Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Autonomy Raises Productivity: An Experiment Measuring Neurophysiology

Employees have been given increasing autonomy to work from home, from virtual offices, and during travel. Understanding why autonomy affects work behaviors has relied to date on self-reported data in which employees may consciously or unconsciously misattribute their own causal actions. We designed a neuroscience experiment to investigate the mechanisms through which greater autonomy affects individual and team performance and if this had an effect on mood. Participants (N = 100) were shown a three-min video that described the productivity impact of greater autonomy at work (treatment) or the productivity benefits of work-flow management software. Electrodermal responses were captured to measure physiologic effort and were related to the video stimuli, productivity, and mood. The treatment group had a 5.2% (p = 0.047) greater average productivity and 31% (p = 0.000) higher positive affect after the video than the control group average. Productivity was directly related to the physiologic effort put into the task for both the treatment and control groups, but the video prime did not increase effort compared to the control. The impact of physiologic effort on productivity continued to hold when controlling for participants’ intrinsic motivation. We also found that individual productivity was associated with an increase in positive affect, while group productivity increased positive affect only for those in the treatment group. Our findings indicate that increased perceived autonomy can significantly improve individual and group productivity and that this can have a salubrious impact on mood, but the neurologic mechanism through which this occurs remains to be identified.
SIRT1 activity orchestrates ECM expression during hESC-chondrogenic differentiation

Epigenetic modification is a key driver of differentiation and the deacetylase Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is an established regulator of cell function, ageing and articular cartilage homeostasis. Here we investigate the role of SIRT1 during development of chondrocytes by using human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). HESC-chondroprogenitors were treated with SIRT1 activator; SRT1720, or inhibitor; EX527, at different development stages. Activation of SIRT1 during 3D-pellet culture led to significant increases in expression of ECM genes for type-II collagen (COL2A1) and aggrecan (ACAN), and chondrogenic transcription factors SOX5 and ARID5B, with SOX5 ChIP analysis demonstrating enrichment on the ACAN –10 enhancer. Unexpectedly, while ACAN was enhanced, GAG retention in the matrix was reduced when SIRT1 was activated. Significantly, ARID5B and COL2A1 were positively correlated, with Co-IP indicating association of ARID5B with SIRT1 suggesting that COL2A1 expression is promoted by an ARID5B and SIRT1 interaction. In conclusion, SIRT1 activation positively impacts on the expression of the main ECM proteins, whilst altering ECM composition and suppressing GAG content during cartilage development. These results suggest that SIRT1 activity can be beneficial to cartilage development and matrix protein synthesis but tailored by addition of other positive GAG mediators.
Seasonality and extinction in chaotic metapopulations

A body of recent work has used coupled logistic maps to show that these model metapopulations show a decrease in global extinction rate in the chaotic region of model behaviour. In fact, many of the main ecological candidates for low-dimensional chaos are continuous-time host-parasite and predator-prey systems, driven by strong seasonal ‘forcing’ of one or more population parameters. This paper, therefore, explores the relation between seasonal forcing and metapopulation extinction for such systems. We base the analysis on extensive simulations of a stochastic metapopulation model for measles, based on a standard compartmental model, tracking the density of susceptible, exposed, infectious and recovered individuals (the SEIR model). The results show that, by contrast with coupled logistic maps, the increased seasonality which causes chaos maintains or increases levels of global extinction of infection, by increasing the synchrony of sub-population epidemics. The model also illustrates that the population interaction (here between susceptible and infective hosts) has a significant effect on patterns of synchrony and extinction.
Seasonal variation in body mass and fat of Zebra Finches in south-eastern Australia

Abstract In order to detect seasonal acclimatisation on body mass and fat reserves, patterns in mean monthly dawn body mass and body fat were investigated in a population of Zebra Finches, Taeniopygia guttata, for 17 months in the extreme south-eastern part of their distribution. Mass and fat were lowest in the cold (non-breeding) months and highest in the warmer (breeding) months, resulting in a maximum annual amplitude in body mass of 8% in males and 14% in females. Both sexes increased in body mass and fat at the onset of the breeding season, but there were no significant sex differences. The pattern of winter ‘slimming’ and summer ‘fattening’ in Zebra Finches stands in striking contrast to that of small, non-migrant, Northern Hemisphere passerines that make substantial mass increases in winter, rather than summer. However, our findings are consistent with studies on laboratory Zebra Finches. Winter mass loss could be an adaptive response to reduce energetic costs, including those of flight, and it could reduce predation risk associated with frequent travelling in search of dispersed winter food. In a multiple regression analysis, day length, minimum ambient temperature and breeding activity were significant predictors of body mass in males, but not in females. Breeding activity was the most significant predictor, but was positively correlated with day length and temperature. Competitive mating may be a factor in regulating increases in male mass during the breeding season, but further investigations are needed.
Historical population declines prompted significant genomic erosion in the northern and southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

Large vertebrates are extremely sensitive to anthropogenic pressure, and their populations are declining fast. The white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) is a paradigmatic case: this African megaherbivore suffered a remarkable population reduction in the last 150 years due to human activities. The two white rhinoceros subspecies, the northern (NWR) and the southern white rhinoceros (SWR), however, underwent opposite fates: the NWR vanished quickly after the onset of the decline, while the SWR recovered after a severe bottleneck. Such demographic events are predicted to have an erosive effect at the genomic level, in connection with the extirpation of diversity, and increased genetic drift and inbreeding. However there is currently little empirical data available that allows us to directly reconstruct the subtleties of such processes in light of distinct demographic histories. Therefore to assess these effects, we generated a whole-genome, temporal dataset consisting of 52 re-sequenced white rhinoceros genomes, that represents both subspecies at two time windows: before and during/after the bottleneck. Our data not only reveals previously unknown population substructure within both subspecies, but allowed us to quantify the genomic erosion undergone by both, with post-bottleneck white rhinoceroses harbouring significantly fewer heterozygous sites, and showing higher inbreeding coefficients than pre-bottleneck individuals. Moreover, the effective population size suffered a decrease of two and three orders of magnitude in the NWR and SWR respectively, due to the recent bottleneck. Our data therefore provides much needed empirical support for theoretical predictions about the genomic consequences of shrinking populations, information that is relevant for understanding the process of population extinction. Furthermore, our findings have the potential to inform management approaches for the conservation of the remaining white rhinoceroses.
Multi-Scale Surface Roughness Optimization Through Genetic Algorithms

Artificial intelligence is changing perspectives of industries about manufacturing of components, introducing emerging techniques such as additive manufacturing technologies. These techniques can be exploited to manufacture not only precision mechanical components, but also interfaces. In this context, we investigate the use of artificial intelligence and in particular genetic algorithms to identify optimal multi-scale roughness features to design prototype surfaces achieving a target contact mechanics response. Exploiting an analogy with biology, the features of roughness at a given length scale are described through model profiles named chromosomes. In the present work, the mathematical description of chromosomes is firstly provided, then three genetic algorithms are proposed to superimpose and combine them in order to identify optimal roughness features. The three methods are compared, discussing the topological and spectral features of roughness obtained in each case.
Context- and Subgroup-Specific Language Changes in Individuals Who Develop PTSD After Trauma

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a very common condition with more than 3 million new cases per year in the US alone. The right diagnosis in a timely manner is key to ensuring a prompt treatment that could lead to a full recovery. Unfortunately, avoidance of trauma reminders, social stigma, self-presentation, and self-assessment biases often prevent individuals from seeking timely evaluation, leading to delays in treatment and suboptimal outcomes. Previous studies show that various mental health conditions are associated with distinct patterns of language use. Analyzing language use may also help to avoid response bias in self-reports. In this study, we analyze text data from online forum users, showing that language use differences between PTSD sufferers and controls. In all groups of PTSD sufferers, the usage of singular first-person pronouns was higher and that of plural first-person pronouns was lower than in control groups. However, the analysis of other word categories suggests that subgroups of people with the same mental health disorder (here PTSD) may have salient differences in their language use, particularly in word usage frequencies. Additionally, we show that word usage patterns may vary depending on the type of the text analyzed. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed to increase precision by further examine a variety of text types and different comorbidities. If properly developed, such tools may facilitate earlier PTSD diagnosis, leading to timely support and treatment, which are associated with better outcomes.
Brief Sensory Deprivation Triggers Cell Type-Specific Structural and Functional Plasticity in Olfactory Bulb Neurons

Can alterations in experience trigger different plastic modifications in neuronal structure and function, and if so, how do they integrate at the cellular level? To address this question, we interrogated circuitry in the mouse olfactory bulb responsible for the earliest steps in odor processing. We induced experience-dependent plasticity in mice of either sex by blocking one nostril for one day, a minimally invasive manipulation that leaves the sensory organ undamaged and is akin to the natural transient blockage suffered during common mild rhinal infections. We found that such brief sensory deprivation produced structural and functional plasticity in one highly specialized bulbar cell type: axon-bearing dopaminergic neurons in the glomerular layer. After 24 h naris occlusion, the axon initial segment (AIS) in bulbar dopaminergic neurons became significantly shorter, a structural modification that was also associated with a decrease in intrinsic excitability. These effects were specific to the AIS-positive dopaminergic subpopulation because no experience-dependent alterations in intrinsic excitability were observed in AIS-negative dopaminergic cells. Moreover, 24 h naris occlusion produced no structural changes at the AIS of bulbar excitatory neurons, mitral/tufted and external tufted cells, nor did it alter their intrinsic excitability. By targeting excitability in one specialized dopaminergic subpopulation, experience-dependent plasticity in early olfactory networks might act to fine-tune sensory processing in the face of continually fluctuating inputs. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Sensory networks need to be plastic so they can adapt to changes in incoming stimuli. To see how cells in mouse olfactory circuits can change in response to sensory challenges, we blocked a nostril for just one day, a naturally relevant manipulation akin to the deprivation that occurs with a mild cold. We found that this brief deprivation induces forms of axonal and intrinsic functional plasticity in one specific olfactory bulb cell subtype: axon-bearing dopaminergic interneurons. In contrast, intrinsic properties of axon-lacking bulbar dopaminergic neurons and neighboring excitatory neurons remained unchanged. Within the same sensory circuits, specific cell types can therefore make distinct plastic changes in response to an ever-changing external landscape.
Differential Regulation of Kernel Set and Potential Kernel Weight by Nitrogen Supply and Carbohydrate Availability in Maize Genotypes Contrasting in Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Sub-optimal nitrogen (N) conditions reduce maize yield due to a decrease in two sink components: kernel set and potential kernel weight. Both components are established during the lag phase, suggesting that they could compete for resources during this critical period. However, whether this competition occurs or whether different genotypic strategies exist to optimize photoassimilate use during the lag phase is not clear and requires further investigation. We have addressed this knowledge gap by conducting a nutrient solution culture experiment that allows abrupt changes in N level and light intensity during the lag phase. We investigated plant growth, dry matter partitioning, non-structural carbohydrate concentration, N concentration, and 15N distribution (applied 4 days before silking) in plant organs at the beginning and the end of the lag phase in two maize hybrids that differ in grain yield under N-limited conditions: one is a nitrogen-use-efficient (EFFI) genotype and the other is a control (GREEN) genotype that does not display high N use efficiency. We found that the two genotypes used different mechanisms to regulate kernel set. The GREEN genotype showed a reduction in kernel set associated with reduced dry matter allocation to the ear during the lag phase, indicating that the reduced kernel set under N-limited conditions was related to sink restrictions. This idea was supported by a negative correlation between kernel set and sucrose/total sugar ratios in the kernels, indicating that the capacity for sucrose cleavage might be a key factor defining kernel set in the GREEN genotype. By contrast, the kernel set of the EFFI genotype was not correlated with dry matter allocation to the ear or to a higher capacity for sucrose cleavage; rather, it showed a relationship with the different EFFI ear morphology with bigger kernels at the apex of the ear than in the GREEN genotype. The potential kernel weight was independent of carbohydrate availability but was related to the N flux per kernel in both genotypes. In conclusion, kernel set and potential kernel weight are regulated independently, suggesting the possibility of simultaneously increasing both sink components in maize.
A chemical screen identifies a link between lipid metabolism and mRNA translation

mRNA translation is one of the most energy-demanding processes for living cells, alterations of which have been frequently documented in human disease. Using recently developed technologies that enable image-based quantitation of overall translation levels, we here conducted a chemical screen to evaluate how medically approved drugs, as well as drugs that are currently under development, influence overall translation levels. Consistent with current knowledge, inhibitors of the mTOR signaling pathway were the most represented class among translation suppresors. In addition, we identified that inhibitors of sphingosine kinases (SPHKs) also reduce mRNA translation levels independently of mTOR. Mechanistically this is explained by an effect of the compounds on the membranes of the endoplasmic reticulum, which activates the integrated stress response (ISR). Accordingly, the impact of SPHK inhibitors on translation is alleviated by the concomitant inhibition of ISR kinases. On the other hand, and despite the large number of molecules tested, our study failed to identify chemicals capable of substantially increasing mRNA translation, raising doubts on to what extent translation can be supra-physiologically stimulated in mammalian cells. In summary, our study provides the first comprehensive characterization of the effect of known drugs on protein translation and has helped to unravel a new link between lipid metabolism and mRNA translation in human cells.
Therapeutic Options for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) - Modulation of Type I Interferon Response as a Promising Strategy?

Clinical Critical Care Pharmacy Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France, UR UPJV 7517, MP3CV, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France, 3 Infectious Diseases Department, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France, 4 AGIR UR UPJV 4294, CURS, University of Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France, Department of Biochemistry, Amiens-Picardie University Hospital, Amiens, France
Seascape genomics reveals candidate molecular targets of heat stress adaptation in three coral species

Anomalous heat waves are causing a major decline of hard corals around the world and threatening the persistence of coral reefs. There are, however, reefs that had been exposed to recurrent thermal stress over the years and whose corals appeared tolerant against heat. One of the mechanisms that could explain this phenomenon is local adaptation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly known. In this work, we applied a seascape genomics approach to study heat stress adaptation in three coral species of New Caledonia (southwestern Pacific) and to uncover molecular actors potentially involved. We used remote sensing data to characterize the environmental trends across the reef system, and sampled corals living at the most contrasted sites. These samples underwent next generation sequencing to reveal single-nucleotide-polymorphisms (SNPs) of which frequencies associated with heat stress gradients. As these SNPs might underpin an adaptive role, we characterized the functional roles of the genes located in their genomic neighborhood. In each of the studied species, we found heat stress associated SNPs notably located in proximity of genes coding for well-established actors of the cellular responses against heat. Among these, we can mention proteins involved in DNA damage-repair, protein folding, oxidative stress homeostasis, inflammatory and apoptotic pathways. In some cases, the same putative molecular targets of heat stress adaptation recurred among species. Together, these results underscore the relevance and the power of the seascape genomics approach for the discovery of adaptive traits that could allow corals to persist across wider thermal ranges.
Observations symptomatologiques et rôles possibles d'Ophiostoma minus Hedgc. (ascomycète : Ophiostomatales) et de Tomicus piniperda L. (Coleoptera : Scolytidae) dans le dépérissement du pin sylvestre en forêt d'Orléans

Le deperissement du Pin sylvestre en foret d'Orleans se caracterise par une chute d'ecorce, l'existence de granulations noirâtres en surface de l'aubier et un bleuissement en profondeur de celui-ci. Le jaunissement du feuillage est generalement posterieur a la chute d'ecorce, mais peut parfois la preceder. Les arbres en situation difficile paraissent preferentiellement atteints, mais de nombreux arbres dominants le sont egalement [. ]
An Optimal Lysis Time Maximizes Bacteriophage Fitness in Quasi-Continuous Culture

Optimality theory presents the idea that natural selection acts on organismal traits to produce genotypes that maximize organismal survival and reproduction. As such, optimality theory is a valuable tool in guiding our understanding of the genetic constraints and tradeoffs organisms experience as their genotypes are selected to produce optimal solutions to biological problems. ABSTRACT Optimality models have a checkered history in evolutionary biology. While optimality models have been successful in providing valuable insight into the evolution of a wide variety of biological traits, a common objection is that optimality models are overly simplistic and ignore organismal genetics. We revisit evolutionary optimization in the context of a major bacteriophage life history trait, lysis time. Lysis time refers to the period spanning phage infection of a host cell and its lysis, whereupon phage progenies are released. Lysis time, therefore, directly determines phage fecundity assuming progeny assembly does not exhaust host resources prior to lysis. Noting that previous tests of lysis time optimality rely on batch culture, we implemented a quasi-continuous culture system to observe productivity of a panel of isogenic phage λ genotypes differing in lysis time. We report that under our experimental conditions, λ phage productivity is maximized around optimal lysis times ranging from 60 to 100 min, and λ wildtype strain falls within this range. It would appear that natural selection on phage λ lysis time uncovered a set of genetic solutions that optimized progeny production in its ecological milieu relative to alternative genotypes. We discuss this finding in light of recent results that lysis time variation is also minimized in the strains with lysis times closer to the λ wild-type strain. IMPORTANCE Optimality theory presents the idea that natural selection acts on organismal traits to produce genotypes that maximize organismal survival and reproduction. As such, optimality theory is a valuable tool in guiding our understanding of the genetic constraints and tradeoffs organisms experience as their genotypes are selected to produce optimal solutions to biological problems. However, optimality theory is often critiqued as being overly simplistic and ignoring the roles of chance and history in the evolution of organismal traits. We show here that the wild-type genotype of a popular laboratory model organism, the bacteriophage λ, produces a phenotype for a major life history trait, lysis time, that maximizes the reproductive success of bearers of that genotype relative to other possible genotypes. This result demonstrates, as is rarely shown experimentally, that natural selection can achieve optimal solutions to ecological challenges.