Learning a new concept and corresponding word typically involves repeated exposure to the word in the same or a similar context until the link crystallizes in long term memory. Although electrophysiological indices of the result of learning are well documented, there is currently no measure of the process of conceptually-mediated learning itself. Here, we recorded event-related brain potentials...

We report the first microdeletion (26 kb) of the biotinidase gene (BTD) that involves three of the four exons of the gene. This deletion further exemplifies the importance of performing microarray analysis or other methodologies for a deletion of the BTD gene when the enzymatic activity indicates lower activity than can be attributed to the mutations identified by DNA sequencing.

The present study focused on the processes underlying cognitive association formation by investigating subsequent memory effects. Event-related potentials were recorded as participants studied pairs of words, presented one word at a time, for later recall. The findings showed that a frontal-positive late wave (LW), which occurred 1-1.6s after the presentation of the second word of a pair during...

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that functions as a cofactor for biotin-dependent carboxylases. The biochemical and physiological roles of biotin in brain regions have not yet been investigated sufficiently in vivo. Thus, in order to clarify the function of biotin in the brain, we herein examined biotin contents, biotinylated protein expression (e.g. holocarboxylases), and biotin-related gene...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgmr.2015.01.005.].

A simple and reliable method for quantification of biotinidase (EC.3.5.1.12) activity in dried blood spot was devised by a modification of the colorimetric screening test developed by Heard et al. (1984). The enzyme reaction and hemoglobin denaturation were carried out in a U-bottomed microplate. An aliquot of the reaction solution was transferred to a flat-bottomed microplate. After the coupli...