An Integrated Platform for Electrophysiology in Spatial Cognition Experiments.
Alfonso Brea Guerrero, Mikko Oijala, Shawn C Moseley, Te Tang, Fred Fletcher, Yicheng Zheng, Lilliana M Sanchez, Benjamin J Clark, Bruce L Mcnaughton, Aaron A Wilber
Author Information
Alfonso Brea Guerrero: Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL abreaguerrero@fsu.edu wilber@psy.fsu.edu. ORCID
Mikko Oijala: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA.
Shawn C Moseley: Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL.
Te Tang: Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL.
Fred Fletcher: Psychology Department, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL.
Yicheng Zheng: Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL. ORCID
Lilliana M Sanchez: Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM.
Benjamin J Clark: Department of Psychology, The University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 87131, NM.
Bruce L Mcnaughton: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, 92697, CA.
Aaron A Wilber: Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, 32306-4301, FL abreaguerrero@fsu.edu wilber@psy.fsu.edu.
Spatial cognition research requires behavioral paradigms that can distinguish between different navigational elements, such as allocentric (map-like) navigation and egocentric (e.g., body centered) navigation. To fill this need, we developed a flexible experimental platform that can be quickly modified without the need for significant changes to software and hardware. In this paper, we present this inexpensive and flexible behavioral platform paired with software which we are making freely available. Our behavioral platform serves as the foundation for a range of experiments, and although developed for assessing spatial cognition, it also has applications in the nonspatial domain of behavioral testing. There are two components of the software platform, "Maze" and "Stim Trigger." While intended as a general platform, presently both programs can work in conjunction with Neuralynx and Open Ephys electrophysiology acquisition systems, allowing for precise time stamping of neural events. The Maze program includes functionality for automatic reward delivery based on user defined zones. "Stim Trigger" permits control of brain stimulation via any equipment that can be paired with an Arduino board. We seek to share our software and leverage the potential by expanding functionality in the future to meet the needs of a larger community of researchers.
