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It is well established that attention can be captured by task irrelevant and non-salient objects associated with value through reward learning. However, it is unknown whether social comparison influences reward-driven attentional capture. The present study created four social contexts to examine whether different social comparisons modulate the reward-driven capture of attention. The results showed that reward-driven attentional capture varied with different social comparison conditions. Most prominently, reward-driven attentional capture is dramatically reduced in the disadvantageous social comparison context, in which an individual is informed that the other participant is earning more monetary reward for performing the same task. These findings suggest that social comparison can affect the reward-driven capture of attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain structure deteriorates with aging and predisposes an individual to more severe language impairments (aphasia) after a stroke. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relation are not well understood. Here we use an approach to model brain network properties outside the stroke lesion, network controllability, to investigate relations among individualized structural brain connections, brain age, and aphasia severity in 93 participants with chronic post-stroke aphasia. Controlling for the stroke lesion size, we observe that lower average controllability of the posterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) mediates the relation between advanced brain aging and aphasia severity. Lower controllability of the left posterior STG signifies that activity in the left posterior STG is less likely to yield a response in other brain regions due to the topological properties of the structural brain networks. These results indicate that advanced brain aging among individuals with post-stroke aphasia is associated with disruption of dynamic properties of a critical language-related area, the STG, which contributes to worse aphasic symptoms. Because brain aging is variable among individuals with aphasia, our results provide further insight into the mechanisms underlying the variance in clinical trajectories in post-stroke aphasia. Analysis of network controllability in a cohort of 93 participants with chronic post-stroke aphasia suggests that advanced brain aging among these individuals is associated with disrupted superior temporal gyrus dynamics, which in turn contributes to worse aphasia symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The content and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sediment directly affect nutrient cycling and material exchange in lake ecosystems. This study investigated the content and composition of DOM and its fractions in sediments, as well as the relationship between the different parameters and nitrogen (N) forms in DOM. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the compositional characteristics of DOM, hydrophobic bases (HOB), hydrophobic acids (HOA), hydrophobic neutral fractions (HON), and hydrophilic matter (HIM) in sediments from Erhai Lake, China. Materials and methods: Seven surface sediment samples with different environmental characteristics were collected. The DOM in the sediment was fractionated into HOB, HOA, HON, and HIM using XAD-8 resin based on compound hydrophobicity. The contents of DOM and its fractions were measured using a TOC analyzer. The structural characteristics of DOM and its fractions were investigated using fluorescence spectroscopy and UV-Vis absorbance. Correlation analyses were carried out to better understand the relationships between the parameters of the spectral characteristics and the contents of the different N forms in DOM and its fractions. Results and discussion: The content, spatial distribution and structure of DOM and its fractions in Erhai Lake sediment were affected by water depth and aquatic plants. The DOM content in sediment ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 g kg. HON accounted for 41.3 to 85.7 % of DOM, whereas HIM constituted 15.0 to 58.7 % and was significantly negatively correlated with HON ( R = 0.856, P < 0.01). HIM was more dominant than the hydrophobic matter in the southern site, but was less abundant in the north and central sites. Sediment DOM and its fractions comprised protein- and humic-like substances. The HOA and HIM comprised humic-like substances, which were the most abundant in the southern site. Conclusions: (1) Hydrophobic fractions are the major components of DOM in the sediments from the seven sites in Erhai Lake. (2) DOM and its fractions mainly originated from microbial sources. (3) The A/ A ratio is useful for evaluating the contents of N forms. The structure of DOM and its fractions are important in affecting the contents of DON. Nitrate (NO-N) contributes to eutrophication, and thus cannot be ignored from studies of Erhai Lake sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Damage of oligodendrocytes after ischemia has negative impact on white matter integrity and neuronal function. In this work, we explore whether Netrin-1 (NT-1) overexpression facilitates white matter repairing and remodeling. Adult CD-1 mice received stereotactic injection of adeno-associated virus carrying NT-1 gene (AAV-NT-1). One week after gene transfer, mice underwent 60 minutes of middle cerebral artery occlusion. The effect of NT-1 on neural function was evaluated by neurobehavioral tests. Proliferated oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs), newly matured oligodendrocytes, and remyelination were semi-quantified by immunohistochemistry. The role of NT-1 in oligodendrogenesis was further explored by examining specific NT-1 receptors and their function. Netrin-1 overexpression was detected in neurons and astrocytes 2 weeks after AAV-NT-1 gene transfer and significantly improved the neurobehavioral outcomes compared with the control (P<0.05). In comparison with the control, proliferated OPCs, newly matured oligodendrocytes, and remyelination were greatly increased in the ipsilateral hemisphere of AAV-NT-1-transduced mice. Furthermore, both NT-1 receptors deleted in colorectal carcinoma and UNC5H2 were expressed on OPCs whereas only UNC5H2 was expressed in myelinated axons. Our study indicated that NT-1 promoted OPC proliferation, differentiation, and increased remyelination, suggesting that NT-1 is a promising factor for white matter repairing and remodeling after ischemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuromodulation is an increasingly utilized therapy for the treatment of people with drug-resistant epilepsy. To date, the most common and effective target has been the thalamus, which is known to play a key role in multiple forms of epilepsy. Neuroimaging has facilitated rapid developments in the understanding of functional targets, surgical and programming techniques, and the effects of thalamic stimulation. In this review, the role of neuroimaging in neuromodulation is explored. First, the structural and functional changes of the thalamus in common epilepsy syndromes are discussed as the rationale for neuromodulation of the thalamus. Next, methods for imaging different thalamic nuclei are presented, as well as rationale for the need of direct surgical targeting rather than reliance on traditional stereotactic coordinates. Lastly, we discuss the potential role of neuroimaging in assessing the effects of thalamic stimulation and as a potential biomarker for neuromodulation outcomes. • Structural and functional thalamic abnormalities are seen in various epilepsy types. • Nucleus-specific abnormalities underpin the rationale for neuromodulation targets. • Deep brain stimulation affects widespread network nodes that are abnormal in epilepsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in leachate from landfills of three different ages (0, 5, and 10 year) was partitioned into hydrophobic acid, hydrophobic neutral, and hydrophilic matter fractions using the fractionation method employing XAD-8 resin. The spectroscopic characteristics of these fractions were determined through constant-wavelength synchronous fluorescence spectrometry (CWSFS). The interaction characteristic of phenanthrene with these fractions was determined through the fluorescence quenching method and CWSFS. The results revealed that the composition of DOM became complex with the increase in landfill age. The partition coefficients ( K) for the three DOM samples of different landfill ages are in the order 10 a DOM > 5 a DOM > 0 a DOM. The hydrophobic fraction showed the highest K value among the DOM fractions. Lower linearity Stern-Volmer plots were observed in 10 a DOM and its hydrophobic fractions. CWSFS spectra showed that a special site was fully occupied with the addition of the quencher. Desorption was found in some fractions. Therefore, CWSFS is a sensitive tool for the detection of DOM-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive impairment is a common comorbidity of epilepsy, and adversely impacts people with both frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) and temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). While its neural substrates have been extensively investigated in TLE, functional imaging studies in FLE are scarce. In this study, we profiled the neural processes underlying cognitive impairment in FLE, and directly compared FLE and TLE to establish commonalities and differences. We investigated 172 adult participants (56 with FLE, 64 with TLE, and 52 controls) using neuropsychological tests and four functional MRI tasks probing expressive language (verbal fluency, verb generation) and working memory (verbal and visuo-spatial). Patient groups were comparable in disease duration and anti-seizure medication load. We devise a multiscale approach to map brain activation and deactivation during cognition, and track reorganization in FLE and TLE. Voxel-based analyses were complemented with profiling of task effects across established motifs of functional brain organization: (i) canonical resting-state functional systems, and (ii) the principal functional connectivity gradient, which encodes a continuous transition of regional connectivity profiles, anchoring lower-level sensory and transmodal brain areas at the opposite ends of a spectrum. We show that cognitive impairment in FLE is associated with reduced activation across attentional and executive systems, and reduced deactivation of the default mode system, indicative of a large-scale disorganization of task-related recruitment. The imaging signatures of dysfunction in FLE were broadly similar to those in TLE, but some patterns were syndrome-specific: altered default-mode deactivation was more prominent in FLE, while impaired recruitment of posterior language areas during a task with semantic demands was more marked in TLE. Functional abnormalities in FLE and TLE appeared overall modulated by disease load. On balance, our study elucidates neural processes underlying language and working memory impairment in FLE, identifies shared and syndrome-specific alterations in the two most common focal epilepsies, and sheds light on system behavior that may be amenable to future remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most active component in environmental system and its chemical and structural characteristics most likely influence its biodegradation. Four surface soil (0-20 cm) and three core sediment samples (0-10 cm) were collected from Wuliangsuhai Lake. The objectives of this study were to investigate the spectral properties and humification degree of DOM and to determine and discuss comparatively the complexing capacities and stability constants of DOM by Cu (II) in the Hetao region. Materials and methods: In this study, fluorescence spectra and fluorescence quenching methods were used to evaluate the humification degree of DOM and calculate the complexing capacities and the stability constants between DOM and Cu (II). Results and discussion: Two defined peaks, at wavelengths of 260∼300 nm (peak I) and 300∼350 nm (peak II), could be identified for soil DOM at a Δ λ value of 30 nm. In sediment DOM extracts, a third peak (III) was observed near 364 nm. The results show that there is a significant difference in the structure of DOM because of different sources. The humification degree is significantly higher for soil samples than those of sediment samples. The FT-IR spectra of DOM show that structure in sediment DOM is more functional groups than those in soil DOM. DOM has a stronger Cu binding affinity in soils than in sediment in the Hetao region, which may lead to potentially significant influence on the migration and transformation of Cu (II). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is the most active component in environmental system, and its chemical and structural characteristics are most likely to affect its biodegradation. DOM has several different fluorophores whose fluorescent characteristics contain a lot of information about structure and functional groups. Fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) were used to examine the structural and biodegradable characteristics of DOM extracted from fermentation effluent of swine manure slurry. Humic-like acid, fulvic-like acid and protein-like fluorophores were observed in fluorescence spectra. Fluorescence index (FI) indicated that the fluorophores in the samples were representative of both terrestrial and microbially-derived organic matter. FTIR spectroscopy showed that DOM featured aliphatic Cic Cbohydrate Cnal groups. With PARAFAC model, four fluorescent components were identified: component 1 (protein-like), component 2 (soluble microbial byproduct-like), component 3 (non-humic like) and component 4 (fulvic-like). Component 1 was a dominant fluorescent component. Components 2, 3 and 4 were degraded by microorganisms as the anaerobic fermentation processes. The C/N ratio of DOM in F1 has a more significant decrease than that in F0, indicating the loss of carbon (CH4 and CO2) during this process. The C/N ratio of DOM in F2 obviously increased when additional swine manure slurry was added. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Chemometric methods were used to analyze chemical/spectroscopic data of fulvic acid (FA) isolated from soils in Hetao Irrigation District of China and to indicate humification degree of soil organic matter and assess soil salinization processes. Materials and methods: Composite soil samples of different depths were collected from native halophyte soils and furrow-irrigated fields along a saline impact gradient, namely, Comm. Salicornia europaea (CSE), Comm. Suaeda glauca (CSG), Comm. Kalidium cuspidatum (CKC), Comm. Sophora alopecuroides (CSA), corn fields (CFDs), and wheat fields (WFDs). Results and discussion: Humification indices (HIXs) deduced from elemental composition and fluorescence spectroscopy were better in assessing humification degree of FA than those from UV-visible spectroscopy. Soil samples were clustered into five groups, indicating that the humification degree of FA isolated from the CSE soil was the lowest, followed by CSG and CKC, CSA, CFD, and WFD. Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) closely exhibited linear correlations with the HIXs, and the humification degree decreased with a rise in ESP. Conclusions: The results obtained by chemometrics justified that HIXs not only could identify humification degree of soil organic matter but also could assess soil salinization processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the expression of cancer stem cells (CSC) markers named ABCG2, CD44, CD34 in hu man nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC) CNE-2,5-8F and 6-10B cell lines to provide the basis of CSC markers research of NPC. Methods The NPC cell lines of CNE2, 5-8F and 6-10B were cultivated regularly, of which, ABCG2, CD44, CD34 cell ratio was detected with flow cytometry. Results ABCG2 positive cells accounted about 0.1% ,18.6% and 19.9% in the CNE-2,5-8F,6- 10B cell lines. CD44 positive cells accounted 99.5%, 93.2% and 99.1% in the CNE-2, 5-8F and 6-10B cell lines. CD34 positive cells accounted 0, 3.0%and 0.1% in the CNE2,5-8F,and 6-10B cell lines. ABCG2+ CD44+ cell interation accounted about 11.6% and ABCG2+CD44+ cell interation accounted about 0 in 5-8F cell lines. Conclusion The expression proportion of CD34Q in the 5-8F and 6-10B cell lines confirms to CSC markers of the CSC theory. CD34 may be deemed as a candidate marker of nasopharyngeal neoplas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate of organic pollutants in environmental matrices can be determined by degradation and humification. The humification process represents a promising strategy to remove organic pollutants, particularly those resistant to degradation. In contrast to the well-studied degradation process, the contribution and application prospects of the humification process for organic pollutant removal has been underestimated. The recent progress in synthesizing artificial humic substances (HS) has made directed humification of recalcitrant organic pollutants possible. This review focuses on degradation and humification of organic matter, especially recalcitrant organic pollutants. Challenges in understanding the contribution, underlying mechanisms, and artificial synthesis of HS for removing organic pollutants are also critically discussed. We advocate further investigating the humification of organic pollutants in future studies. Degradation and humification synergistically determine the environmental fate of organic pollutants. In contrast to previous studies focusing on degradation processes, humification represents a promising but underestimated strategy for removing recalcitrant organic pollutants. In degradation processes, reduced organic matter is utilized as electron donors to support oxidative respiration, or as fermentation substrates to produce volatile fatty acids. By contrast, recalcitrant oxidized organic matter needs to be reduced prior to subsequent degradation. Many pathways are identified for the generation of humic substances (HS), in which microbes play key roles in providing HS precursors and in subsequent polymerization. Artificial HS synthesis open a new avenue for removing organic pollutants under controlled conditions, largely dependent on the progress in construction of new chemical bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Network control theory provides a framework by which neurophysiological dynamics of the brain can be modelled as a function of the structural connectome constructed from diffusion MRI. Average controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to easy-to-reach neurophysiological states whilst modal controllability describes the ability of a region to drive the brain to difficult-to-reach states. In this study, we identify increases in mean average and modal controllability in children with drug-resistant epilepsy compared to healthy controls. Using simulations, we purport that these changes may be a result of increased thalamocortical connectivity. At the node level, we demonstrate decreased modal controllability in the thalamus and posterior cingulate regions. In those undergoing resective surgery, we also demonstrate increased modal controllability of the resected parcels, a finding specific to patients who were rendered seizure free following surgery. Changes in controllability are a manifestation of brain network dysfunction in epilepsy and may be a useful construct to understand the pathophysiology of this archetypical network disease. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these controllability changes may also facilitate the design of network-focussed interventions that seek to normalise network structure and function. Children with drug-resistant epilepsy exhibit distinct structural connectomes and changes in network controllability from healthy controls, providing further insight into the pathophysiology of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by an abnormal accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, neuroinflammation, and impaired neurogenesis. Urolithin A (UA), a gut-microbial metabolite of ellagic acid, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in the brain. However, it is unknown whether UA exerts its properties of anti-inflammation and neuronal protection in the APPswe/PS1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model of AD.Methods: Morris water maze was used to detect the cognitive function. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was performed to detect neuronal apoptosis. Immunohistochemistry analyzed the response of glia, Aβ deposition, and neurogenesis. The expression of inflammatory mediators were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The modulating effects of UA on cell signaling pathways were assayed by Western blotting.Results: We demonstrated that UA ameliorated cognitive impairment, prevented neuronal apoptosis, and enhanced neurogenesis in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, UA attenuated Aβ deposition and peri-plaque microgliosis and astrocytosis in the cortex and hippocampus. We also found that UA affected critical cell signaling pathways, specifically by enhancing cerebral AMPK activation, decreasing the activation of P65NF-κB and P38MAPK, and suppressing Bace1 and APP degradation.Conclusions: Our results indicated that UA imparted cognitive protection by protecting neurons from death and triggering neurogenesis via anti-inflammatory signaling in APP/PS1 mice, suggesting that UA might be a promising therapeutic drug to treat AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Netrin-1 functions largely via combined receptors and downstream effectors. Evidence has shown that astrocytes express netrin-1 receptors, including DCC and UNC5H2. However, whether netrin-1 influences the function of astrocytes was previously unknown.Methods: Lipopolysaccharide was used to stimulate the primary cultured astrocytes; interleukin release was used to track astrocyte activation. In vivo, shRNA and netrin-1 protein were injected in the mouse brain. Infarct volume, astrocyte activation, and interleukin release were used to observe the function of netrin-1 in neuroinflammation and brain injury after middle cerebral artery occlusion.Results: Our results demonstrated that netrin-1 reduced lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-1β and interleukin-12β release in cultured astrocytes, and blockade of the UNC5H2 receptor with an antibody reversed this effect. Additionally, netrin-1 increased p-AKT and PPAR-γ expression in primary cultured astrocytes. In vivo studies showed that knockdown of netrin-1 increased astrocyte activation in the mouse brain after middle cerebral artery occlusion (p < 0.05). Moreover, injection of netrin-1 attenuated GFAP expression (netrin-1 0.27 ± 0.06 vs. BSA 0.62 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) and the release of interleukins and reduced infarct volume after brain ischemia (netrin-1 0.27 ± 0.06 vs. BSA 0.62 ± 0.04 mm3, p < 0.05).Conclusion: Our results indicate that netrin-1 is an important molecule in regulating astrocyte activation and neuroinflammation in cerebral ischemia and provides a potential target for ischemic stroke therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grouting process in shield construction plays an important role in controlling surface deformation and ensuring structural stability. The soil in water-rich areas has large water content and strong self-stability, and inappropriate grouting parameters will result in surface settlement and slurry dilution. The purpose of this paper is to propose a calculation method for grouting parameters in water-rich areas to ensure grouting effect and reduce deformation. Firstly, based on the maximum balance condition of soil, this paper derived a calculation equation for optimum grouting pressure considering the self-stability of soil by introducing the safety factor. Then, it analyzed the cause of the slurry loss, and the method for determining each expansion coefficient taking into account the time-varying nature was given. Finally, it put forward a method for modifying the mix ratio of grouting slurry in water-rich areas. In addition, it analyzed the relationship between grouting parameters and surface settlement through an engineering example. The study shows that the stability of the tunnel is related to the nature of the soil and the size and depth of the tunnel. The grout loss caused by the slurry infiltration is the most serious, and the slurry with modified mix ratio has excellent and stable performance. The grouting parameter determination method proposed in this paper improves the accuracy of parameter selection and has smaller surface settlement, which provides theoretical guidance for grouting construction in water-rich areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been reported that human visual perception and attention are altered when the hands are nearby. Previous studies indicate that placing hands near stimuli enhances a subject's temporal sensitivity. However, few researchers have investigated the effect of hand proximity on reproducing temporal duration. Moreover, the delayed attentional disengagement and enhanced magnocellular visual processing theories provide two distinct predictions of the hand proximity effect on reproduced duration. Delayed attentional disengagement near hands will cause prolonged reproductions, whereas enhanced magnocellular visual processing predicts more accurate reproduction in the peri-hand space. The current study is the first to show that a short temporal duration is reproduced for a longer period near hands than far from hands in the dual-responding-hand condition, and this hand-proximity effect is attenuated in the single-responding-hand condition. These findings together with two further studies suggest that reproducing a temporal duration is modulated by hand proximity through prolonged attentional switch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal ions (MIs) are the main sources of phytotoxicity of compost product, which can be absorbed by plants, thereby reducing the germination rate. The aim of this study was to analyze the interactional mechanism among MIs, microbial community, the structure of water soluble organic matter and phytotoxicity during composting. The results indicated that phytotoxicity was positively correlated with MIs (II) (As, Cd, Hg, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb), and negatively correlated with MIs (I) (Mg, Zn, Ni and Cu). Furthermore, SO 4 2−, organic matter (OM), pH and four bacterial species significantly influenced the association of MIs to phytotoxicity. Additionally, molecular weight, protein-like substance and oxygen-containing functional groups relating to MIs (II) were significantly influenced by the nine bacterial species. Based on the response of physicochemical parameters on these key bacterial species, three possible mutual mechanisms were proposed using the structural equation model. Accordingly, a regulating method was proposed to reduce the phytotoxicity during composting. Image 1 • The effect of metal irons on phytotoxicity in compost was investigated. • Phytotoxicity was positively associated with As, Cd, Hg, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb. • Phytotoxicity was negatively related with Mg, Zn, Ni and Cu. • A regulating method was proposed to decrease the phytotoxicity of the metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Blood–brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of ischemic stroke. USP14 has been reported to play a detrimental role in ischemic brain injury. However, the role of USP14 in BBB dysfunction after ischemic stroke is unclear. Methods: In this study, we tested the role of USP14 in disrupting BBB integrity after ischemic stroke. The USP14‐specific inhibitor IU1 was injected into middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mice once a day. The Evans blue (EB) assay and IgG staining were used to assess BBB leakage 3 days after MCAO. FITC‐detran test was slected to examine the BBB leakage in vitro. Behavior tests were conducted to evaluate recovery from ischemic stroke. Results: Middle cerebral artery occlusion increased endothelial cell USP14 expression in the brain. Furthermore, the EB assay and IgG staining showed that USP14 inhibition through IU1 injection protected against BBB leakage after MCAO. Analysis of protein expression revealed a reduction in the inflammatory response and chemokine release after IU1 treatment. In addition, IU1 treatment was found to rescue neuronal loss resulting from ischemic stroke. Behavior tests showed a positive effect of IU1 in attenuating brain injury and improving motor function recovery. In vitro study showed that IU1 treatment could alleviate endothelial cell leakage induced by OGD in cultured bend.3 cells through modulating ZO‐1 expression. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a role for USP14 in disrupting the integrity of the BBB and promoting neuroinflammation after MCAO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Learning of prediction error (PE), including reward PE and risk PE, is crucial for updating the prediction in reinforcement learning (RL). Neurobiological and computational models of RL have reported extensive brain activations related to PE. However, the occurrence of PE does not necessarily predict updating the prediction, e.g., in a probability-known event. Therefore, the brain regions specifically engaged in updating the prediction remain unknown. Here, we conducted two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiments, the probability-unknown Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and the probability-known risk decision task (RDT). Behavioral analyses confirmed that PEs occurred in both tasks but were only used for updating the prediction in the IGT. By comparing PE-related brain activations between the two tasks, we found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex/ventral medial prefrontal cortex (rACC/vmPFC) and the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) activated only during the IGT and were related to both reward and risk PE. Moreover, the responses in the rACC/vmPFC and the PCC were modulated by uncertainty and were associated with reward prediction-related brain regions. Electric brain stimulation over these regions lowered the performance in the IGT but not in the RDT. Our findings of a distributed neural circuit of PE processing suggest that the rACC/vmPFC and the PCC play a key role in updating the prediction through PE processing during decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of ceramsite to construct filtration systems (e.g., biofilters) is a common method for water treatment. To promote such applications, the development of low-cost, high-performance, and environmentally friendly ceramsites has received increasing attention from scientists, and a critical step in the development is the preparation of raw materials. As an inevitable and non-hazardous by-product during potable water production, drinking water treatment residue (DWTR) is typically recycled to make water treatment ceramsite to promote recycling in filtration systems. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding DWTR in making ceramsites for water treatment. The results suggest that the fabrication methods for DWTR-based ceramsite can be generally classified into sintering and non-sintering procedures. For the sintering method, owing to the heterogeneous properties (especially aluminum, iron, and calcium), DWTR has been applied as various sub-ingredients for raw materials preparations. In contrast, for the non-sintering method, DWTR is commonly applied as the main ingredient, and natural curing, physical crosslinking, and thermal treatment methods have been typically adopted to make ceramsite. However, DWTR-based ceramsites tend to have a high adsorption capability and favorable microbial effects to control different kinds of pollution (e.g., phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter). Future work is typically recommended to thoroughly evaluate the performance of DWTR-based ceramsite-constructed filtration systems to control water pollution concerning the making procedures, the potential to control pollution, the stability, and the safety of raw DWTR-based ceramsite, providing systematic information to design more proper planning for beneficial recycling. [Display omitted] • Drinking water treatment residue (DWTR) recycled to make ceramsite is reviewed. • DWTR could provide various necessary components of raw material to make ceramsite. • The ceramsite has high adsorption capability and favorable microbial effect. • Recommendation for future works about DWTR based ceramsite is offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization has dramatically changed the quality and quantity of dissolved organic matter (DOM) fluxes in rivers, thereby affecting the diversity and lifestyle strategies of microbial communities. However, relationships between DOM molecular composition and microbial lifestyle strategies in effluent-dominated rivers are poorly understood. Herein, we investigated the variations in DOM structure and composition of an effluent-dominated river and further revealed how these changes alter the abundance and lifestyle strategies of microbial communities. Results demonstrated that macromolecular (MW > 35 kDa) humic-like substances constituted the major components of effluent-dominated riverine DOM. Also, due to the degradation of humic-like substances, the accumulation of protein-like substances was observed from upstream to downstream areas, corresponding to an apparent decrease in overall aromaticity. The abundance of bacterial, Actinobacteria, and eukaryotic was higher in the upstream and midstream areas but relatively lower in the downstream area. The response of bacterial and Actinobacteria communities to the changes in DOM composition was more prominent as compared to that of eukaryotic. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, the decrease in aromatic components (MW > 35 kDa) was mainly attributed to the degradation of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria (K-strategists), resulting in a decrease in their relative abundance along the river course. Proteins and polysaccharides (15 kDa < MW < 35 kDa, MW < 6 kDa) were more easily utilized by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes (r-strategists), leading to an increase in their relative abundance. With the decrease of macromolecular humic-like substances and the increase of protein-like substances, river microbial communities shifted from K-strategists to r-strategists. This work unveils the evolution of DOM in an effluent-dominated river and the influence of the degradation of macromolecular humic-like substances on r/K-strategists. [Display omitted] • The influx of wastewater effluent had significantly changed DOM composition and properties of the receiving river. • Macromolecular humic-like substances constituted the major components of riverine DOM. • The humic-like substances were associated with Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. • The degradation of humic-like substances affected the transformation of microbial survival strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic-reducing microorganisms (HRMs) could utilize humic substances (HS) as terminal electron mediator to promote the biodegradation of recalcitrant pollutants. However, the dynamics of HRMs during composting has not been explored. Here, high throughput sequencing technology was applied to investigate the patterns of HRMs during three composting systems. A total of 30 main genera of HRMs were identified in three composts, with Proteobacteria being the largest phylum. HRMs were detected with increased diversity and abundance and distinct patterns during composting, which were significantly associated with dissolved organic carbon, dissolved organic nitrogen and germination index. Regulating key physical-chemical parameters is a process control of HRMs community composition, thus promoting the redox capability of the compost. The redox capability of HRMs were strengthened during composting, suggesting that HRMs of the compost may play an important role on pollutant degradation of the compost or when they are applied to the contaminated soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microscale zero-valent iron (mZVI) is used as a catalyst for peroxide activation and, has attracted considerable attention for the degradation of organic contaminants. However, surface inherent oxide films impedes electron transfer in mZVI and decrease its activation efficiency. Herein, the mZVI surface was modified by sodium disilicate (Si-mZVIbm) using a mechanical ball-milling approach. The mechanochemically silicified mZVI enhanced the sulfamethazine removal rate by 2.9–23.8 fold in relation to unmodified ZVI; this rate increased with the Si/Fe molar ratio (0–8%). Reactive intermediates, including radicals and non-radicals, were efficiently generated via peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation over Si-mZVIbm both SO 4 •- and Fe(IV) contributed toward sulfamethazine removal. The excellent performance of PDS activation over Si-mZVIbm particles was attributed to the continuous generation of ferrous ions, which was due to the accelerated iron release and more effective Fe3+/Fe2+ cycles in the Si-mZVIbm/PDS system after silicification. [Display omitted] • High PDS catalytic activity of the mechanical silicate-modified ZVI was obtained. • The faster iron release and more effective Fe3+/Fe2+ cycles facilitated the degradation process. • Mechanical silicidation-induced corrosion significantly promotes the Fe2+/•H generation. • Both radicals and Fe(IV) are active oxidants in the oxidation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent threats aquatic environment and challenges engineered aquatic systems. In order to predict its environmental risk and guide the selection of suitable strategy and technology, understanding the removal efficiency and the fate of DOM along the treatment is helpful. Herein, to qualitatively and quantitatively estimate the composition of DOM in a full-scale WWTP in northern China, a combined approach of chromatography and spectroscopy was employed, and the contribution of size-dependent substructure to the global feature of DOM was discussed simultaneously. The results suggest that the WWTP could remove the free proteins of low molecular size by physical treatment with removal ratios of 46.4% and 41.0% for tyrosine and tryptophan, respectively, whereas humic-like and humic-protein complex accumulate in the effluent of treatment with a ratio of 40.6%. Biotreatment is of importance for changing the proportion of different types of DOM, especially for anaerobic tank and the anoxic tank, which results in the increase of humification. Size exclusive chromatography (SEC) coupled with multi emission maps identifies six DOM substructures. Two protein-like DOM were removed by the WWTP, except the composition with the molecular weight ranging from 0.75 to 0.25 kDa, whereas humic-like DOM with whole size range accumulated to varying extent. The standard deviation analysis states that the structure variation of bulk DOM in the WWTP is primarily contributed by the decrease of small-sized proteins and the increase of humic-like DOM. This study presents insight into the fate and behavior of DOM components during the full-scale WWTP treatment and provides guidelines for altering DOM-treating technologies. Besides, innovative strategies suggest using DOM as a resource based on the critical review of previous research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cr and Zn were the main heavy metal contaminations in the soil of MSW landfill. • Soil heavy metal contamination was more obvious in the non-sanitary landfills. • Soil Cd concentration had a significant negative correlation with landfill age. • Soil Pb and As concentrations had a significant positive correlation with rainfall. • Soil heavy metal contaminations at the bottom was more serious than outside. The environmental risk assessment and the factors influencing heavy metals (HM) in the soil at the municipal solid waste landfill sites (MSWLs) were studied by literature review, field survey, and statistical methods. The results indicated that the dominant HM contamination in the soil at the MSWLs was caused by chromium (Cr) with the Nemero index values (PI) from 22.7 to 44.3 and zinc (Zn) with the PI from 0.7 to 9.8. There were significant differences in the Cr, mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), Zn, and arsenic (As) concentrations between soil samples from sanitary and non-sanitary landfills (NSLs) where HM contamination (PI = 10.9) was more obvious. As (CRA As = 2.35 × 10-4) and cadmium (Cd) (CRA Cd = 1.45 × 10-4) posed potential carcinogenic health effects. The soil Cd concentration had a significant negative correlation (r = -0.476**) with the landfill age. The soil As concentration had a significant positive correlation (r = 0.472**) with rainfall in NSLs. There were significant differences in the As (P = 0.042) and copper (Cu) (P = 0.042) concentrations between soil samples from the surrounding areas of MSWLs and the base where soil had higher HM concentrations. For the efficient prevention of HM ecological risk, a scientific site selection, undamaged coverage and anti-seepage systems, standardized management, and ongoing monitoring are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A diverse set of white matter connections supports seamless transitions between cognitive states. However, it remains unclear how these connections guide the temporal progression of large-scale brain activity patterns in different cognitive states. Here, we analyze the brain's trajectories across a set of single time point activity patterns from functional magnetic resonance imaging data acquired during the resting state and an n-back working memory task. We find that specific temporal sequences of brain activity are modulated by cognitive load, associated with age, and related to task performance. Using diffusion-weighted imaging acquired from the same subjects, we apply tools from network control theory to show that linear spread of activity along white matter connections constrains the probabilities of these sequences at rest, while stimulus-driven visual inputs explain the sequences observed during the n-back task. Overall, these results elucidate the structural underpinnings of cognitively and developmentally relevant spatiotemporal brain dynamics. Eli J. Cornblath et al use tools from linear network control theory to show that white matter connectivity constrains transitions between brain activity patterns at rest to favor transitions with small energy requirements, while visual inputs overcome these constraints during a cognitive task. These findings highlight the importance of accounting for both internal white matter network dynamics and external inputs in models of brain activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Disilicate-assisted iron/aluminium electrolysis (D-FeAl-E) was proposed for p -ASA treatment. • Fe anode electrolysis stage of D-FeAl-E offered oxidative effect for p -ASA degradation. • Al anode electrolysis stage of D-FeAl-E offered coagulation effect for As immobilization. • Electrogenerated Al(III) species caused the dissociation of Fe(III)-disilicate complexes. • D-FeAl-E process showed stronger As immobilization effect but produced less sludge. Abstract p -Arsanilic acid (p -ASA) is widely used as feed additives in animal production, and its transformation in environment media may cause arsenic contamination of soils and waters. It is essential to find a technology to effectively treat p -ASA, and meanwhile greatly decrease the mobility of the arsenic. Herein, we propose a disilicate-assisted Fe/Al electrolysis (D-FeAl-E) process for the degradation of p -ASA and the subsequent immobilization of inorganic arsenic. The results showed that, in the first stage of D-FeAl-E, namely the iron anode electrolysis process with disilicate, p -ASA was degraded by 92% under a near-neutral condition. The efficient degradation of p -ASA could be attributed to the disilicate-coordinated electrolytic ferrous ions, which activated dioxygen to produce more reactive oxygen species (e.g., O 2 −, H 2 O 2 and OH in this study) to attack p -ASA molecules. Following the first stage, the produced inorganic arsenic and other intermediates can be further removed in the second stage of D-FeAl-E process (the Al anode electrolysis), via the coagulation effect initiated by the electrogenerated hydroxylated aluminum species. Electrogenerated Al(III) ions hydrolyzed into positively charged monomeric/oligomeric Al species, which could result in the dissociation of disilicate-Fe(III) complexes, and the formation of hydroxides and oxo-bridging polynuclear entities for arsenic immobilization. Leaching stability tests suggested that the D-FeAl-E process was superior to the conventional electrocoagulation method with respect to the stability of the generated arsenic-containing solid sludge. The D-FeAl-E process is free of the use of chemical oxidants and coagulants, but it provides both oxidation and coagulation effects for the abatement of p -ASA during the two-stage electrolytic process. Therefore, it is expected to be engineered as efficient and compact electrochemical technology capable of providing both oxidation and coagulation effect for decontamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]