26-002709 Home-cage Electrophysiology Recording Equipment PD Bourne 2026 (2).pdf

Version 11-30-2016-1 FAR Part 11—Describing Agency Needs

PURCHASE DESCRIPTION

1. Statement of Need and Purpose:

Our group studies how the thalamus influences the cortical network's contribution to cognition. To assess the role of specific cortical regions in different forms of cognition as part of a network, we need to acquire a variety of recording equipment to selectively record from these regions using chronic neural probes. Our experimental approach relies heavily on this equipment. Animals will undergo behavioral testing in their home environment while their brain activity is simultaneously recorded.

Using multiple recording channels across various cortical regions will enable us to analyze the relationship between neural activity and behavioral performance. The design of these probes — small size, light weight, and wireless interface — will enable us to precisely identify the processing of behavior-related information in the recorded cortical area and assess its integration within the cortical network. Our ability to modify the animal's condition using MRI-guided injections targeting the thalamus, in conjunction with electrophysiological recordings in behaving monkeys, is crucial for understanding any causal link.

This will be the first time this concept has been employed in marmosets because we will use it with freely moving animals in their home environment to capture more natural behavioral signatures. Combining electrophysiology and behavior in marmosets will significantly help us understand the role of specific brain nuclei in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.

2. Background Information and Objective:

At the Section on Cellular and Cognitive Neurodevelopment (SCCN), we explore the role of thalamocortical circuits in psychiatric disorders using a comprehensive "cell-to-system" approach. Our research focuses on the neurodevelopmental connections between cognition, brain activity, and cellular circuits. Given the complexity of modeling such systems, we employ diverse techniques. Previous studies in our non-human primate (NHP) model have revealed that early-life disruptions to cellular circuits can lead to long-term behavioral changes and associated physiological alterations. Our current objectives are twofold: (i) to deepen our understanding of the consequences of early neurodevelopmental perturbations and (ii) to refine our knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. To achieve this, we aim to leverage more advanced technologies to enhance our research's precision and quality. By integrating these innovations with our existing methodologies, we strive to advance our understanding of neurodevelopmental processes and their implications for psychiatric disorders.

3. Generic Name of Product:

Home-cage electrophysiology recording equipment

4. Purchase Description:

Home-cage electrophysiology recording equipment from Spike Gadgets

5. Salient characteristics

Hardware:

The Spike Gadgets wireless headstage interface is an ultralightweight, fully featured neural datalogger designed to record from neural probes for experiments with our primate model (i.e. marmoset monkey). The system is using radio frequency communication with the different components of the central unit, supporting pairing of several headstages simultaneously. The system is also equipped with on-board gyroscope and accelerometer sensors for motion tracking and is chargeable via any 5V USB port.

The system contains the following items:

• Eight Sprite32 Bundle (full-data rate broadband neural data logging to micro SD, 3.8 grams, integrated battery, with low-power standby mode, battery and status monitoring over radio, 32 channels of neural data, accelerometer and gyroscope)

• Logger Dock 2 Bundle (connect and record from multiple Sprite32 headstages simultaneously, features 3 digital inputs and 1 analog input, charge and update the Sprite32 via built-in USB)

• Main Control Unit Bundle (supports low-latency data streaming via gigabit ethernet for tethered recording, wirelessly control neural recording experiments with SpikeGadgets data-logging headstages, integration with SpikeGadgets other units to sync, control and record environmental stimuli, mounting kit necessary)

Other items are necessary for interfacing and synchronizing the probes with the system for recovering the data:

• General Purpose Commutator Bundle

• Headstage Signal Converter

• Mini-Mouse Headstage 32-Channels Bundle

• Data Logging Bundle

• Cambridge Molex64 128ch Adapter

• Lynx Adaptor

6. Quantity:

One set

7. Delivery Date: Within 30-60 days after the award of the contract.

Deliver to:

Dr. James Bourne 49 Convent Dr. Room 3A35 Bethesda, MD 20892

8. Period of Performance:

The recording equipment is fully warrantied for two years. Equipment is expected to be fully functional for greater than five years with minor service, as required.

9. Option(s):

N/A