressing neurons in the POm decreased the learning rate and overall success in the behavioral task. Taken together, these findings expand the known roles of the higher-thalamic nuclei, illustrating the POm encodes and influences correct action during learning and performance in a sensory-based goal-directed behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo La Terra
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marius Rosier
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ann-Sofie Bjerre
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rei Masuda
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Lucy Maree Palmer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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Bowles S, Williamson WR, Nettles D, Hickman J, Welle CG. Closed-loop automated reaching apparatus (CLARA) for interrogating complex motor behaviors. J Neural Eng 2021; 18:10.1088/1741-2552/ac1ed1. [PMID: 34407518 PMCID: PMC8699662 DOI: 10.1088/1741-2552/ac1ed1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective.Closed-loop neuromodulation technology is a rapidly expanding category of therapeutics for a broad range of indications. Development of these innovative neurological devices requires high-throughput systems for closed-loop stimulation of model organisms, while monitoring physiological signals and complex, naturalistic behaviors. To address this need, we developed CLARA, a closed-loop automated reaching apparatus.Approach.Using breakthroughs in computer vision, CLARA integrates fully-automated, markerless kinematic tracking of multiple features to classify animal behavior and precisely deliver neural stimulation based on behavioral outcomes. CLARA is compatible with advanced neurophysiological tools, enabling the testing of neurostimulation devices and identification of novel neurological biomarkers.Results.The CLARA system tracks unconstrained skilled reach behavior in 3D at 150 Hz without physical markers. The system fully automates trial initiation and pellet delivery and is capable of accurately delivering stimulation in response to trial outcome with short latency. Kinematic data from the CLARA system provided novel insights into the dynamics of reach consistency over the course of learning, suggesting that learning selectively improves reach failures but does not alter the kinematics of successful reaches. Additionally, using the closed-loop capabilities of CLARA, we demonstrate that vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) improves skilled reach performance and increases reach trajectory consistency in healthy animals.Significance.The CLARA system is the first mouse behavior apparatus that uses markerless pose tracking to provide real-time closed-loop stimulation in response to the outcome of an unconstrained motor task. Additionally, we demonstrate that the CLARA system was essential for our investigating the role of closed-loop VNS stimulation on motor performance in healthy animals. This approach has high translational relevance for developing neurostimulation technology based on complex human behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Bowles
- Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
- These authors contributed equally
| | - W R Williamson
- NeuroTechnology Center, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
- These authors contributed equally
| | - D Nettles
- Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
| | - J Hickman
- Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
| | - C G Welle
- Neurosurgery, The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States of America
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Takahashi N, Moberg S, Zolnik TA, Catanese J, Sachdev RNS, Larkum ME, Jaeger D. Thalamic input to motor cortex facilitates goal-directed action initiation. Curr Biol 2021; 31:4148-4155.e4. [PMID: 34302741 PMCID: PMC8478854 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2021.06.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prompt execution of planned motor action is essential for survival. The interactions between frontal cortical circuits and the basal ganglia are central to goal-oriented action selection and initiation.1-4 In rodents, the ventromedial thalamic nucleus (VM) is one of the critical nodes that conveys the output of the basal ganglia to the frontal cortical areas including the anterior lateral motor cortex (ALM).5-9 Recent studies showed the critical role of ALM and its interplay with the motor thalamus in preparing sensory-cued rewarded movements, specifically licking.10-12 Work in primates suggests that the basal ganglia output to the motor thalamus transmits an urgency or vigor signal,13-15 which leads to shortened reaction times and faster movement initiation. As yet, little is known about what signals are transmitted from the motor thalamus to the cortex during cued movements and how these signals contribute to movement initiation. In the present study, we employed a tactile-cued licking task in mice while monitoring reaction times of the initial lick. We found that inactivation of ALM delayed the initiation of cued licking. Two-photon Ca2+ imaging of VM axons revealed that the majority of the axon terminals in ALM were transiently active during licking. Their activity was predictive of the time of the first lick. Chemogenetic and optogenetic manipulation of VM axons in ALM indicated that VM inputs facilitate the initiation of cue-triggered and impulsive licking in trained mice. Our results suggest that VM thalamocortical inputs increase the probability and vigor of initiating planned motor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Takahashi
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Sara Moberg
- Einstein Center for Neurosciences Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Timothy A Zolnik
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Catanese
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Robert N S Sachdev
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthew E Larkum
- Institute for Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Jaeger
- Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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4
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Aguiar LA, de Vasconcelos NAP, Tunes GC, Fontenele AJ, de Albuquerque Nogueira R, Reyes MB, Carelli PV. Low-cost open hardware system for behavioural experiments simultaneously with electrophysiological recordings. HARDWAREX 2020; 8:e00132. [PMID: 35498270 PMCID: PMC9041193 DOI: 10.1016/j.ohx.2020.e00132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
A major frontier in neuroscience is to find neural correlates of perception, learning, decision making, and a variety of other types of behavior. In the last decades, modern devices allow simultaneous recordings of different operant responses and the electrical activity of large neuronal populations. However, the commercially available instruments for studying operant conditioning are expensive, and the design of low-cost chambers has emerged as an appealing alternative to resource-limited laboratories engaged in animal behavior. In this article, we provide a full description of a platform that records the operant behavior and synchronizes it with the electrophysiological activity. The programming of this platform is open source, flexible, and adaptable to a wide range of operant conditioning tasks. We also show results of operant conditioning experiments with freely moving rats with simultaneous electrophysiological recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro A.A. Aguiar
- Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, PE 52171-900, Brazil
- Physics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
- Departamenteo de Ciências Fundamentais e Sociais, Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Areia, PB, Brazil
| | - Nivaldo A P de Vasconcelos
- Physics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga 4710-057, Portugal
- ICVS/3B’s – PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães 4806-909, Portugal
| | - Gabriela Chiuffa Tunes
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Antonio J. Fontenele
- Physics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Bussotti Reyes
- Center for Mathematics, Computing and Cognition, Universidade Federal do ABC, Santo André, SP 09210-580, Brazil
| | - Pedro V. Carelli
- Physics Department, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, PE 50670-901, Brazil
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Takahashi N, Ebner C, Sigl-Glöckner J, Moberg S, Nierwetberg S, Larkum ME. Active dendritic currents gate descending cortical outputs in perception. Nat Neurosci 2020; 23:1277-1285. [DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-0677-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Bjerre AS, Palmer LM. Probing Cortical Activity During Head-Fixed Behavior. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:30. [PMID: 32180705 PMCID: PMC7059801 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The cortex is crucial for many behaviors, ranging from sensory-based behaviors to working memory and social behaviors. To gain an in-depth understanding of the contribution to these behaviors, cellular and sub-cellular recordings from both individual and populations of cortical neurons are vital. However, techniques allowing such recordings, such as two-photon imaging and whole-cell electrophysiology, require absolute stability of the head, a requirement not often fulfilled in freely moving animals. Here, we review and compare behavioral paradigms that have been developed and adapted for the head-fixed preparation, which together offer the needed stability for live recordings of neural activity in behaving animals. We also review how the head-fixed preparation has been used to explore the function of primary sensory cortices, posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and anterior lateral motor (ALM) cortex in sensory-based behavioral tasks, while also discussing the considerations of performing such recordings. Overall, this review highlights the head-fixed preparation as allowing in-depth investigation into the neural activity underlying behaviors by providing highly controllable settings for precise stimuli presentation which can be combined with behavioral paradigms ranging from simple sensory detection tasks to complex, cross-modal, memory-guided decision-making tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Sofie Bjerre
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lucy M Palmer
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Romano M, Bucklin M, Gritton H, Mehrotra D, Kessel R, Han X. A Teensy microcontroller-based interface for optical imaging camera control during behavioral experiments. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 320:107-115. [PMID: 30946877 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systems neuroscience experiments often require the integration of precisely timed data acquisition and behavioral monitoring. While specialized commercial systems have been designed to meet various needs of data acquisition and device control, they often fail to offer flexibility to interface with new instruments and variable behavioral experimental designs. NEW METHOD We developed a Teensy 3.2 microcontroller-based interface that is easily programmable, and offers high-speed, precisely timed behavioral data acquisition and digital and analog outputs for controlling sCMOS cameras and other devices. RESULTS We demonstrate the flexibility and the temporal precision of the Teensy interface in two experimental settings. In one example, we used the Teensy interface to record an animal's directional movement on a spherical treadmill, while delivering repeated digital pulses that can be used to control image acquisition from a sCMOS camera. In another example, we used the Teensy interface to deliver an auditory stimulus and a gentle eye puff at precise times in a trace conditioning eye blink behavioral paradigm, while delivering repeated digital pulses to trigger camera image acquisition. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHODS This interface allows high-speed and temporally precise digital data acquisition and device control during diverse behavioral experiments. CONCLUSION The Teensy interface, consisting of a Teensy 3.2 and custom software functions, provides a temporally precise, low-cost, and flexible platform to integrate sCMOS camera control into behavioral experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Romano
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Mark Bucklin
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Howard Gritton
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Dev Mehrotra
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Robb Kessel
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Xue Han
- Boston University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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Williams B, Speed A, Haider B. A novel device for real-time measurement and manipulation of licking behavior in head-fixed mice. J Neurophysiol 2018; 120:2975-2987. [PMID: 30256741 PMCID: PMC6442917 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00500.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mouse has become an influential model system for investigating the mammalian nervous system. Technologies in mice enable recording and manipulation of neural circuits during tasks where they respond to sensory stimuli by licking for liquid rewards. Precise monitoring of licking during these tasks provides an accessible metric of sensory-motor processing, particularly when combined with simultaneous neural recordings. There are several challenges in designing and implementing lick detectors during head-fixed neurophysiological experiments in mice. First, mice are small, and licking behaviors are easily perturbed or biased by large sensors. Second, neural recordings during licking are highly sensitive to electrical contact artifacts. Third, submillisecond lick detection latencies are required to generate control signals that manipulate neural activity at appropriate time scales. Here we designed, characterized, and implemented a contactless dual-port device that precisely measures directional licking in head-fixed mice performing visual behavior. We first determined the optimal characteristics of our detector through design iteration and then quantified device performance under ideal conditions. We then tested performance during head-fixed mouse behavior with simultaneous neural recordings in vivo. We finally demonstrate our device's ability to detect directional licks and generate appropriate control signals in real time to rapidly suppress licking behavior via closed-loop inhibition of neural activity. Our dual-port detector is cost effective and easily replicable, and it should enable a wide variety of applications probing the neural circuit basis of sensory perception, motor action, and learning in normal and transgenic mouse models. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Mice readily learn tasks in which they respond to sensory cues by licking for liquid rewards; tasks that involve multiple licking responses allow study of neural circuits underlying decision making and sensory-motor integration. Here we design, characterize, and implement a novel dual-port lick detector that precisely measures directional licking in head-fixed mice performing visual behavior, enabling simultaneous neural recording and closed-loop manipulation of licking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Williams
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Anderson Speed
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bilal Haider
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University , Atlanta, Georgia
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Solari N, Sviatkó K, Laszlovszky T, Hegedüs P, Hangya B. Open Source Tools for Temporally Controlled Rodent Behavior Suitable for Electrophysiology and Optogenetic Manipulations. Front Syst Neurosci 2018; 12:18. [PMID: 29867383 PMCID: PMC5962774 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2018.00018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding how the brain controls behavior requires observing and manipulating neural activity in awake behaving animals. Neuronal firing is timed at millisecond precision. Therefore, to decipher temporal coding, it is necessary to monitor and control animal behavior at the same level of temporal accuracy. However, it is technically challenging to deliver sensory stimuli and reinforcers as well as to read the behavioral responses they elicit with millisecond precision. Presently available commercial systems often excel in specific aspects of behavior control, but they do not provide a customizable environment allowing flexible experimental design while maintaining high standards for temporal control necessary for interpreting neuronal activity. Moreover, delay measurements of stimulus and reinforcement delivery are largely unavailable. We combined microcontroller-based behavior control with a sound delivery system for playing complex acoustic stimuli, fast solenoid valves for precisely timed reinforcement delivery and a custom-built sound attenuated chamber using high-end industrial insulation materials. Together this setup provides a physical environment to train head-fixed animals, enables calibrated sound stimuli and precisely timed fluid and air puff presentation as reinforcers. We provide latency measurements for stimulus and reinforcement delivery and an algorithm to perform such measurements on other behavior control systems. Combined with electrophysiology and optogenetic manipulations, the millisecond timing accuracy will help interpret temporally precise neural signals and behavioral changes. Additionally, since software and hardware provided here can be readily customized to achieve a large variety of paradigms, these solutions enable an unusually flexible design of rodent behavioral experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Solari
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Network Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katalin Sviatkó
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Network Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Laszlovszky
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Network Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.,János Szentágothai Doctoral School of Neurosciences, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Panna Hegedüs
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Network Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Hangya
- Lendület Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Cellular and Network Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
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Chen X, Li H. ArControl: An Arduino-Based Comprehensive Behavioral Platform with Real-Time Performance. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:244. [PMID: 29321735 PMCID: PMC5732142 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Studying animal behavior in the lab requires reliable delivering stimulations and monitoring responses. We constructed a comprehensive behavioral platform (ArControl: Arduino Control Platform) that was an affordable, easy-to-use, high-performance solution combined software and hardware components. The hardware component was consisted of an Arduino UNO board and a simple drive circuit. As for software, the ArControl provided a stand-alone and intuitive GUI (graphical user interface) application that did not require users to master scripts. The experiment data were automatically recorded with the built in DAQ (data acquisition) function. The ArControl also allowed the behavioral schedule to be entirely stored in and operated on the Arduino chip. This made the ArControl a genuine, real-time system with high temporal resolution (<1 ms). We tested the ArControl, based on strict performance measurements and two mice behavioral experiments. The results showed that the ArControl was an adaptive and reliable system suitable for behavioral research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinfeng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haohong Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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