Source analysis of stimulus-preceding negativity constrained by functional magnetic resonance imaging.

The stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) is an event-related potential (ERP) reflecting anticipation. The anterior insular cortex is assumed to be one of the physiological sources of the SPN. However, the precise neural substrates of the SPN have yet to be confirmed.

Facial, verbal, and symbolic stimuli differently affect the right hemisphere preponderance of stimulus-preceding negativity.

The present study investigated whether the right hemisphere preponderance of stimulus-preceding negativity (SPN) was affected by different categories of visual feedback stimulus. A time estimation task was performed with facial, verbal, symbolic, and no-feedback conditions. A principal component analysis identified an early component of SPN in addition to a late component that was morphologically similar to the original SPN.

Cloning of a novel dehalogenase from environmental DNA.

Cloning of pceA, the gene of tetrachloroethene (PCE)-reductive dehalogenase, was undertaken from environmental DNA. Two genes were amplified using PCR primer deduced from pceA. Functional expression of these genes was unsuccessful in Escherichia coli, but PceA1 synthesized in vitro was enzymatically active.