Glutamatergic regulation of cognition and functional brain connectivity:insights from pharmacological, genetic and translational schizophrenia research

The pharmacological modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission to improve cognitive function has been a focus of intensive research, particularly in relation to the cognitive deficits seen in schizophrenia. Despite this effort there has been little success in the clinical use of glutamatergic compounds as procognitive drugs. Here we review a selection of the drugs used to modulate glutamatergic signalling and how they impact on cognitive function in rodents and humans. We highlight how glutamatergic dysfunction, and NMDA receptor hypofunction in particular, is a key mechanism contributing to the cognitive deficits observed in schizophrenia, and outline some of the glutamatergic targets that have been tested as putative procognitive targets for the disorder. Using translational research in this area as a leading exemplar, namely models of NMDA receptor hypofunction, we discuss how the study of functional brain network connectivity can provide new insight into how the glutamatergic system impacts on cognitive function. Future studies characterising functional brain network connectivity will increase our understanding of how glutamatergic compounds regulate cognition and could contribute to the future success of glutamatergic drug validation

An Actionable Framework for Understanding and Improving Developer Experience

Developer experience is an important concern for software organizations as enhancing developer experience improves productivity, satisfaction, engagement and retention. We set out to understand what affects developer experience through semi-structured interviews with 21 developers from industry, which we transcribed and iteratively coded. Our findings elucidate factors that affect developer experience and characteristics that influence their respective importance to individual developers. We also identify strategies employed by individuals and teams to improve developer experience and the barriers that stand in their way. Lastly, we describe the coping mechanisms of developers when developer experience cannot be sufficiently improved. Our findings result in the DX Framework, an actionable conceptual framework for understanding and improving developer experience. The DX Framework provides a go-to reference for organizations that want to enable more productive and effective work environments for their developers.Comment: 15 pages, 1 figur