NoLiTiA: An Open-Source Toolbox for Non-linear Time Series Analysis.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Complex Systems Theory
• Data Analysis

Background:

• Complex relationships in fields like neuroscience are often best described by non-linear mechanics.
• Many neuroscientists still rely on linear methods for analyzing complex interactions.
• A lack of comprehensive, user-friendly non-linear analysis tools hinders broader adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce NoLiTiA, a free, open-source MATLAB toolbox for non-linear time series analysis.
• Provide a comprehensive compilation of non-linear methods for neuroscientific applications.
• Make advanced non-linear analysis accessible to researchers with limited coding experience.

Main Methods:

• Developed a MATLAB toolbox integrating methods from dynamical systems theory, recurrence quantification analysis, and information theory.
• Implemented classic and novel non-linear time series analysis techniques.
• Included spatially and time-resolved recurrence amplitude analysis and time-resolved aperiodic oscillation quantification.

Main Results:

• NoLiTiA offers a broad range of non-linear methods, including estimation of dynamic invariants and entropy-based measures.
• The toolbox features a graphical user interface and batch editor for intuitive use.
• NoLiTiA incorporates newly developed methods for analyzing complex time-series data.

Conclusions:

• NoLiTiA democratizes the use of non-linear time series analysis in neuroscience.
• The toolbox facilitates the study of complex interactions previously challenging to analyze.
• NoLiTiA enhances the processing capabilities for neuroscientific time series data.