This standard test was used to assess emotional processing and learning and memory. Cued fear conditioning was conducted over 3 days using an image tracking system (MED Associates, St. Albans, VT). On day 1, mice were given a 7-min training session in which they were placed in the test chamber contained in a sound attenuating box and allowed to explore for 2min. Mice were then exposed to a 30-s tone (80dB), followed by a 2s foot shock (0.4mA). Mice received an additional two shock-tone pairings during the training session. On day 2, mice were placed back into the test chamber and freezing behavior (immobility) was recorded as a measure of context-dependent learning across a 5-min session. On day 3, mice were evaluated for associative learning to the auditory cue across a 5-min session. Prior to the session, the chamber was modified to conceal contextual cues by using an acrylic insert to change wall and floor surfaces; additionally, a mild novel odor (dilute vanilla flavoring) was added to the sound attenuating box. Mice were then placed into the modified chamber and
